Gateway-Forest Lawn Funeral Home and Crematory

05/28/2026

Steven Glenn Baisden

Mr. Steven Glenn Baisden, 43, passed away on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at The HCA Florida Lake City Hospital following an illness. He is the son of Steven Glen Baisden and Dedra Boston. He was a lifelong Columbia County resident and enjoyed riding motorbikes and four-wheel drives, spending time with his family, building bonfires, grilling, and was always willing to help people.

Steven is survived by his mother, Dedra Boston (Dennis), Lake City, FL, his father Steve Baisden, Lake City, FL his two sons, Tyler Chapin and Dalton Baisden, both of Lake City, FL and one daughter, Kailyn “KK” Baisden, Lake City, FL; and one sister Stephany Baisden, Lake City, FL; and two grandchildren also survive.

A celebration of life for Steven Glenn Baisden will be held at a later date at his mother’s residence, 285 NW Saturn Lane, Lake City, FL 32055. Friends and family are warmly invited to attend the service. Cremation Arrangements are under the direction of GATEWAY-FOREST LAWN FUNERAL HOME, 3596 S US Hwy 441, Lake City, FL 32025. Please leave words of comfort for the family at www.gatewayforestlawn.com.

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05/28/2026

Frederick Eugene Hodson

Mr. Frederick Eugene Hodson, 72, passed away on Monday, May 25, 2026, at his residence following an extended illness. He is the son of the late Thurman and Emma Catherine Barnes Hodson. He had made Lake City his home for the past fifty years after moving to Lake City from Ohio. He was a member of Lake City Moose Lodge and enjoyed playing music and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his son Thurman Frederick Hodson, Ohio, three daughters Amy Mock, Canton, GA; Fredericka Eugenea Griffin (Scott), North Carolina, Kallie Hodson, Lake City, FL; four brothers Rick Hodson (Karen) White springs, FL; Billy ray Haslem Columbus, Ohio, Danny Haslem, West Union Ohio, and Bill Hodson (Kathy) Zenia, Ohio, three sisters Betty Dean (Stanley) Cape Cod, Massachusetts, Jancis, and Connie both of St. Charleston, Ohio. Ten grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, and many extended children and grandchildren also survive.

A graveside service for Mr. Frederick Eugene Hodson will be held on Monday, June 1, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Salem primitive Baptist Church Cemetery in Lake City, FL. With Brother Roger Pinkston officiating. Friends and family are warmly invited to attend the service and visitation. Interment will immediately follow the graveside service. Visitation will be held at 1:00 P.M. at Gateway-Forest Lawn Funeral Home on Monday, June 1, 2026.

Arrangements are under the direction of GATEWAY-FOREST LAWN FUNERAL HOME, 3596 S US Hwy 441, Lake City, FL 32025. Please leave words of comfort for the family at www.gatewayforestlawn.com.

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05/27/2026

Steven Arthur Chamberlin

We are saddened to announce the passing of our beloved husband, dad, and grandad, Steven Arthur Chamberlin of Lake City, Florida. We are rejoicing that he peacefully went home to be with Jesus after an extended illness. He passed away on May 25, 2026, at the age of 77 years old.

Steve was a man of great strength, unwavering love, and deep devotion to his family. He leaves behind a legacy of his newfound faith, wisdom, laughter, and memories that will be cherished forever. Through his teaching, coaching, and administrative roles, Steve impacted many lives through the stories that live on still today.

He was a devoted husband to Joann, a loving father to Georgia and Ray Chamberlin, and a proud and deeply loved grandfather to Juliana, Mara, and Fletcher. Steve is survived by his sister, Linda (Sam) Cleveland of Georgetown, Texas. His family was the center of his world, and he took great joy in every gathering, celebration, and moments spent together.

Steve is an alumni from Columbia High School, class of ‘67, and an alumni from the University of Georgia, class of ‘72, where he played center for the Bulldogs. He retired from Columbia County Schools after dedicating 33 years of service.

