Obituaries 2/24/22

Betty Jo Barnes
Betty Jo Barnes, 78, of Orange Park FL passed away February 15, 2022.
Broadus-Raines Funeral Home, 501 Spring St., Green Cove Springs, FL (904) 284-4000. www.broadusraines.com

William Lee Hughes
William Lee Hughes, 94, of Middleburg, FL passed away February 15, 2022.
Broadus-Raines Funeral Home, 501 Spring St., Green Cove Springs, FL (904) 284-4000. www.broadusraines.com

Norman Edward Vertigan
Norman Edward Vertigan, Jr, 92, of Orange Park FL passed away February 18, 2022. Broadus-Raines Funeral Home, 501 Spring St., Green Cove Springs, FL (904) 284-4000. www.broadusraines.com

Michael Todd Middlemas
Michael Todd Middlemas passed away on February 15, 2022 in Orange Park, FL. He was born on May 31, 1954 in Jacksonville, FL, to the late LT. Col. William B. Middlemas and Grace Warren Middlemas.
Todd was a licensed CPA, a member of Delta Chi Fraternity at University of Florida 1972, member of the Kiwanis Club of Orange Park, Gator Club and a Bull Gator member. He enjoyed Gator football, sailing, horticulture, traveling, classical literature and was a history buff.
Todd was preceded in death by his parents.
Todd is survived by his wife, Debra Middlemas; sons, William Ian (Kelly) Middlemas and Michael Sean Middlemas; grandchildren, James Bennett Middlemas and Harper Grace Middlemas; sisters, Nancy Paquette, Meme Hall and Lynn Walters and other family members and many friends.
The family would like to thank Heartland Hospice for their support and care for their loved one.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 5, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Aaron and Burney Bivens Funeral Home, 529 Kingsley Avenue, Orange Park, FL 32073, (904) 264-1233.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Clay County Gator Club scholarship fund. Please send donation to: Clay County Gator Club, PO Box 2011, Orange Park, FL 32067. Please note in the memo of your check: In Memory of Todd Middlemas and the funds will be applied to a scholarship in his name.

David D. Chidester
David D. Chidester passed away February 15, 2022 at Palagio Memory Care Senior Living of Orange Park under the care of Vitas Hospice. David was born in Beaver County, Pennsylvania to the late Jesse and Helen (Nannah) Chidester. David was the oldest of 13 children. David is survived by his sisters, Dora Jarvis (Paul) of Ohio, Carolyn Dauwe of Texas, Martha Flemming of Utah, Linda Isenschmid of Ohio, Nancy Brink of Ohio, Darlene Knarr of Ohio and brother, Joe (Ruth) Chidester of Ohio, grandchildren, Clara (Patrick), David, Nichole, Michael and great granddaughter, Caroline as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of extended family and friends. David was preceded in death by sisters, Mary Nicholson, Helen Clark, Debbie Chidester, brothers, Jesse “Pepper” Chidester and Dean Chidester, as well as his wife, Helen Chidester, and two sons, David and Michael and his loving companion, Joan Dawson. David joined the service in 1955 and served his country proudly for 35 ½ years. He served in the Army and the Navy and was in the Vietnam War. He was also a lifetime member of Vietnam Veterans of America and attended numerous meetings in Green Cove Springs, Florida for many years. Upon retirement, he enjoyed traveling, fishing, bingo, gardening (due to growing up on the farm), long drives and family get togethers and holiday celebrations. He attended Church of Christ in Green Cove Springs for many years and then St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Orange Park. He was a very loving, kind, and caring person. Anyone who met David could tell he was a proud Veteran! The family would like to thank the staff at Palagio and Vitas Hospice for the care and compassion they showed Mr. David. Visitation will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 26, 2022 at Helm-Gallagher Funeral Home followed by a graveside service with Military Honors at 11a.m. at the Hickory Grove Cemetery with Brother Claude McEldowney officiating.
Arrangements under the care of Helm-Gallagher Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1811 Idlewild Avenue, SR 16, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043. 904-284-9696. www.helmgallagherfh.com

