Obituaries 10/7/21
Darby Henderson Bensel
Darby Henderson Bensel passed from this life on September 17, 2021 and joined her son Chad David Henderson, brother David Duane Henderson in Heaven.
Survived by her sons, Jeremy Bensel (Maegon) Joshua Bensel ( Lauren Hogart), Her Son’s Father, Julus Bensel, Brother Darren Henderson (Rena), Grandchildren Riley David Bensel, Rhys Bensel, Caleb Hendricks, Emmaline Hendricks, Niece Alexus Henderson, Nephews, Shawn Henderson, and Thomas Widner, Uncle Howard Henderson, several cousins.
Darby was loved by her Family and a generous friend. She worked in real estate in the 1990’s and then in the real estate title business until her passing She went to St. Patricks’s Catholic School. Graduated from Andrew Jackson in 1986. She went through some hard times but now she is at peace. Services will be held at Nassau Funeral Home in Callahan, FL on October 11, 2021 at 2PM
Nate Manning
Nate Manning, 39, of Orange Park, FL passed away on September 26, 2021. He was born to parents Theodore Deering Manning, Jr. and Dixie Renee Sandlin in Orange Park, FL on December 14, 1981. Nate graduated from Orange Park High School in 2000. He attended Elevate Life Church. Music was his passion, he loved to cook, and he was a great bass guitar player. He will be remembered as being a wonderful father, his infectious laugh, drinking from “Viking Horns,” his love of his Irish heritage, being a hard worker, his love of surfing, and his great sense of humor.
Nate is preceded in death by his sister Shannon Renee Manning; cousins Rebekah and Katy Williams; and his grandparents.
He is survived by his daughters Allison Rose and Aubrey Marie; mother Dixie Graham (Terry); father Theodore D. Manning, Jr.; sisters Rachel Phillips (Brian), Sarah Wilson (John), and Rebeccah Gavin (Grant); brothers Seth and Samuel Manning; and 7 nieces and nephews.
Please sign the family’s online guestbook at www.broadusraines.com
Arrangements are under the care of Broadus-Raines Funeral Home, 501 Spring St., Green Cove Springs, FL 32043. (904) 284-4000.
Robert Larry Gray
Robert Larry Gray, 81, of Orange Park, FL passed away on September 30, 2021.
Broadus-Raines Funeral Home, 501 Spring St., Green Cove Springs, FL (904) 284-4000. www.broadusraines.com
Joanne Prince Coleman
Joanne Prince Coleman, age 85, of Middleburg, Florida passed away on Wednesday, September 29, 2021, at Orange Park Medical Center in Orange Park, FL. She was born in Tampa, Florida on December 1, 1935, to the late Grady D. Prince and Sadie Capley Prince. Joanne was raised in Tampa, Florida where she met the love of her life, Al Coleman. On April 2, 1954, Joanne and Al were happily married in Valdosta, Georgia and together they enjoyed 60 wonderful years of marriage. Joanne was a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother. She enjoyed being a pastor’s wife, helping to grow God’s kingdom, spreading the gospel, as well as using her God given gift of playing the piano to assist in the music ministry in church. She loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, praising and worshipping Him. Joanne had a passion for music and worked as a music teacher, teaching piano and organ at Fletchers Music Store in Lakeland, FL for many years. Joanne and Al moved numerous times as they were called to various places for the ministry. For the past 4 years, Joanne has resided in Middleburg, FL and was a member of Middleburg Church of God. Most of all, Joanne loved her family especially her son and grandbabies and thoroughly enjoyed spending time with them. She was preceded in death by her parents, loving husband, Al Coleman; brother, Robert Lamar Prince; and brother in laws, Willard Deese, Robert Lyons, and Daniel Coleman.
Joanne is survived by her loving son, Mark (Jennifer) Coleman of Middleburg, FL; her brothers, Charles (Betty) Prince of Weatherford, TX and James “Jimmy” Grady (Linda) Prince of Lakeland, FL; sisters Frances Deese of Clewiston, FL, Evelyn Coleman of Fleming Island, FL, Joyce (Richard) Sommers of Keystone Heights, FL; sister-in-law, Peggy Prince of Albany, GA; and grandchildren, Parker and Taylor Coleman.