Steve enjoyed playing golf, fishing, and watching his favorite Columbia High Tigers and University of Georgia Bulldogs football teams. He also had great pride in following his son’s umpiring career. Steve attended Lake City Church of God, where he served on the Pastor’s Council. Steve was known for taking his family on many special vacations and had a passion for antique vehicles, which his grandson now drives to honor that passion.

Steve is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Joann, of 56 years; his children, Georgia Chamberlin of Lake City and Ray (Alli) Chamberlin of Minneola, Florida; and his grandchildren, Juliana Brantley, Mara Chamberlin, and Fletcher Chamberlin. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. L.R. (Peg) Chamberlin; brother, Bob Chamberlin; and sister, Joan C. Johnson.

Funeral arrangements will be on Friday, June 5, 2026, and held at the Lake City Church of God, 173 SE Ermine Avenue, Lake City, Florida. Visitation will be held from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm. The service will follow at 4:00 pm with Reverend Carl Thomas officiating and assisted by Brother Dennis McMillian.

Arrangements are under the direction of GATEWAY-FOREST LAWN FUNERAL HOME, 3596 S US Hwy 441, Lake City, FL 32025. Please leave words of comfort for the family at www.gatewayforestlawn.com. Friends and family are warmly invited to attend the service.

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05/27/2026

Mary L. Harrington

Mary L. Harrington, 89 of Lake City, passed away on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at the Solaris HealthCare of Lake City. She was born on September 8, 1936 to her father William “Bill” Langdale, who passed away when she was 1 ½ years old and her mother Vera Green Langdale, who passed when she was 6 months old. Following the death of her parents, Mrs. Harrington was raised by her grandparents, Amos and Ruby Green. At the age of 7 she contracted polio and she attended the Lake Lona School from the first to eighth grade and graduated from Columbia High School in 1955. Mrs. Harrington was a member of Watertown Congregational Methodist Church and had a long career with Southern Bell for 33 years. In 1955 she married William R. “Billy” Harrington and they were married for 41 years. She was preceded in death by her parents; her grandparents; her husband, William R. “Billy” Harrington; and one son, David Carl Harrington.

Survivors include her son, Everett Harrington (Donna) of Jacksonville, NC; special cousins, Russell and Joyce Cheshire of Lake City; three grandchildren, Tracy Bass (Eric), Christina Gilmore (James) and Angel Harrington; and ten great-grandchildren.

Funeral services for Mrs. Harrington will be conducted on Monday, June 1, 2026 at 11:00 AM in the Gateway-Forest Lawn Memorial Chapel with Pastor Randy Ogburn officiating. Interment will follow at Siloam Methodist Church Cemetery. A time of visitation with the family will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

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05/25/2026

Today we stop and reflect on those who have lost their life serving our great nation. Those who served and protected these freedoms that we love and cherish everyday as Americans. Not only do we remember them, but we remember their families as well. We owe both them and their families a debt of gratitude! We will continue to honor you and your ultimate sacrifice you made protecting our freedom; and we continue to keep those individuals, those veteran’s families in our thoughts and prayers!

Happy Memorial Day!

05/23/2026

As our local area schools are starting their commencement exercises for their senior classes, we want to take an opportunity to say Congratulations to the Belmont Academy Seniors who had their commencement ceremony a few short days ago and to the Fort White High School Seniors who graduate tonight! We all are very proud of you and your accomplishments! We wish every one of you a successful and prosperous future in all that you do;
and that you achieve any and all goals you put your mind to!

Congratulations to the graduating class of 2026!

05/22/2026

Susan Ann Gatz

Susan Ann Gatz, 75, of Lake Butler Florida, was called home to be with the Lord on Thursday, May 21, 2026, in her home surrounded by loved ones. She was born on June 17, 1950, in Wheaton, Illinois, to Ted and Anna May Maas. Susan attended Wheaton Central High School and St. John’s Lutheran Church. In her younger years, she enjoyed sketching and playing the guitar. She went on to become a dedicated mail carrier with the Wheaton Post Office, where she eventually left to start her family as a wife and mother.