Elise B Priest
Elise B Priest gained her heavenly wings to be with the Lord, family and friends on February 15, 2022. Known to her family as Granny, she was born just shortly after her twin sister Delores on March 3, 1929 in Chattahoochee Florida to her parents, C.E. and Ola Betts. Elise started working at an early age at the Greyhound Bus Station, later moving to work with the state of Florida. After transferring to Macclenny Florida, she became friends with JP “Shorty” North and his wife Allie Mae, children Nan and Jane who introduced her to her future husband Emory, Allie Mae’s brother. After marrying and moving to Green Cove Springs, Elise worked at the Clay County Health Center for a number of years where she lent a helping hand to her next boss George Carlisle, then Clay County Clerk of the Court. George told her you need to come work for me. So after interviewing, Elise started a long career working as a deputy clerk of court in the county court assisting Judge Tom Rivers, Judge William Wilkes, Judge Larry Smith, and Judge Tom McAnnally, and many citizens along the way with small claims court, traffic tickets and marriage licenses. After retiring from the Clerks Office under then Clerk of the Court Keene, she took a couple of part time jobs before being called back to public service by then Clerk of Court Jimmy Jett where she worked another few years continuing to serve the public. Was named “Mother of Time” for her many years of service at the courthouse, she loved to reminisce of the good times and good people she worked for and with that included members of law enforcement, state attorneys office, public defenders office, various judges and staff. She always made an extra effort to help the general public to feel better after they left than before they arrived. Elise was of the Baptist faith and was a long time member of the Hickory Grove Baptist Church. She loved to read and study the bible and always tried to use the word to help in a time of need. She was an active member of the choir for much of her life and singing was an important part. More than once she sang the National Anthem at events including the Memorial Day Celebration at Spring Park. Family was her pride and joy and she set traditions with grandkids that are still followed today. She was proud of their accomplishments and always tried to give words of encouragement or a good hug when needed. She had the ability to make a bad day better. She made the best lasagna, spaghetti and sour cream cake ever produced and in her fashion, most of the time delivered it after she cooked it which made it even better. Elise was preceded in death by her parents C.E. & Ola, sisters Lorene, Earlene, twin Delores, Elizabeth, 2 brothers at early age, and her husband Emory. She is survived by her son Julian (Marsha), grandkids Lori (Mitch), Marla (Josh) and Jacob. Her greatgrandchildren Kennedy, Emma, Ethan, Olivia and James, along with a host of nieces and nephews. Her family would like to publicly thank Dr Ed Platt and his entire staff for the care you gave her through the years, sometimes going the extra mile, Amy and the Walgreens Pharmacy Staff for their help along the way, many folks at the Clay County Council on Aging, Concierge Home Care for your patience and caring ways, Paula and her daughter Nastacia for your help the last year, Silver Treasures for stepping up in the end to help us in dire need, and a host of friends that are too many to name but helped her in some way, a visit, ride, phone call or a bite to eat, we so appreciate you all in ways words can’t explain. The family asked that in lieu of flowers, you take an extra moment to call, visit or help an elderly person that you may know needing a brighter day. Graveside Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 21, 2022 at the Hickory Grove Cemetery with Pastor Russell Franklin officiating. Arrangements under the care of Helm-Gallagher Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1811 Idlewild Avenue, SR 16, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043. 904-284-9696. www.helmgallagherfh.com

Jefrey D. Karnes
Jefrey D. Karnes, known as J.D. Born March 13, 1962 and passed on February 18, 2022. He was born in Charleston, West Virginia, however, lived most of his life in Jacksonville, Florida.
J.D. was the founder of Warrior Way Ministry and known to have mentored young men including his nephews. He is survived by his two sisters; Jamie Haught and Brandi Howard, five nephews; Ryan Thomas, Zack (Danielle) Fisher, Jordan (Cierra) Beckelt, Johnathan Bechelt, and Noah Howard. He is also survived by one grand niece; Cambry Beckelt.
He is proceeded in death by Kerri Karnes-Brother, James E. Karnes-Father, Judith M. Edwards-Mother, Charles and Naomi Arthur- Maternal Grand Parents, John and Zelda Karnes-Paternal Karnes.
A Celebration of Life will be held Dee’s Bar and Grill, 2141 Loch Rane Blvd, Orange Park, FL 32073.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Warrior Way Ministry.