A Celebration of Joanne’s Life was held on Tuesday, October 5, 2021 at 11 a.m. at Otis Road Church of God in Jacksonville, Florida with Pastor Stephen Thomas and Pastor Thomas Jones officiating. Interment will follow at Olustee Cemetery in Olustee, Florida. The family received friends on Tuesday an hour prior to the service at the church. Arrangements are under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services, 250 North Lowder Street, Macclenny, FL 32063 (904)259-5700. Visit www.ferreirafuneralservices.com to sign the family’s guest book.
Elen Diane Borg Middaugh
Elen Diane Borg Middaugh, 81, passed away September 18, 2021. She was born February 2, 1940 in Miami, Florida and resided in Middleburg. In the 1960’s and early 1970’s she was a nurse in Jacksonville, FL. In 1972 she left her nursing career to be a stay-at-home mom. During that time she raised her children and she earned an associate degree in Sociology. In 1992 she became a grandma. Being a grandma was the light of her life; she loved every single one and spoiled them all. Elen was preceded in death by her first son Raymond Brown and husband of 47 years Alan Middaugh. She is survived by her children Diane Bingle, Helenor Scofield, Alan Middaugh Jr., Rachel Mckinney and Andrew Pfeiffer; 10 grandchildren; and 3 great grandchildren.
A funeral mass for Elen will be held Friday, October 8, 2021 from 2 p.m. at St. Luke’s Catholic Church, 1606 Blanding Blvd, Middleburg, FL 32068. Burial is being held on Monday, October 11, 2021 in Miami, FL at the Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hollyhillfunerals.com for the Middaugh family.
Hardage-Giddens Holly Hill Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 3601 Old Jennings Road, Middleburg, FL 32068 is serving the family.
Ella ‘Mae’ McAdoo
It is with great sorrow to announce the death of Ella “Mae” McAdoo. Mae went home to be with the Lord on 08/25/2021.
Mae was born in Topeka, KS on 04/27/1944 to the parents Irvin E. Andres and Myrtle (Michael) Andres. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband James E. McAdoo. Mae is survived by her sister Marsha Alexander and her husband Paul, her brother Rick and his wife Lori. Her three children, Damon Wheeler and wife Julie, William “Bill” Wheeler and wife Vinita and Christina Thomason and husband James “Thommo” Thomason. Mae has four grandchildren Christine Guynn, Jenna Wheeler, Michael Kovar and Jesse Thomason as well as multiple nieces and nephews along with multiple great grandchildren.
Mae was a kind hearted woman full of Love, smiles and her distinctive giggly laugh. Mae will be deeply missed by her family and all that knew her. Service date and time are yet to be determined.
Michael Gene Adams
Michael Gene Adams “Big Mike” passed away on September 17, 2021, at the young age of 62 in Orange Park, Florida. Originally from Jacksonville, FL, he moved to Keystone Heights as a child and remained in the Keystone Lake Region throughout his life as an accomplished Certified Building Contractor.
In the year of 1985 Mike earned his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanized Agriculture from the University of Florida while he and his family of 4 lived at Indian Lake Ranch where he grew timber and worked as a cattle rancher for quite some time. A few years later he became a building contractor working to improve and build hundreds of homes for families in much of North Florida. Mike later built his dream home where he enjoyed his life on Melrose Lake. After overcoming his battle with cancer and selling his home in Melrose, he settled down in Green Cove Springs.
Mike loved the outdoors, he would always talk about riding his dirt bike all over town during his younger years, camping, hiking, air boating and getting lost on dirt roads in his Jeep. Mike lived his life to the fullest, he was happy, successful, and his life was a true testament of courage and strength. He was truly a self made man who loved his work as much as he loved helping people. Mike always had a smile on his face and would greet you with a firm handshake or a hug, he was quick to crack a joke and had an unforgettable laugh. Mike would without hesitation lend a hand to anyone in need, he treated everyone fairly and would go above and beyond as a businessman to take good care of his customers and employees. Mike was a patient and humble man who enjoyed seeing others succeed and be happy. He will most definitely be missed by his family, the KHHS class of 77, as well as the many friends and acquaintances he had in the Melrose and Keystone Heights area.