After moving to Florida, she continued her life of service as a compassionate caregiver at LCMC and made her home in Lake Butler with her husband, Mark, in 2006. Susan dearly loved her husband and family. In her retirement, she found joy in life’s simple blessings—reading, spending time in nature with her husband, and reminiscing about cherished loved ones and precious memories. She had a deep love for the Lord and was known for her gentle, sweet, and caring spirit. Susan was a faithful member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Lake City. She rested firmly in the assurance of God’s grace and the saving love of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Mark Gatz of Lake Butler Florida; her brother, Ted Maas of Plano, Texas; her sister, Holly Burnette (Charles) of Lake City, Florida; her daughter, Nicole; her granddaughters, Amber (Tyler), Devyn (Ahmed), Autumn, Rosie and Lily; as well as many beloved great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews who find comfort in knowing she is at peace in the presence of the Lord.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ted and Anna May Maas; her sons, Aaron and Christopher Hansen; and her sisters, Pam Rompa and Mary Batson.

Graveside funeral services for Mrs. Gatz will be conducted on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at 3:00 PM at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens. Interment will follow. A time of visitation with the family will be one hour prior to the service from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Gateway-Forest Lawn Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to church, ministry, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or the charity of your choice in her honor.

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05/20/2026

Thelma Estelle Flanagan

Thelma Estelle Gordon Flanigan, age 87, went to be with her Heavenly Father on Friday, May 15, 2026, at Serenity Estates in Daytona Beach, Florida, surrounded by her loving family.

Estelle was a woman of great faith, kindness, and warmth who never met a stranger. She enjoyed gardening, crafting, singing, canning, and talking with people. Her beautiful crafts and caring spirit blessed the lives of many who knew and loved her. She devoted her life to her family and leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and treasured memories.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, James Coleman Gordon, with whom she shared 39 years of marriage, and George Flanigan, with whom she shared 17 years of marriage. She was also preceded in death by her father, Sam K. Minton, her step-father, Lewis Hodge, and her mother, Thelma Estell Hodge.

She is survived by her daughter, Rebecca “Becky” Holloway Emanuel and husband George Emanuel; her son, James Coleman Gordon Jr. and wife Janet Gordon; and her foster daughter, Florence Simmons and husband Seldon Simmons.

She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren: Dewey Holloway (Amanda), Timothy James Holloway (Stephanie), Jamie Lynn Gordon, James Coleman Gordon III, and BJ Simmons; along with two great-grandchildren, her brothers, Landrum Ezell Hodge and John A. Minton; her sister, Eloise H. Fleming; and many loving nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the hospice staff at Vitos of Daytona for lovingly caring for Estelle in her last days.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 1:00 PM EST / 12:00 PM CST at the family cemetery located at: 19198 North East County Road 274 Altha, FL 32421; Rev. Jack A. Caldwell will officiate the service. Flowers may be sent to: 19198 North East County Road 274 Altha, FL 32421. The family appreciates your prayers, love, and support during this difficult time.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of GATEWAY-FOREST LAWN FUNERAL HOME, 3596 S. US HWY 441, Lake City, FL, 32025, 386-752-1954. Please leave words of comfort for the family at www.gatewayforestlawn.com.

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05/20/2026

Neal Clark Horne

Neal Clark Horne, 86, was born on September 4, 1939 and passed away on Monday, May 18, 2026, at Haven Hospice. He was a lifelong resident of Lake City with the exception of several years he lived and worked in Starke. He was a graduate of Columbia High School Class of 1957. He worked for FP&L for 33 years and then worked at McDuffie Sporting Goods for 22 years. There he was “right at home” in that his family had a long-established relationship with the McDuffie family and they continue to be a part of the extended family.

Neal was an avid outdoorsman and sportsman and always loved gathering with friends. He was a dedicated family man, always there for his children, grands and great grands and all his cousins, nieces and nephews. He strived to keep them all “close.”

