Guerry Funeral Home - Lake City

09/30/2025

Everett Lee Poarch Jr., age 97 of Wellborn passed away Monday, September 29, 2025. He was born in Birmingham, Alabama on April 15, 1928, to Everett Lee Poarch Sr and Edrie Rosson Poarch. He married Martha Virginia Hart on March 21, 1953, in Birmingham Alabama. He served in the US Air Force in Japan and South Korea with the 83rd Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, honorably discharged from Payne AFB, Everett, Washington in September 1952. He began working for Hayes Aircraft Company in 1952 in Birmingham and Dothan, Alabama before joining Aero Aircraft Co. in Lake City, FL in 1960, retiring in 1989. He enjoyed living on the farm in Wellborn, Florida after retirement and travelling with his family.

He is survived by his sons: Michael (Carol) Poarch and Paul (Kathy) Poarch; 5 grandchildren: Curtis (Stephanie) Poarch, Zachary Poarch, Ginny Poarch (Samuel Mencher), Samantha Poarch and Chris (Stacy) McDonald; 6 Great grandchildren: Cruise McDonald (Lauren), Maverick McDonald, Buddy Lee Poarch, Terra Poarch, Abigail Poarch, and Nate Poarch; 2 great-great granddaughters: Twyla and Shaelyn McDonald. He was preceded in death by his wife Martha Virginia Poarch, father, Everett Lee Poarch, Sr., mother, Edrie Rosson Poarch; 4 brothers: Dean Poarch, Howard Poarch, John Poarch, Jack Poarch; 3 sisters: Elise Poarch Jones, Martha Ann Poarch Brown Ellis, Kathleen Poarch Stallings; 1 great grandson Alexander Poarch.

Private funeral services to honor his life will be held at Wellborn Cemetery, Wellborn, Florida, with Reverend Robert Bass officiating.

The family will receive friends for a gathering of food and fellowship at 1:00pm on Friday, October 3rd at Lake City First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, Lake City, Florida. Please let the family know if you plan to attend.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to American Cancer Society or K9s for Warriors. Guerry Funeral Home, 2659 SW Main Blvd, Lake City, Florida is honored to serve the Poarch family.

09/30/2025

Brian D. Fontaine Jr. of Fort White passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at the age of 32. He was born on March 6, 1993, in Warwick, Rhode Island to Brian and Theresa Fontaine Sr.

Brian was a 2011 graduate of Fort White High School. He loved cooking and gaming and was always willing to help others. Brian enjoyed bowling, golfing and playing basketball with the Special Olympics and received many gold medals in those sports.

He is survived by his parents: Brian and Theresa Fontaine Sr. ; brother: Jonathan Johnson of Gainesville; sister: Brianna (Adam) Labay of Fort White; nephews: Jonathan Johnson II and Tyler Johnson, both of Gainesville, and Riley Johnson of Kentucky; nieces: Jadelynne Johnson of Kentucky and Azalea Johnson of Gainesville; grandfather: William Jacob of Springhill, FL; aunts: Barbara Swenson of Rhode Island, Beverly Morrissette of Niceville, FL and Sheryl Marshall of Lake City; and uncles: James (Sandra) Jencks of East Greenwich, RI and Arthur (Karen) Jencks of Owasso, OK. Numerous cousins also survive.

A celebration of Brian’s life will be held 2:00pm, Thursday, October 16, 2025, graveside at St. James Episcopal Church Cemetery, Lake City, with Reverend William Stokes officiating. The family requests in lieu of flowers donations be made to Florida Special Olympics.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Guerry Funeral Home, 2659 SW Main Blvd, Lake City, FL 32025. Guerry Funeral Home is honored to serve the Fontaine family.

09/25/2025

Plan today for peace of mind tomorrow!

Pre-planning your funeral ensures every detail is carried out according to your wishes and gives your loved ones the gift of financial peace of mind.

At Guerry Funeral Home of Lake City, our experienced team will guide you through every step so when the time comes, your family can focus on celebrating a life well lived.

Start the conversation today:

386-752-2414

Guerry Funeral Home in Lake City is honored to provide families with courteous and compassionate funeral and cremation services. We understand that every family has different needs, expectations, cultures, and beliefs. With that in mind, we make it our goal to ensure that every family we work with f...

09/14/2025

🤍Meet Dana Forbes, our Funeral Assistant at GFH in Lake City.

With more than 30 years of dedicated service in the death-care industry, Dana Forbes brings unmatched experience, compassion, and professionalism to Guerry Funeral Home. As the mother of Licensed Funeral Director Hawke Forbes, Dana is an integral part of our daily operations, offering families comfort, guidance, and a steady hand during life’s most difficult moments.

A Florida Notary Public and licensed Preneed Funeral Insurance Agent, Dana combines her extensive credentials with a sincere heart for service. When she’s not caring for families, you’ll find her painting, photographing nature, fishing, or teaching Sunday School at Christian Fellowship Temple in Macclenny.