Mike is survived by his son, Michael B. Adams (Lynn), his daughter Patricia Adams Eyster. He was a proud “Dopah” to his five grandchildren Michael A. Adams, Chason Mckitrick, Jayden Griffis, Whitney Adams, and Sayla Eyster. He is also survived by his brother John Adams (Patty) and his sisters Janet Hall (Dennis) and Kathy Fagan (Mike) as well as his precious dog Wendy. He is preceded in death by his father Gene Delwin Adams, mother Emmie Katherine Chason, and infant son Mark Chason Adams.
A Celebration of Life will be held for Mike Saturday October 9, 2021 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Keystone Heights Sportsmen’s Club, located at 7180 Airport Road, Starke, FL 32091. The family asks for your favorite photos and memories of Mike to share in lieu of flowers, this will be a true Celebration, the way Mike would want it.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Aaron and Burney Bivens Funeral Home 529 Kingsley Avenue, Orange Park, Florida 32073, (904) 264-1233 for their services.
Cmdr. Claude Terence
‘Terry’ Rollen USN Retired
Cmdr. Claude Terence “Terry” Rollen USN (Retired), 76, of Orange Park, Florida passed away peacefully on Friday, September 24, 2021.
Terry was born to Grayson and Zaidee Rollen on May 5, 1945, and grew up in Selma, Alabama, where he graduated from Parrish High School. In 1963 he became a proud Auburn Tiger on an NROTC scholarship, where he earned a BS in Chemical Engineering and he met the love of his life Terry Ann, whom he married on December 21, 1968. Following graduation, he embarked on 20 years of service to his country in the U.S. Navy, adding an MS in Computer Systems Management from the Naval Postgraduate School along the way. His distinguished military career included time as a P-3 squadron pilot, NARF JAX Maintenance Officer and test-pilot, special projects advisor in DC, and Naval attaché to McDonnell Douglas in Titusville, FL. After retiring from the Navy in 1987, the family returned to Orange Park and Terry worked an additional 13 years as an E-2 Program Manager for Northrup-Grumman in St. Augustine. A devout and dedicated member of Orange Park United Methodist Church for over 40 years, Terry shared his passion for biblical history by leading adult classes there for nearly 30 of those years. As a skilled craftsman and all-around-Mr.-Fixit, he donated his skills and countless hours improving the lives of others as a friend, as a neighbor, and as a volunteer for organizations such as The Clothes Closet, James Boys, and Habitat for Humanity – for which he served as President of the Clay County chapter for several years.
Terry had a natural affinity for sports and played football and baseball in his youth, and later, volleyball, softball, tennis, and jogging. He loved to watch his Auburn Tigers play and to root for the Jags. But his greatest passion, aside from his family, was the pursuit of knowledge and understanding through books, magazines, and shows dedicated to science, history, religion, and philosophy.
He will be remembered as man unwaveringly devoted to his wife, his sister, his children, and his grandchildren. A man who strove, with every action and word, to make the world a better, wiser, kinder place through humble persistence, a selfless sense of duty and service, and a dedication to applying reason and compassion to solve whatever problem presented itself.
