Betty Jo Barnes
Betty Jo Barnes, 78, of Orange Park FL died on 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 died on February 15, 2022.
Broadus-Raines Funeral Home, 501 Spring St., Green Cove Springs, FL (904) 284-4000. www.broadusraines.com
Norman Edouard Vertigan
Norman Edward Vertigan, Jr, 92, of Orange Park FL died 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 died on February 15, 2022 in Orange Park, Florida. He was born on May 31, 1954 in Jacksonville, Florida to the late LT. Col. William B. Middlemas and Grace Warren Middlemas.
Todd was a licensed CPA, a member of the Delta Chi Fraternity at the University of Florida in 1972, a member of the Kiwanis Club of Orange Park, the Gator Club, and a member of Bull Gator. He loved Gator football, sailing, horticulture, travel, classic literature, and was a history buff.
Todd was predeceased 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 of their loved one.
A memorial service will be held 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 donating 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 your check memo: In memory of Todd Middlemas and funds will be applied to a scholarship in his name.
David D. Chidester
David D. Chidester died February 15, 2022 at Palagio Memory Care Senior Living in Orange Park in the care of Vitas Hospice. David was born in Beaver County, Pennsylvania to the late Jesse and Helen (Nannah) Chidester. David was the eldest 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 his 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 members of the extended family and friends. David was predeceased 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 proudly served his country for 35½ years. He served in the Army and Navy and participated in the Vietnam War. He was also a life member of the Vietnam Veterans of America and attended many meetings in Green Cove Springs, Florida for many years. In retirement, he enjoyed travel, fishing, bingo, gardening (because he grew up on the farm), long car trips, family reunions, and holiday parties. He attended Christ Church 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 shown to Mr. David. Visitation will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 26, 2022 at Helm-Gallagher Funeral Home followed by a funeral service with military honors at 11 a.m. at Hickory Grove Cemetery with Brother Claude McEldowney officiating.
Arrangements in the custody 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, her family and friends on February 15, 2022. Known to her family as Granny, she was born shortly after her twin sister Delores on March 3, 1929 in Chattahoochee in Florida to her parents, CE and Ola Betts. Elise started working at an early age at the Greyhound Bus Station, then moved to work with the State of Florida. After being transferred to Macclenny, Florida, she befriends JP “Shorty” North and his wife Allie Mae, children Nan and Jane who introduce her to her future husband Emory, Allie Mae’s brother. After getting married and moving to Green Cove Springs, Elise worked at the Clay County Health Center for several years where she lent a hand to her next boss George Carlisle, then Clay County Clerk. George told him you had to come work for me. So, after being interviewed, Elise began a long career as Deputy County Court Clerk, assisting Judge Tom Rivers, Judge William Wilkes, Judge Larry Smith and Judge Tom McAnnally, as well as many citizens along the way with small claims court, circulation tickets and marriage licenses. After retiring from the clerks office under court clerk Keene, she worked a few part-time jobs before being called back to public service by court clerk Jimmy Jett, where she worked for a few more years. continuing to serve the public. Was named “Mother of Time” for her many years of service at the courthouse, she loved to reminisce about the good times and the good people she worked for and with who included members of law enforcement, the Bureau of state attorneys, the office of public defenders, various judges and staff. She always went the extra mile to help the general public feel better after she left than before she arrived. Elise was Baptist and a long-time member of Hickory Grove Baptist Church. She loved to read and study the Bible and always tried to use the word to help when needed. 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 such as the Memorial Day celebration in Spring Park. Family was her pride and joy and she established traditions with her grandchildren 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, and in her own way, most of the time delivered it after she baked it, which made it even better. Elise was predeceased by her parents CE & Ola, sisters Lorene, Earlene, twins Delores, Elizabeth, 2 infant brothers, and her husband Emory. She is survived by her son Julian (Marsha), her grandchildren Lori (Mitch), Marla (Josh) and Jacob. His great-grandchildren Kennedy, Emma, Ethan, Olivia and James, as well as numerous nephews and nieces. Her family would like to publicly thank Dr. Ed Platt and all of his staff for your care over the years, sometimes going a step further, Amy and the staff at Walgreens Pharmacy for their assistance throughout the process, from many people at the Clay County Council on Aging, Concierge Home Care for your patience and kindness, Paula and her daughter Nastacia for your help over the past year, Silver Treasures for finally stepping up to help us in need, and a host of friends who are too many to name but helped her in some way, a visit, a ride, a phone call or a bite to eat, we all appreciate you one way that words cannot explain. The family has requested that instead of flowers, you take an extra moment to call, visit, or help an elderly person who you may know needs a better day. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 21, 2022 at Hickory Grove Cemetery with Pastor Russell Franklin officiating. Arrangements in the custody of Helm-Gallagher Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1811 Idlewild Avenue, SR 16, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043. 904-284-9696. www.helmgallagherfh.com
Jeffrey D. Karnes
Jeffrey D. Karnes, known as JD Born March 13, 1962 and died February 18, 2022. He was born in Charleston, West Virginia, however lived most of his life in Jacksonville, Florida.
JD was the founder of Warrior Way Ministry and known for mentoring 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 a great-niece; Cambry Beckelt.
He is predeceased by Kerri Karnes-Brother, James E. Karnes-Father, Judith M. Edwards-Mother, Charles and Naomi Arthur- Maternal Grandparents, John and Zelda Karnes-Paternal Karnes.
A celebration of life will be held at Dee’s Bar and Grill, 2141 Loch Rane Blvd, Orange Park, FL 32073.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Warrior Way Ministry.
