The Baker County Press Baker County's Circulation Leader

Fall Into Family Fun Trunk or Treat at the YMCA, Saturday, October 29 from 11 am – 1 pm at 98 W. Lowder St. Kids can wear costumes and trick or treat at participating cars in the parking lot. There will be a chili cook-off, games, costume contest and more.

Trick or Treat on Main Street, October 29 from 1-3 pm. Kids can trick or treat at businesses along US 90. Pick up a map of participating business locations from Baker Title and Escrow, 553 E. Macclenny Ave.

Haunted Jail at 42 W. McIver Ave. next to the Emily Taber Library, October 28, 29 and 31 starting at 7 pm. It’s sponsored by the Baker County Historical Society and the Baker County High School history club. Enter the haunted jail’s “Realm of Terror,” then take a candlelight tour of the old sheriff’s building to see the hanging gallows. Food, drinks and game booths will be available for smaller children.

Fall Festival at First Assembly of God, October 30 from 4-7 pm at 206 N. 5th St. It includes free candy, hotdogs, game booths, music, a cake walk and bounce house.

Read More »

Hazel Taylor, 82, of Glen St. Mary

Hazel Harvey Taylor, 82, of Glen St. Mary died Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Jacksonville. A native of Delray Beach, Florida, Mrs. Taylor resided in Baker County all of her life and was a daughter of Lloyd and Daisy Rhoden Harvey. She graduated from Sanderson High School class of 1946, retired from the Northeast Florida State Hospital with 20 years of service and won the volunteer of the year service award at the Frank Wells Nursing Home in 2000.

She was a member of the Taylor Church in Taylor and enjoyed spending time with her friends and family. Mrs. Taylor was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, R.L. Taylor, Sr. in 1998 and her brother Virgil Harvey in 2002.

Survivors include sons R.L. (Paula) Taylor Jr., Darwin (Christine) Taylor and Erwin (Myrtle) Taylor, all of Glen St. Mary; daughter Jana T. (Kenneth) Crews of Glen St. Mary; brother Vernon (Jackie) Harvey of Sanderson; sisters Janette Richards of Mandarin, Juanita Taylor of Macclenny and Margie (Carlton) Davis of Sanderson; 12 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

The funeral service for Mrs. Taylor was held May 22 at 2:00 pm at her church with Rev. Mark Woods officiating. Interment followed at Taylor Cemetery. Guerry Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Ms. Porfiriadis, 86, of Macclenny

Colette Porfiriadis, 86, of Macclenny died May 22, 2011. Colette was born in St. Luce sur Loire, France to Augustin Louis Armand Bourgouin and Marcelle Marie Augustine Bouleau on July 12, 1924. She was a resident of Baker County since 1986 after moving from New York. She loved nature and enjoyed reading National Geographic and history books. She was predeceased by grandson Nikolas Porfiriadis.

Survivors include sons Porfiris Porfiriadis of Davenport, FL and Nikolas Porfiriadis of Taylor; brother Valentin Zelenko of Versailles, France; grandchildren Blake Porfiriadis, Adrienne Hope Porfiriadis, Porfiris Porfiriadis, Jr. and Steven Porfiriadis.

The funeral service was held May 25 at 3:00 pm at V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services Chapel in Macclenny with Rev. Arkady Mikhail Migunov officiating.

Mary Hope, 86, dies May 19th

Mother Mary Lee Hope, 86, of Macclenny died Thursday, May 19, 2011. She was born June 30, 1924 to Commodore Matthew and Janie Mae Brown in Monticello, Florida, and attended public schools in Jefferson County. In 1939 she was married to Deacon Dan Hope Sr., and together they had 11 children.

Mother Hope served faithfully in many areas and departments at St. James Baptist Church in Macclenny. She was loved and adored by all who met her. She was preceded in death by her husband; son Robert J. Hope; sister Jennie Mae Burney.

Survivors include children Ester Gentry, Lovely (Henry) Ellis, Lillie Jackson, William Hope and Dan (Wendy) Hope Jr., all of Macclenny, Faye Douglas of Lake City, Patricia Garcia, Alene Thomas, Linda (Steven) Jones of Macclenny and Samuel Hope of Jacksonville; brother Reverend Harold (Corneluis) Matthew of Tallahassee; sisters Ethel Ross and Charlotte Smith of Miami; 37 grandchildren; 58 great-grandchildren; 18 great-great-grandchildren; three god-daughters; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and devoted friends.

The Homegoing Service will be May 29 at 2:00 pm at Emmanuel Church of God in Christ in Macclenny. Visitation will be May 28 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at her church. Harry Brown Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.