William and Olga Joos
William “Bill” Joos, 75, grew up the adopted son of Louis “Lee” and Genevieve (Raynor) Joos of Murray Hill. His parents, devout Catholics, adopted Bill from the Sisters of St. Joseph in St. Augustine shortly after his birth in 1940. He laughs about his childhood nickname, “Carrot-top,” which perfectly described the curly red hair he […]
Women who stepped ‘out of role’ served city and its citizens well
Long lasting benefits from five who didn’t accept ‘no’ These days, it’s not unusual to find women in every profession and civic endeavor. Not so in the last century. However, Jacksonville’s history boasts strong and successful women who significantly contributed to the fabric of our society. In observance of Women’s History Month, this feature spotlights […]
George & Eleanor Carswell
There are many benefits to a long married life and, for George and Eleanor Carswell, one benefit is being compatibly in tune with each other after 63 years of marriage. The deep affection and respect between the two, married in 1952 at Riverside Baptist Church, is evident. Their memories are of a beautiful day, a […]
Bert & Jean Oatman
Married 65 years, Bert Oatman has been wed so long he has a hard time recalling a time when he wasn’t in love with his wife, Jean. “I have loved that woman so long, and I still love her!” he said. “I was four years ahead of Jean in school. When I was a senior, […]
Richard and Sandi Thalleen
Whether a mutual love of music or having grown up as near neighbors, to hear them talk, it is clear something special brought Richard Thalleen and Sandi Huber of Lakewood together 60 years ago. After six decades, four children, 11 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, the couple is as close as they ever were and enjoy […]
Delcia Francke
Delcia Francke of Ortega matter-of-factly declares that “being nearly 91 means I get to talk back” – something she does frequently and with endless humor. A 15-year breast cancer survivor, Francke celebrates her 91st birthday on Jan. 5 in good health. Her goal is to reach her 100th birthday as did her mother, Beulah “Bobo” […]
Bill and Eleanor Coalson
Only once in 41 years of living on Greenridge Road did Eleanor Coalson’s husband suggest living elsewhere. He even went so far as to select a lot in Deercreek. “Our home is perfect for us, and I love our street and neighborhood, so I told him he would have to move without me!” said Eleanor. […]
Donna Koren
Ortega resident Donna Koren’s energy and vivaciousness belies her age, making it hard to believe the petite dynamo is a 1963 Lee High School graduate who’s been creating art in Jacksonville for 52 years. A Jacksonville native, Koren is an award-winning commercial illustrator, artist and designer whose list of employers and clients includes May-Cohens, Furchgott’s, […]
