Obituaries

David Sheffield

David Sheffield

Dec 2, 2024

David Sheffield, a beloved servant of God and cherished family man, passed away on December 2, 2024, in Jacksonville, Florida, surrounded by his loving family. Born on January 6, 1950, in Smithville, Mississippi, David devoted his life to ministering and sharing the gift of faith with those around him. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Masters degree in...

Frances A. DeChant

Frances A. DeChant

Dec 1, 2024

Frances A. DeChant, a loving wife and wonderful Mother, was called home by the Lord on Sunday, December 1, 2024. She was born in Ringgold, Texas, on December 27, 1935, and married John A. DeChant on July 3, 1957. 

While her accomplishments were many, her greatest was trusting and faithfully serving the Lord. 

She is survived by Michele D. Roberts (Bill), Jody...

Charles Mettler Valentine

Charles Mettler Valentine

Nov 30, 2024

Charles “Pat” Mettler Valentine III, beloved husband, father, mentor, teacher, and friend, passed away November 30, 2024, one month short of 92 years. He was born January 4, 1933, in Detroit, Michigan. He grew up in Smith Creek and raised his family in St. Clair, Michigan. In the early 1980’s, he moved his family to Jacksonville, Florida and resided in...

Dave Parsons

Dave Parsons

Nov 29, 2024

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of John "Dave" Parsons, a beloved husband, father, and friend, who left this world peacefully on November 29, 2024, at the age of 97. Born on August 16, 1927, in Logan, West Virginia, Dave lived a life rich with purpose, love, and service to his country.

Dave proudly served in...

Olivia Rusinek Zilahy

Olivia Rusinek Zilahy

Nov 24, 2024

Olivia Rusinek Zilahy, 82, passed away November 24, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on February 10,1942 in Ocala, Florida.

 Olivia spent her childhood in Florida and graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in English. She moved to New York City to work as a copy editor, where she met her husband, Norman. They later...

Gale D. Hopkinson

Gale D. Hopkinson

Nov 24, 2024

Gale Douglas (Gee) Hopkinson, 84 of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida passed away on November 24, 2024.

She was a devoted mother and grandmother. A beautiful woman with a lovely wry sense of humor who cared passionately for those she loved. A blessing full of grace, wisdom and dignity. She was always there for us and she always listened. She appreciated the...

Franklin Carl Smith

Franklin Carl Smith

Nov 23, 2024

Frank Smith, 71, passed away November 23, 2024, after a year long battle with cancer. He was born August 23, 1953, in Live Oak, FL. At age 10, Frank came to Jacksonville to live with his grandmother, Blanche Smith. In 1965, his aunt and uncle, Celia and Steve Smith, graciously welcomed him and his brother Danny into their family home....

Jason Chapman

Jason Chapman

Nov 23, 2024

How do you write a novel when only half the story is known?

 With love for the history already penned. With sadness for what is missing.

 Jason Christian Chapman passed away the morning of Nov. 23, 2024 — his story ending all too abruptly with many chapters that will never be written. But, instead of mourning what cannot be finished, we look...

Helen Trentadue

Helen Trentadue

Nov 20, 2024

Helen (Spage) Trentadue, 89, of Jacksonville, FL (formerly of Arlington Heights, IL), passed away peacefully on November 20, 2024. She was born on April 17, 1935, in Chicago, IL to the late Andrew & Blanche Spage. Helen attended Wright Junior College, following which she began working in the banking industry. 

In 1955, mutual friends introduced Helen to Vic Trentadue. They immediately...

Gerald Wilson Gray

Gerald Wilson Gray

Nov 20, 2024

Gerald Wilson Gray (AKA Jerry), 86, passed away on November 20th, 2024. He was born August 17th, 1938, in Sidney, Ohio, and retired in Jacksonville, Florida in 1981. 

Jerry pridefully served his country in the U.S. Navy for 23 years as a Chief Electrician. After retirement, he started Double J’s Repair Shop in Palm Valley with close friend and fishing buddy,...

Clara Rouviere

Clara Rouviere

Nov 15, 2024

Clara I. Rouviere, 57, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away November 15, 2024. There will be a Mass of Christian Burial held on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 9:00 am in St. Joseph Old Historic Church. 

Carole L Kretzer

Carole L Kretzer

2024

Carole L. Kretzer, 85, passed away November 15, 2024

Janet M. Merta

Janet M. Merta

Nov 15, 2024

Janet Mae (Hecht) Merta passed away November 15, 2024. She was born on May 26, 1931, in Lakefield, MN. Janet lived in several states throughout her life: Minnesota, Illinois, Wisconsin, New Jersey, Kentucky, North Carolina and finally in Jacksonville Beach, FL near her son Robert.

Janet is survived by her children, Jacqueline (William), Randall (Lea Anne), and Robert (Gina); her 9...

Patrick Oliver Venzke

Patrick Oliver Venzke

Nov 14, 2024

Patrick Oliver Venzke, 49, of Jacksonville Beach, Florida, passed away on Thursday, November 14 2024. 

Patrick's memorial will take place on Wednesday, December 11, 2024 at 11:00am at Palms Presbyterian Church, 3410 S. Third St., Jacksonville Beach, 32250. There will be a reception immediately following the celebration of life services.

 In lieu of flowers, we are accepting donations to go towards service...

Kathryn Latorre

Kathryn Latorre

Nov 14, 2024

Kathryn Latorre, 66, passed away November 14, 2024. She was born October 9, 1958, in Brooklyn, NY. She grew up in Brooklyn, NY and raised her family in Brooklyn, NY, Puerto Rico and Atlantic Beach, FL.

 Kathy worked for the Atlantic Beach Tax Collectors Office for 25 years. More than anything she was an adoring wife, a loving and supportive mother...

Karen E. Aibel

Karen E. Aibel

Nov 13, 2024

Karen Elizabeth Aibel, 62, passed away November 13, 2024, in Jacksonville, FL. She was born August 26, 1962, in New Rochelle, NY. 

Karen grew up in Scarsdale, NY and spent her college years at Boston University and the University of Arizona in Tucson. Professionally, Karen spent more than 30 years in both large and small organizations in sales, business development, and...

Nadine C. Woodall

Nadine C. Woodall

Nov 12, 2024

Nadine C. Woodall, of Jacksonville, FL passed away on Tuesday, November 12, 2024. Currently, no service is scheduled. 

Peter Bennett Nelson

Peter Bennett Nelson

Nov 7, 2024

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Peter Bennett Nelson on November 7, 2024, in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Born in Jacksonville, Florida on October 9, 1980, Peter's gentle nature, keen intellect, and deep appreciation for life touched all those around him.

Peter's early years were marked by a profound love for the ocean and surfing. From...

Mark Andrew Conway

Mark Andrew Conway

Nov 3, 2024

Mark Andrew Conway, 68, of Atlantic Beach passed away on November 3, 2024. Services will be held at a later date.

Barbara S. Heamon

Barbara S. Heamon

Nov 3, 2024

Barbara Heamon, 91, longtime resident of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, died on November 3, 2024, with her family by her side. 

She was born to the late Carl and Florence Shrader on June 14, 1933, in North Jackson, Ohio. When Barb was a young girl her family moved to Findlay, Ohio, where she did most of her growing up. After graduating...