Obituaries 4/5/18

Russell Brooks Poole
Russell Brooks Poole, 48, of Green Cove Springs, Fla, passed away unexpectedly at his home on March 24, 2018. He was born on July 3, 1969 in Jacksonville, FL to Charles Irwin and Mary Frances (Brooks) Poole. Russell was a graduate of UNF and Mercer Law School. He practiced law in Columbus, Georgia and Clay County, Florida. Russell was a warm, generous, loyal friend with a wonderful sense of humor and wit. Russell is survived by his mother, Frances Poole; Daughter, Ansley Grace Poole; son, Adam Hall Poole; uncle, Mickey Rabin and cousins, Mike Rabin and Ray Poole.
A Memorial Service will be held at 10 a.m, Saturday, April 14, 2018 at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 400 Saint Johns Avenue, Green Cove Springs, Fla. 32043 with The Rev. Celeste R. Tisdelle, Rector officiating. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. 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

John Richard Statham
John Richard Statham passed away Monday, March 26, 2018 at the Haven Hospice Care Center after a lengthy battle with cancer. His wife Kelly was by his side. She took care of him at their home until his final week. John was born on June 12, 1938 in Tylertown, Mississippi to Charles and Martha Statham. He was the youngest of four children. His family moved to Green Cove Springs, Florida when he was a small child. John was a life long musician playing with artists such as Charlie Pride, Mel Tillis and Hank Williams Jr.
He traveled all over the country playing music eventually moving to Alaska. John and his first wife, Diane had two children, John Michael and Brenda Gail. He had a second daughter, Ginger. It was in Alaska that John met Kelly Smith. They moved to Green Cove Springs, Florida in 2003.
John is survived by his wife, Kelly Smith, daughters Brenda Sweisthal and Ginger Crafton, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren, nieces and nephews including Gloria Jean Carlyle, his sister Ruth and stepson Donny Saindon. He was preceded in death by his parents, his son John Michael, his sister’s Betty Mitchell and Jenny Brumfield. John’s ashes will be returned to Alaska. Condolences may be posted on the website of the Eternity Funeral Home and Crematory at www.eternityfuneralhome.com.

Norma S. Jones
Norma S. Jones, 92, of Green Cove Springs, Fla., passed away April 1, 2018. She was born September 3, 1925 to Henry and Annie Dora Spivey at Inverness, Fla. and spent her childhood and school days there. She was a part of a large family consisting of 6 brothers and sisters.
She and Frank Jones were married and moved to the Green Cove Springs area and made it their home. She was employed at the Clay County Public Library and retired as Assistant Library Director after 28 years of service. The First Presbyterian Church was an important part of Norma’s life. She served as a Deacon then an Elder. She considered it an honor to be selected to serve on the Session for 6 years.
Everyone who knew Norma recognized her passion for flowers and working to make her yard special. She was honored several times to receive the Mayor’s award for beautification.
For many years she was a member of the Clay County Historical Society and served as President for four years. She and her husband worked with other members to establish the Historical Museum. Norma loved all the local history of the County and was appointed to the Historical Commission where served for several years. She was proud of her part in starting “Re-Discover Early Florida” at the fairgrounds, securing craftsmen, planning activities and best of all cooking in the Country Kitchen. The Green Cove Springs Food Pantry was also very important to Norma. She served on the Pantry Board of Directors and working in the facility and helping to feed those in need. Norma was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Jones and her son, Guy Jones and is survived by her children, Ronald (Jeanne) and Marsha (Lee); five grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.
A graveside service will be held at 10:00 am Friday, April 13, 2018 at Hickory Grove Cemetery with Rev. Mark Hults officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name may be made to the Green Cove Springs Food Pantry, 1107 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Green Cove Springs, FL 32043
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.

James William Hurd
James William Hurd, 75, of Orange Park, Fla. passed away March 29, 2018
Broadus Raines Funeral Home, 501 Spring St., Green Cove Springs, FL. (904) 284-4000

Russell Brooks Poole
Russell Brooks Poole, 48, of Green Cove Springs, Fla, passed away March 24, 2018
Broadus Raines Funeral Home, 501 Spring St., Green Cove Springs, FL. (904) 284-4000

Michael “Mike” Brookins
Michael “Mike” Brookins, 67, of Fleming Island, FL, passed away April 1, 2018
Broadus Raines Funeral Home, 501 Spring St., Green Cove Springs, FL. (904) 284-4000

Rose Barnard
Rose Barnard, 57, of Middleburg, FL passed away March 31, 2018.
Broadus Raines Funeral Home, 501 Spring St., Green Cove Springs, FL (904) 284-4000

Charles “Stan” Williams
Charles “Stan” Williams, 79, of Green Cove Springs, Fla, passed away April 1, 2018
Broadus Raines Funeral Home 501 Spring St., Green Cove Springs, FL. (904) 284-4000

Leona Gene Hall Appel
Leona Gene Hall Appel, 82, of Middleburg, Fla, passed away April 1, 2018
Broadus Raines Funeral Home, 501 Spring St., Green Cove Springs, FL. (904) 284-4000

Dianna Mary Beck
Dianna Mary Beck, 67, of Middleburg, passed away March 30, 2018.  Arrangements are under the care of Russell Haven of Rest Cemetery, Funeral Home and Cremation Center 904-284-7720