Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home, 307 S Palm Avenue, Palatka, FL (2026)

01/13/2026

Macey Morris Thomas, 91, passed away after a brief illness on Friday, January 9, 2026, in Ocala, Florida.
Born in Florence, South Carolina and she resided in Palatka, Florida since she was 2 years old. She attended Putnam County Schools as a child, then worked as a care giver in Putnam County, for many years.
She was Macey, Mae, Miss Macey, Aunt Macey, Aunt Mae, or Memaw to all who knew her. She loved her Connect Church (Church of God) family, where she had been attending church since she was 14 years old.
More than anything else she enjoyed spending as much time as possible with her children and 50 grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great- grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Leon Thomas, Sr., a son Samuel J. Thomas, a daughter Susan D. Hathcock, 6 sisters and one brother.
Survivors include daughters, Connie Metzler (Rodney) of Bostwick and Tammie Kechula (Mark) of Orlando; and son Leon Thomas, Jr. (Angie) of Palatka; brothers, James A. Morris (Hilda) and Anthony Morris; 13 grandchildren, 24 great- grandchildren and 13 great-great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and loving friends.
Macey’s Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 pm on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at Johnson-Overturf Chapel, 307 S. Palm Ave., Palatka. The family will receive friends from noon until 1:00 pm on Thursday. Interment will be next to her husband in Oak Hill West Cemetery.
Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at Macey’s Book of Memories page at www.j-ofunerals.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Palatka.

01/13/2026

We are grateful for the amazing hospice groups we have here locally. They provide excellent support to not only the patients but patients families and friends as well.

01/11/2026

Most families prefer the burial of a family member more private and personal. Cremation is also convenient for families who don’t live close to each other. The location for the burial is not also a problem because you can bring the urn when you move and you don’t have to go back to the place you lived before to visit them.

01/11/2026

Grief can feel heavier during the winter season. On this day of awareness, we acknowledge the challenges of Seasonal Affective Disorder and remind you: gentle self-care and connection can make a meaningful difference.

01/10/2026

“Trying to forget someone you love is like trying to remember someone you never met.” - Unknown

01/10/2026

Every life is unique, and the funeral service should reflect that. Our team is here to help you create a personalized and memorable tribute for your loved one. Visit our website to get started: https://www.j-ofunerals.com/our-services/funeral-services

01/09/2026

Elliott James Crews was the most perfect baby boy, a true angel on earth, born August 27, 2025. He was lovingly named after his grandfather, William James, from whom his middle name was given, a meaningful tribute that connected generations through love. In his four beautiful months of life, Elliott showed everyone around him what pure goodness looks like. He was calm and gentle, hardly ever cried and had a peaceful presence that brought comfort to all who knew him. He slept well, rested easily and was happiest when he was held and loved. Elliott had beautiful blue eyes just like his father and the sweetest gummy smile, his parents’ favorite feature and a gift that could light up any room. That smile carried warmth, innocence and joy and it will forever be in the hearts of those who were blessed to see it. Though his time on this earth was far too short, Elliott lived the very best four months of his life, surrounded by overwhelming love. He was the light of everyone’s lives. In that brief time, he taught family that love does not need years to be deep or lasting. His impact was immediate, profound and everlasting. Elliott passed peacefully on January 6, 2026, but his presence will never leave those who loved him. He will always be remembered as the sweetest soul, a perfect angel baby and a reminder that the smallest lives can leave the greatest imprint on our hearts. He will be loved forever, remembered always and carried in the hearts of his family for the rest of their lives.
He was preceded by his maternal grandmother, Cindy Kennedy.
Elliott leaves to cherish his memory, his parents, Erin and Holden Crews, maternal grandfather, Ted Kennedy, Paternal grandparents, Tami and Billy Crews, aunts and uncles, Tatum Crews (Joe), Trevor Kennedy (Jordan) and Maddie Brown (Matt) and cousins, Nova Whisman, Emersyn Kennedy and Micah Brown.
Services celebrating Elliott’s life will be at 3:00 P.M. Sunday, January 11, 2026 at Johnson-Overturf Chapel in Palatka with Josh McKinley officiating. Interment will follow at Palatka Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends Sunday from 2:00 P.M. until the time of services at 3:00 P.M.
Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at Elliott’s Book of Memories page at www.j-ofunerals.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Palatka.