Dana’s calm presence and deep faith help define the dignity and respect that families have come to expect from Guerry Funeral Home in Lake City.

08/30/2025

🤍At Guerry Funeral Home in Lake City, caring for families is truly a family effort.
Today, the entire Guerry and Forbes family worked side by side upholding generations of service to our community and ended the day with a sweet reward: Brittanys Cupcake Shoppe! A small reminder that even in the busiest days, there’s always room for gratitude and a little sweetness.

08/29/2025

Judy Coleman (87) of Lake City passed away peacefully on August 28, 2025. She was born Judith Lucille Giddens on Dec 11, 1937, in Avon Park FL to Ellis and Viola Giddens. After marrying James E Coleman on November 12, 1955, she spent most of her adult life in Maxville, Bryceville and Lake City FL. She worked for 25 years for the Federal Aviation Administration and retired in 2011. Judy was passionately devoted to two things—her family and her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

She was preceded in death by her husband James, her parents, and her sister Patricia Johns. She is survived by her children: Jeanie (Jerry) Stephens, Fran (Harvey) Peace, James (Katie) Coleman Jr, Barbara (Johnnie) Anderson and Tricia (Seth) Cales. She is also survived by 16 grandchildren: Jon, Kris, Rebecca, Sarah, Hannah, Robert, Derek, Robyn, Tim, Travis, Randall, Savannah, Rachel, Lauren, Leah, and Levi; by 32 great-grandchildren; by 3 great-great grandchildren; by 4 sisters Barbara, Shirley, Carole and June, and by a host of treasured nieces and nephews. This amazing woman made each of them feel as though they were her favorite—and they were right—each of them was her favorite!

Judy was a life-long devout follower of Jesus Christ. Her life in this world and the next was totally dependent on him. She longed to be in his presence—and now that longing is fulfilled. She is rejoicing in her forever home.

A public visitation will be held 6-8pm on Sunday August 31 at Guerry Funeral Home, 2659 SW Main Blvd Lake City FL. A celebration of Judy’s life will be held at 10am on Monday, September 1 at Christ Central Church, 359 SW Dyal Ave Lake City, FL 32024 with Pastor Lonnie Johns officiating. Burial will follow the service at 1:30pm at Longbranch Cemetery, 5500 Long Branch Cemetery Rd, Maxville FL with Jerry Stephens officiating. Guerry Funeral Home is honored to serve the Coleman family.

08/28/2025

Virginia Vining Miles, 82, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on August 26, 2025, at Haven Hospice in Lake City, Florida. Born on May 25, 1943, in Lake City to Fred and Delma Vining, Virginia was a lifelong resident of the community she held so dearly. A proud member of Columbia High School’s Class of 1961, she soon after married Milo D. Miles, with whom she shared 62 years of marriage. Virginia’s greatest joy was her family, especially her grandchildren, who were the light of her life. She was also blessed with a close circle of lifelong friends whom she deeply loved and cherished. Devoting her career to the banking industry, Virginia spent many years with the State Exchange Bank, where she was admired for her warmth, integrity, and unwavering work ethic.

She is survived by her husband, Milo, and their children, Troy Miles (Betsy) and Amy Tompkins (David); her siblings, Patricia Hudson, Freda Flamm, and Fred Vining Jr.; five beloved grandchildren, Madison, Miles, Jordan, Emma, and Grace, and her treasured great-grandson, Henry Johnson. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Shirlene Fletcher of Gainesville.

Funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Guerry Funeral Home in Lake City, with Pastor Mike Tatem officiating. The family will receive friends for visitation beginning at 3:00 p.m., prior to the service. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Virginia’s memory to Haven Suwannee Valley Hospice Care Center, Lake City, FL.

GUERRY FUNERAL HOME, 2659 SW Main Blvd., Lake City, FL is honored to serve the family during this time.

08/28/2025

Joan Margaret Gay Pope, age 71, daughter of the late Frank and Louise Gay was born on June 15, 1954. She was a life-long resident of Columbia County and graduated from Columbia High School, class of 1972. She began her career in banking and retired from the Columbia County School System after nearly 30 years. She professed her faith in Jesus Christ and was a member of Southside Baptist Church. She served faithfully in many roles and loved her church family. Joan was a devoted wife to Robert for 25 years until his passing, a loving mother to Shane and grandmother to her 5 grandchildren. She spent her final years in the company of her sisters Ellen and Jane, as well as her close friends. She quietly departed this life on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at home.

She was preceded in death by her husband Robert Pope, brother Warren Gay and sister Ellen Gay. Her beautiful life will be forever cherished in the lives of her twin sister Jane Gay of Lake City, Florida, her son Shane Pope, his wife Katrin, and grandchildren Luke, Ryan, Jackson, Olivia and Greyson Pope all of New Port Richey, Florida.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 30 at 11am at Southside Baptist Church, Lake City, FL officiated by Rev. Richard Rodriquez and assisted by Mr. J. T. Clark.

