Obituaries



Shirley J. Carter

Shirley Jean Carter, 81, of Crawfordville, passed away at home with her loving family, Jan. 15, 2023.

She was a native of Tallahassee and had lived in Crawfordville most of her life, where she raised her family. Shirley retired as an Administrator from the Florida Highway Patrol, served alongside her husband Myers Carter ministering to the residents at Eden Springs Nursing Facility and was a member of Friendship Primitive Baptist Church. Shirley always had a sweet smile and tender heart, she loved helping others; her greatest love was her family, children and grandchildren.

Shirley was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Myers Carter; and her granddaughter Rebecca Gray.

She leaves behind her loving family, children Kenny Carter and wife Linda; Tammy Peltier and husband Chuck; and Kathy Gray and husband Derricke; sister Debbie Presnell; brother Frank Presnell and wife Linda; five grandchildren, Josh & Brittany, Chelsea & Zach, Charlie & Shelby, Chad & Michelle and Micah & Jami; and nine great-grandchildren, Ella Kate, Gracely, Carter, Anna Grace, Carly, Levi Myers, Cooper, Jonah, and Lacy Jo.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, Jan. 19, 2023, from 1 to 2 p.m. at Friendship Primitive Baptist Church and Funeral Service will begin at 2 p.m. Interment will follow at Friendship Memorial Gardens.

Skip and Trey Young along with Paula and Kimberly are assisting the family. Family Funeral Home at Harvey Young Chapel, 850-926-5919 www.familyfhc.com


James G. Gerrell Jr.

James Gordon Gerrell Jr., 68, of Crawfordville, died very unexpectedly on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023 peacefully at home.

Gordon was a native and lifelong resident of this area who started working with Wakulla LP Gas when he was 16 years old. His career lasted well over 40 years when he retired just a few years ago. Gordon coached both his daughters in sports for years, loved playing softball and was always at the park or field watching his grandchildren. NASCAR was another joy of his, cherishing the time spent camping with his brothers at Daytona and Talladega to watch the races. Gordon was an avid music lover of various styles; you never knew what song would come on next. On Wednesday nights, you could always find him with friends playing a friendly game of poker.

Gordon is survived by his mother, Betty Mullins; his daughters, Alena Crawford (Kyle Crawford) and Lesley Gerrell; his brothers Randall (Michelle) and Ted (Dianne); his sister Sharon Young (Mike Dallman); four grandsons that he dearly loved, Connor, Jackson, Gavin and Maddux; and many nieces and nephews.

Gordon’s family will be receiving friends to celebrate his life at Family Funeral Home in Harvey Young Chapel on Thursday, Jan. 19, 2023, from 5 to 7 p.m.

Skip and Trey Young along with Paula and Kimberly are assisting the family. Family Funeral Home at Harvey Young Chapel, 850-926-5919 www.familyfhc.com


Donna L.M. Kendrick

Donna Louise Means Kendrick, 72, passed away on Dec. 26, 2022 in Tallahassee.

She was predeceased by her parents, Ernest E. Means and Miriam Garman Means and brother, David Means.

She is survived by her husband, Larry Kendrick of Tallahassee; brother, Phil Means (Kim) of Fort Lauderdale; and sister-in-law Sue Means of New Hampshire; her children, Jeff Kendrick of Crawfordville (Sherry), Jeana Millender of Crawfordville, and Phillip Kendrick of Crawfordville (Sarah); her grandchildren, Brooke Millender, Lynley Kendrick, Seth Kendrick, and Wyatt Kendrick and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews in New Hampshire.

Donna dedicated her life to teaching Kindergarten at Shadeville Elementary for 44 years, from 1973 to 2017. She enjoyed spending time with family, especially her grandkids, and having lunch and get-togethers with the “Chicken Salad Chicks.” She loved anything frogs and visiting her extended family at Newfound Lake in New Hampshire.

A Celebration of Life and Teaching will be held on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Wakulla Community Center (322 Shadeville Hwy. Crawfordville 32327).

In lieu of flowers, tax-deductible donations can be made to Wakulla Academic Boosters, Inc. for the Donna Kendrick Memorial Scholarship at wakullaacademicboosters.org. Checks can be mailed to P.O. Box 448 Crawfordville FL 32326.

Thank you everyone for the calls, texts, cards, hugs, and kind words. You have no idea how much your support means to us. Mom was one of a kind! We love you, Mother Goose!