01/08/2026

On Christmas Eve, December 24, 2025, Geary unexpectedly answered his Lord and Saviors call to come be with him. Geary was born in Mary Lawson Hospital in Palatka on July 29, 1956, to Jack Douglas and Nelma Douglas.
Geary had a happy childhood, roaming the wooded areas of Sunny Heights and making many lifelong friends. In his youth, along with his brother Danny, he played Little League baseball for the National League Local 717. It was an exciting time as each year the team grew in their talent and love of the game; eventually winning the Pennant.
After high school, Geary joined the Marines. He served in Okinawa and Korea. In Korea he served as an Artillery Expert, firing the largest cannon the US had at that time. Geary said many times, “I should have stayed in the Marines. I loved it.”
Upon his Honorable Discharge and return home, Geary went to work at Sheffield’s Steel and Price Brothers. He became an expert welder.
After meeting the love of his life, his true soul mate, Tammy Sunday, he decided he should seek employment that would further advance his lifelong goals. At this time, he went to work with Georgia Pacific.
Geary and Tammy were married June 3, 1986. They had 21 beautiful years together, until her death in 2006. Geary was devastated and never got over her loss.
Geary enjoyed fishing and hunting. Many days were spent in the Scrubs of Ocala, hunting with his dad and uncles. He loved going on hunting trips to Lake Butler with his “Uncle Walt”. He was a former member of Roy Road Hunting Club.
Due to service-related health issues, he could no longer fish and hunt as he once had.
However, Geary was a people person, and he did not let his health issues hinder his desire to always be there for anyone in need, and he had a heart for those in need.
He would open his home to anyone that needed a place to lay their heads, even when it was not in his best interests.
Geary was very fond of all his neighbors in Bostwick. He also had a special place in his heart for Mrs. Merle Silcox, whom he called one of the kindest Christian women he had ever met.
Besides his wife and parents, Geary is preceded in death by his son, Greg Douglas, brothers, Jack “Danny” Douglas, and William “Little Willie” Douglas and his lifelong friend, Clyde Thomas.
He is survived by his sons, Chad Douglas of Palm Coast, Dustin Douglas and his wife, Lauren of Palatka. Two Sisters, Linda Kirkland and her husband James and Gail Flanders and her husband, Mike.
His grandchildren include Greg Johnson, Jacob Douglas, Olivia Douglas, Mikel Douglas, Arabella Jones, Amberlynn Jones, Camden Douglas and Caden Douglas. Next month they will be joined by Tucker Douglas.
Funeral arrangements include Visitation and Military Honors. The date will be January 14, 2026 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at Johnson-Overturf Chapel. Interment will follow at a later date.
Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at Geary ’s Book of Memories page at www.j-ofunerals.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Palatka.

01/08/2026

Kenneth Wayne Collins, 68, of Palatka, passed peacefully from this life on Friday, January 2, 2026, at Hospice, Roberts Care Center following an extended illness. Ken was born in Alexandria, Virginia to Gloria H. and James William Collins on June 28, 1957.
Ken graduated from Broad Run High School and continued his education at a Technical school learning Carpentry. He found his passion in this field and worked as a master carpenter in Historical Restoration. He spent many years working with the crew from (IFACS) International Fine Arts Conservation Studios doing historical restoration with a team he considered family.
Ken met and married his loving wife Kathy on April 29, 2017, and the fun ensued. He taught Kathy how to ride motorcycles and they enjoyed travelling. Their adventures included taking trips to hear “The Blues”, visiting many museums, and attending various concerts and cultural events. Ken had a deep love of music. His favorites range from bands from the sixties to current guitar masters. NRBQ, the Nighthawks, Tedeschi Trucks, Allman Brothers, Cristone “Kingfish” Ingram, and John Prine were just a few of what was playing at the house. The couple enjoyed travelling and there was a lot of love and fun squeezed into their time together. He would often speak of the fact that he and Kathy ‘laughed our asses off’ from the day they met. Their bond was truly special.
He will be missed by wife Kathy, his mother Gloria, sister Beatrice, and a few special cousins Vickie Burton (Charlie), Creed Collins (Christina) and Kathy Bush (Joe) who he had grown close to over the last few years. The family lived in Virginia for many years and for a couple of years in Lake Worth, Florida, which is where he learned to surf, an activity he would enjoy until later in life. Ken loved the weather in Florida which would also allow him to enjoy riding his Harley motorcycles. He will be missed dearly, but we are comforted knowing he is at peace.
There will not be any services as requested by Kenneth. The family requested any donations be sent to Haven Hospice Roberts Care Center, 6400 St. Johns Ave., Palatka, FL 32177.
Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at Kenneth’s Book of Memories page at www.j-ofunerals.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Palatka.

01/08/2026

In choosing cremation, you decide where cremated remains reside. Some opt for a placing it permanently at a cemetery, while others prefer to scatter remains at a favorite location of their loved one. But make sure to check with a funeral professional on where you can legally scatter cremated remains!

01/07/2026

Alice Mohr Ryals, 78, of Palatka, passed from this life at Haven Hospice Roberts Care Center following a brief illness. Born in Jacksonville, Alice was raised in Lake Como and graduated from Crescent City High School in 1965. She obtained her AA Degree from St. Johns River Junior College, her bachelor’s degree in Education in 1988 from the University of North Florida and later her masters degree in 1992. Alice moved to Palatka in 1979 where she taught and was a reading coach at Kelly Smith Elementary School and later at Ochwilla Elementary retiring following over 25 years in the Putnam County School District. Following her retirement she came back to serve as a contract tutor at Mellon Elementary and then at James A. Long Elementary School. Before entering the field of education, she had worked at the Putnam County Courthouse, at Putnam Community Medical Center in the Bookkeeping department and with Fred Foxx in obtaining community grants for Putnam County. Alice was very involved at Trinity Global Methodist Church in Palatka where she served as chairman of the Administrative Council, was the choir director and taught Sunday School Classes. She was also a member of the Alpha Delta Kappa (ADK) Sorority for Educators. In her leisure time, Alice enjoyed working with kids (tutoring) and was devoted to serving at her church.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Elsie Mohr.

Alice is survived by her husband of 56 years, Lee Ryals of Palatka, a daughter, Stacey Johnson (Eric) of Oviedo, a son, Kevin Ryals (Katie) of Monroe, NC, 2 sisters, Phyllis Shumate (Allen) of Cataula, GA and Helen Mohr (Willie Wilson) of Surprise, AZ and 4 grandchildren, Scott Johnson, Ethan Johnson, Elizabeth Johnson and Bella Ryals.

Memorial services will be at 11:00 A.M. with visitation from 10:00 – 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at Trinity Global Methodist Church, 1400 Husson Ave in Palatka with Pastor Elizabeth Kluender officiating.

Flowers are gratefully accepted or memorial donations may be sent to Trinity Global Methodist Church, 1400 Husson Ave., Palatka, FL 32177.

Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at Alice’s Book of Memories page at www.j-ofunerals.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Palatka.

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