Terry was preceded in death by his father and mother, Grayson and Zaidee Rollen. He is survived by his wife of nearly 53 years, Terry Ann, son Scott and his wife Stephanie, daughter Suzanne, grandchildren Justin and Audrey, and sister Joyce. The family will receive friends on Thursday, October 7, 2021, from 10:30 – 11:00 am at Orange Park United Methodist Church, 2051 Park Ave., Orange Park, FL. The service will start at 11 a.m., led by Dr. Charles Lever, and be followed by a reception in the church’s Family Life Center. A private interment with full military honors will be held at the Jacksonville National Cemetery for the family.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the organizations that meant so much to Terry:
Orange Park United Methodist Church, James Boys
2105 Park Ave, Ste 19
Orange Park, FL 32073
Clay County Habitat for
Humanity 1717 Blanding Blvd. Middleburg, FL 32068
clayhabitat.org/donate/
The Clothes Closet and Food Pantry
P.O. Box 2892
Orange Park, FL 32067
www.ccfpop.org/donate
Sheena Jalyn Christian Jackson
Sheena Jalyn Christian Jackson, 38 of Green Cove Springs, FL, gained her wings on September 18, 2021 unexpectedly at home. Sheena was born on October 5, 1982 the daughter of Stephen Jay and Debra (Ratliff) Jackson in Chicago, IL.
Sheena was raised in Green Cove Springs, Fl. Sheena married Vincente Montiel in 1998, and to this union was born one daughter. She worked in the food industry for many years. She enjoyed spending time with her children, family and friends. She loved to travel, the beach, shopping, taking pictures, decorating for all the holidays, and just simply hanging at home. Sheena was of the Christian faith and had a strong belief in God.
All who knew Sheena will miss her beautiful smile, gracious heart and soul. Sheena will always be remembered as a beautiful loving mom, daughter, sister, niece, aunt and friend who brought light and laughter to all who were blessed to be a part of her life.
Sheena is preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Donald Gene (Fuzzy) and Evelyn Ratliff; paternal grandparents, Franklin E (Jack) and Yolanda Christian (Yonkie) Jackson; stepdad, Michael C. (Daddy) Short; cousins, Calvin D. Jackson, Donald D. Jackson, and Steven J. Jackson, Vincente Montiel, Very Special Friend Ian Barrier. Anttaney Clifton.
Sheena is survived by her children who she loved with all her heart, McKinzie Montiel of Green Cove Springs, Fl, Joshua Cox of Swainsboro, Ga, and Liam Jackson of the home; mom, Debra S. Short of Green Cove Springs, FL; father, Stephen J. Jackson (Brenda) of Gresham, SC; sisters, Stephane D. Jackson of Green Cove Springs, FL, Stacey M. Newman of Green Cove Springs, FL, and Shanna A. Jackson, of Orange Park, FL; nieces and nephews, Stephen, Shelby, Ken, Destiny, Debbie, and Mykah; great nieces and great nephews, Hunter, Ivan, Cason, Penelope, Austyn, Oaklee, Amelia and Paislei; aunts, Alveda (Lynn) Arnold and Patty Basik; uncles, Duane Jackson, Ralph Jackson (Virginia) and Squeak Iannino (Cissy); stepsisters, Jerry and Kristy Clifton, and their children. Along with a host of cousins, family, and friends.
The family will receive friends in the Broadus-Raines Chapel on Friday October 15, 2021 at 6 - 8 p.m. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 16, 2021 at 11a.m. in the Broadus-Raines Chapel with Pastor David Mills officiating. Interment will follow at Little Ruth Cemetery in Green Cove Springs, FL.
Please sign the family’s online guestbook at www.broadusraines.com
Arrangements are under the care of Broadus-Raines Funeral Home, 501 Spring St., Green Cove Springs, FL 32043. (904) 284-4000
Fred M. Nelson, Jr.