He was the son of the late Cassie Clark Horne and Corbett Horne. One of seven children and the last surviving child. Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Carol Haworth Horne, his three children Cindy Tramel, Deborah Housch, both of Lake City and Neal (Jennifer) of Sarasota. Grandchildren include Dr. Heather Sharp (Lewis), Caris Roth (Travis), Haley McAfee (Jason), Jessie Dockery, Grayson Housch (Hannah), Clark Horne (Rachel), Preston Horne (Lauren) and Emma Horne. Great grandchildren Isabella, Olivia, Avary, Beckham, Carter, Emory, Evie, Charlie, Grace, Violet, Ivy and Palmer. Many cousins, nephews and nieces also survive including former son-in-law Mike Housch who Neal loved very much. He is preceded in death by his grandson, Johnny Horne.

The family would also like to note the close friendship of his caring and loving friend Paul Coglin, who showed up every week to help him and drive him to town. Words cannot express our gratitude. Also, all the wonderful friends of Jessie Dockery who have helped immensely.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, with a visitation from 10:00-11:00 and service from 11:00-12:00, all at the First Advent Christian Church, State Road 47 in Lake City. Arrangements are under the direction and care of GATEWAY-FOREST LAWN FUNERAL HOME, 3596 S. US HWY 441, Lake City, FL, 32025, 386-752-1954. Please leave words of comfort for the family at www.gatewayforestlawn.com.

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05/20/2026

Service for Mr. Carl Covey, Jr.

05/18/2026

Michael N. "Mike" Roberts, Sr.

Michael Neal “Mike” Roberts, 78 of Lake City, passed away on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at the Haven Hospice Suwannee Valley Care Center. A native and lifelong resident of Lake City, Mr. Roberts was a son of the late Otis P. Roberts and Eloise Markham Roberts. Mr. Roberts was a graduate of Columbia High School class of 1967 where he lettered in track. He furthered his education at Lake City Community College and served our country in the United States Army including one tour in Vietnam. Mr. Roberts was an avid Columbia High School sports and Florida State football fan. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, wood working and could fix almost anything. Mr. Roberts was a member of Gideons International and a longtime member of Hopeful Baptist Church where he enjoyed singing in the choir. Mr. Roberts worked for many years with the Columbia County Road Department as the Director of Public Works. Papa Mike enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his family and grandchildren. Mr. Roberts was preceded in death by his parents; and two wives, Julie C. Roberts in 1992 and Patricia A. “Patsy” Roberts in 2018; one son, Jerry DePratter; and one brother, Bobby Roberts.

Survivors include his wife, Dr. Marty Cox Roberts, Lake City; children, Michael Neal Roberts, II, Lake City, Charlene Rollins, Daytona Beach, FL, Joey DePratter (Brenda), Tony Cason, Dr. Lorrie Wheeler (Brad), Paula Griffin (Bryan) all of Lake City; Jason Criss (Rachel), Gainesville and Troy Criss, New York, NY; brother, Otis Roberts, Jr. (Lorraine), Lake City; sister-in-law, Janet Roberts, Lake City; grandchildren, Payton Roberts, Drake Roberts, Dominic Pippio (Angel), Tyler Rollins, Elizabeth Lawrence, Lacey DePratter, Morgan DePratter, Bryce DePratter, Jerrilyn DePratter, Holly Wheeler Cowen (Charlie), Haley Wheeler Davis (Josh), B.J. Wheeler (Hanna), Hanna Wheeler Anschultz (Nick), Cason Griffin (Aleigh), Corey Criss (Reese), Taylor Criss, Brian Criss and Brandon Criss; many great-grandchildren who were adored; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Mr. Roberts will be conducted on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at 3:00 PM at Hopeful Baptist Church with Dr. Rodney Baker and Dr. Billy Young officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery. A time of visitation with the family will be one hour prior to the service from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hopeful Baptist Church.

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