Merlyne Swilley Brooker, age 71, peacefully passed away into her heavenly home on Friday, Nov. 11, 2016 with her family by her side. Merlyne was born in Alachua, Florida on Nov. 26, 1944 to Ivey and Elise Swilley. She graduated from Gainesville High School in 1962, worked as a legal secretary and then helped found and manage the family’s business, Brooker’s Pest Control.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to her loving caregivers at both Ayers Rehabilitation Center and Haven Hospice.

Merlyne is survived by her daughters, Angie Brooker Payne (Dan), and Becky Brooker Manthey (James); six grandchildren, Joshua, Jillian, Landon, Addison, Coleton and Ashlynn.

A celebration of her life was held Monday, Nov. 14, 2016 at 2 p.m. at Evans Carter Funeral Home in High Springs. Visitation was held at Evans Carter Funeral home one hour prior to the service. Interment was at New Oak Grove Cemetery in Alachua, Florida.

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Ronald Irvin Emerson, age 79, of Alachua, Florida, went to be with the Lord and his heavenly family on Oct. 29, 2016 as a result of an auto accident.

He was loved and cherished by his wife of 58 years, Marsha Hester Emerson; his son Greg Emerson (Susan) of Alachua; daughters Robin Watson (Archie) of Quincy, Florida, Paula Webb (Herb) of Gainesville, Florida; eight grandchildren, Justin Webb (Madi), Emily Emerson Presnell (Trey), Cody Watson, Hannah Emerson, Dustin Watson, Megan Watson, Dillon Webb, Sarah Webb; brothers Wade Emerson (Susie), Wayne Emerson (Karen) and brother-in-law Jimmy Hester (Sondra).

Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph Waldo and Mildred Ivey Emerson, his brothers Gerald Emerson and Dennis Emersonm, and a sister-in-law, Jean Meyer (Clark).

Ronnie was born and raised on the family farm in Bland, Florida, where he began his lifelong love of hunting, especially coon hunting, for which he held several World Titles for his coonhounds. After graduating from Ringling College of Arts and Design, he worked as an advertising director for Affiliated Grocers, Higdon Grocers and B&B Grocers, where he retired in 2002.

Ronnie loved his family, enjoyed spending time with them and was proud of their accomplishments. He was also looking forward to the birth of their first great-grandchild.

Ronnie’s family also included his coon hunting buddies. For them, he was a mentor, brother and a father figure. He will also be missed by his loyal coon dogs, always ready to hunt.

Ronnie and Marsha worshipped the Lord at First Baptist Church of High Springs.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 5, at Spring Hill Methodist Church, 23300 Old Bellamy Road, Alachua.

In lieu of flowers, please help us honor Ronnie through the North Florida Coon Hunting Club with the “Ronnie Emerson Memorial Youth Hunt.” Please send donations to North Florida Coon Hunting Club, 8861 S.W. State Rd. 121, Lake Butler, FL 32054.

Arrangements are under the care and supervision of Evans-Carter Funeral Home, High Springs, Florida, 386-454-2444.

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James Earl Williams, 86, longtime High Springs resident passed away Sunday, Oct. 16, at North Florida Regional Medical Center. He was a longtime member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church where he was an ordained Elder and served as a Deacon. He was an electrician at the University of Florida for many years and later became a Master Electrician with his own business.

Survivors include his wife of 61 years Donna B. Williams of High Springs; one son, Jonathan (Susan) Williams of High Springs; four daughters, Tena (Jim) Fitch of Amarillo, Texas, Lori (Bruce) Young of McAlpin, Cheryl (Omar) Vasquez and Tina (Rich)Wright; one brother, Randy (Sonja) Williams of High Springs; 13 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be conducted at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 22 at Gainesville Seventh Day Adventist Church 2115 N.W. 39th Avenue. Visitation will be held one hour prior (3 p.m.) to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Light Bearer’s Ministry, 37457 Jasper Lowell Road, Jasper, OR 97438 or It Is Written Mission: Mongolia P.O. Box 6 Chattanooga, TN 37401-0006.

Arrangements are under the direction of Evans-Carter Funeral Home High Springs, FL 386-454-2444.

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Shirley Mae (Faulkner) Larsen, age 88, passed away at Hunters Crossing Place under the care of Haven Hospice in Gainesville, Florida, on Oct. 13, 2016.

Mrs. Larsen was born on Aug. 11, 1928 in Gurnee, Illinois, to Floyd and Gladys (Wilkelman) Faulkner. She was married to Howard Larsen on May 27, 1950. A talented homemaker, she was a devoted wife and mother of three. She found happiness in caring for her family. She is preceded in death by her husband, and is survived by her younger sister, Judy Deloof, and three loving sons, Gary, Ken, and Eric Larsen.

A memorial service is scheduled at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 5 at the Haven Hospice Chapel, 4200 N.W. 90th Boulevard in Gainesville. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Shirley’s life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association or to Haven Hospice of Gainesville.

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Lola E. Brooks, age 69, of High Springs, Florida, passed away on Monday, Oct. 17, 2016.

Mrs. Lola was a lifelong resident of High Springs. She owned and operated Alice’s Parkside Restaurant for several years and was a member of Vision Tabernacle Church in High Springs.

Mrs. Lola is survived by a daughter, Marie Abner of High Springs; a son, Patrick Harris, of Ft. White; her mother, Alice Cason Walker of High Springs; brothers Bart “Ed” Cason of High Springs and Sam Cason of Trenton, Florida, grandchildren Justin Harris, D.J. Croley, Josh Harris, and Jessie Croley, great-grandchildren Khloe Harris, Brylee Harris, Aiden Harris, and Zoey Harris, and other family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her father A.J. Cason, her son John Purnell, and her sister Margaret Ann.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2016 at the Summit Baptist Church in High Springs, Florida, with Pastor Lawrence Haley and Bro. Ron Jones officiating. The family will receive friends at the Church Tuesday evening, Oct. 18, 2016 between the hours of 6 – 8 p.m.

Arrangements are under direction of Rick Gooding Funeral Homes, Cross City, FL / 352-498-5400 and Chiefland, FL / 352-493-0050. Please sign the online guestbook at rickgoodingfuneralhomes.com

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