Fred Maurice Nelson, Jr., 10, of Keystone Heights (former resident of Palatka), entered the sunset of life on Saturday, September 25, 2021 at Halifax Health Medical Center, Daytona Beach. The son of Fred M. Nelson, Sr. and TiUndra Wanton, he was born on Wednesday, June 22, 2011 in Gainesville. He was educated in the Clay County School District and attended Keystone Heights Elementary School. Fred, Jr. was a member of Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church where he served in the youth and adult choir. He loved Roblox, football and dancing. He was preceded in eternal rest by his maternal grandmother, Lisa Blackshear Wanton; paternal grandfather, Fred C. Cole. He leaves to cherish his memories: parents, Fred Nelson, Sr., TiUndra Wanton; maternal grandfather, Anthony Wanton, Sr.; paternal grandparents, Connie & Andrew Burton; great-grandmothers, Olivia Nelson; Mildred Petteway; siblings, Faizon Nelson, Aaliyah Nelson, A’cariyah Nelson, Tae’mariyah Nelson; godparents, Kelvin Hamm, Shelia Hampton, Devaris Chandler; and a host of other relatives and friends. Visitation of family and friends will be 5-7 p.m., Friday, October 8 at Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church, 233 Brownlee Street, Starke. A Celebration of Fred Jr.’s Life will be 2 p.m., Saturday, October 9 at Trinity Baptist Church, 3716 SR 21, Keystone Heights. Pastor Carl Tyson, Jr., Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church, officiating. Online condolences: www.flaggserenitychapel.com . Arrangements entrusted to the care of Karl N. Flagg Serenity Memorial Chapel, 2400 Madison Street, Palatka, Florida 32177.
Joseph Elijah Frith
Mr. Joseph Elijah Frith age 87, of Orange Park, passed away Tuesday, October 5, 2021 at The Terrace of Jacksonville. Mr. Frith was born on December 20, 1933 in Blakely, Georgia to the late Joseph E. Frith and Hettie Esther (Deal) Frith. Joseph’s greatest devotion was to God, Family, Country, dogs Baby June and Precious, and Fat Cat. He loved being “Poppie” to his eight grandchildren and he was very close to his baby brother Tommie Frith . Next was his love and commitment to the men and women he mentored and led as a Sergeant Major in the United States Army. He was a decorated Vietnam Veteran and top Army Recruiter, earning him the key to the Virgin Islands for his exemplary recruiting, service and leadership. He was a gentleman of honor and integrity of the highest caliber, a man of few words yet extraordinary action. His work ethic was second to none, oftentimes working two or three jobs to provide for his “greatest achievements”, his girls. Upon retiring after 30 years, he spent 15 years with the United States Post Office and ran his lawn service after hours. His sense of humor was infectious. He had a soft heart for the underdog and would help anyone in need. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Mildred, Annie Mae and Ruth. Survivors are, his wife of 59 years, Josie J. (Maze) Frith, daughters, Diana Frith Lanier (Wayne) of Jacksonville, Sharon (Sherri) Lee Frith (Carlos) of Jacksonville, Laura Marie Burdetsky (Bryan) of Orange Park, brother, Tommie Frith of Lake Butler and eight grandchildren. The family will receive friends at Hope Baptist Church on Saturday, October 9, 2021 from 10:30 am to 11:00 am with funeral services beginning at 11:00 am. Interment will follow in Hope Baptist Church Cemetery with Pastor Wayne Lanier officiating. In lieu of Flowers contributions may be made to one of his favorite charities, The Humane Society, St. Jude’s or One for Israel. Arrangements are by JONES-GALLAGHER FUNERAL HOME 904-964-6200
Deborah Kay Bowman
Dr. Deborah Kay Bowman, age 66 of Middleburg, FL passed away on Friday September 3, 2021. She was born August 9, 1955 in El Paso, Texas. Deborah was an educator who recently received her doctorate in ministry. She loved going to the beach and spending time with family and friends, but she is best remembered for her love of God, her friendship, and consistent prayer over people. She will be greatly missed. A mother, daughter, sister and friend. Predeceased by her mother: Mary Ruth Skehan and step-father Howard Skehan. Deborah is survived by her son and her daughter Michaela; sisters Teresa, Tina, Charlotte and brother Jeff, step-siblings Joey, Jerry, Pamela, numerous nephews and nieces, and many other loving family members and friends. AMI will be holding a celebration of life service for Deborah on Tuesday October 12, 2021 at New Beginnings Christian Fellowship, 1134 Blanding Blvd., Orange Park. Colleagues, students and friends will gather from 2:30PM until 4:30PM. Friends are encouraged to share photos and other remembrances of Deborah.
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