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my :life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1

GUERRY FUNERAL HOME, 2659 SW Main Blvd., Lake City, FL is honored to serve the family during this time.

08/26/2025

Betty Rochelle Sims, 81 of Lake City, FL walked into the arms of her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, with her daughters at her side.

She was born on September 10, 1943, in Homerville, GA to the late Carl and Grace Hudson. She was preceded in death by her husband, George Sims and her brother, Charles Hudson. She is survived by her daughters Susan (Terry) Sims Crews, Newberry, FL and Katherine Sims Tye, Brunswick, GA ; four grandchildren Andrew (Tori) Crews, of Newberry, Fl, Grace Tye, of Dallas, TX, Pearce Tye, of Brunswick, GA, Hudson (Ragan) Tye of Brookhaven, GA, Matthew Crews of Gainesville, FL, a great-granddaughter Mia Crews, and brothers Keith (Kim) Hudson, Mike (Pat) Hudson, and Tommy Hudson all of Lake City, FL along with several nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Sims was deeply devoted to her family and friends, always placing their needs and wellbeing before her own. Her home and her heart were a refuge for those in need, and she gave of herself freely, offering comfort, strength and unwavering support. She will be remembered for the kindness she extended to others and the love that guided her every action.

A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Guerry Funeral Home, 2659 SW Main Blvd., Lake City, FL. The family will receive visitors from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. with the memorial service beginning at 11:00 a.m. Guerry Funeral Home is honored to serve the Sims Family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in memory of Mrs. Betty Sims to Hospice of the Golden Isles, 1692 Glynco Parkway, Brunswick, GA, 31525.

08/23/2025

Mrs. Mary Ellen West Hodges, age 80 of White Springs, Florida passed away Friday, August 22 in the Willow Brook Assisted Living Facility, Lake City, Florida after an extended illness. Mrs. Hodges was born in Lumberton, North Carolina to the late Fred and Elizabeth Barnes West. She had been a resident of Columbia County since 1964 and was part owner of B & H Septic Tank for 40 years. Mrs. Hodges was a member of the Ladies Auxillary of the Lake City Shrine Club and she enjoyed volunteer work within the school system. She was a wonderful mother and loved spending time with her family.

Mrs. Hodges is preceded in death by her parents and daughter, Wendy Faye Hodges. She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Shelton Eugene “Gene” Hodges: daughter, Cherie E. Stone (Dale) of Lake City, FL: two grandsons, Dillon Stone (Ashlynn) and Colton Stone (Leah) and one great-grandson, Soren Stone.

A graveside funeral service to honor the life of Mrs. Hodges will be held at 10 AM, Tuesday, August 26 in Swift Creek Cemetery, Union County, FL with Pastor Burl Harkey of Northside Baptist Church officiating. A visitation will be begin 30 minutes prior to the service. GUERRY FUNERAL HOME, 2659 SW Main Blvd, Lake City, FL is honored to serve the family during this time.

08/17/2025

🤍For generations, our family has been honored to serve the families of Lake City with compassion, care, and respect. At Guerry Funeral Home, our legacy is built on family, both ours and yours.

12/23/2024

Mr. Jerry Gulmer Johnson, age 77, of Lake City, Florida passed away on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in the Suwannee Valley Care Center, Lake City, Florida.

Mr. Johnson was born in Rutherfordton, North Carolina and had resided in Lake City for the past 30 years. A US Navy Vietnam Veteran, Mr. Johnson served for 30 years and retired as a Chief Petty Officer. After his naval retirement, he received a Master of Science in Nursing and worked in many facets of this field until his retirement in 2011. A lifelong learner, Mr. Johnson also received a theology degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gulmer S. Johnson and Gladys Laughter Baker and a beloved brother, Phillip “Phil” Johnson. He is survived by his wife, Annette Rowe Johnson of Lake City, Florida: his daughter, Barberella (John) DeBello of New York; his son Jerry G. (Barbara) Johnson, Jr. of Cocoa, Florida; two stepdaughters, Diane (Todd) Dinkins of Mulberry, Florida and Zorena Rowe (Alex) Krolikowski of Lake City, Florida; sister-in-law, Barbara Johnson of Jacksonville; four grandchildren and numerous step-grandchildren.

A graveside service with full military honors will be held at 11 A.M. Saturday, Dec. 28, in the Salem Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery, Columbia County, Florida with Rev. Justin Barnett of Lakeland, Florida officiating. Visitation with the family will be 30 minutes before services at the cemetery. GUERRY FUNERAL Home, 2659 S.W. Main Blvd., Lake City, Florida is in charge of arrangements.