A Dignified Alternative - Hatcher Cremations

09/05/2026

09/05/2026

Gary Melvin Christopherson

Gary Melvin Christopherson of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away on September 2, 2026

Gary was born August 22,1944, in Mobile, Alabama, to Melvin and Tillia Christopherson. He graduated from Satsuma High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in counseling from the University of South Alabama, a master’s degree in criminal justice from Troy State University, and a second master’s degree from the University of South Alabama. He also completed the Staff Officer Program at the United States Army Command and General Staff College.

Gary proudly served his country during the Vietnam War and attained the rank of lieutenant colonel in the United States Army. He served in the Special Forces as a Green Beret and signal officer. His military decorations included the Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Parachutist Badge, and numerous other honors recognizing his service.

Throughout his life, Gary devoted himself to helping others. He worked for the railroad and later served children and adults through the juvenile justice system, the Brewer Center, and Volunteers of America Southeast. At Volunteers of America, he managed group homes for adults with cognitive disabilities and worked to ensure that the people he served could participate fully in their communities and live as independently as possible.

Gary believed deeply in rehabilitation, inclusion, and the dignity of every person. Whether he was advocating for young people involved in the juvenile justice system or supporting adults with disabilities, he looked beyond a person’s circumstances and recognized their potential. In recognition of his years of dedicated service, Christopherson Estates in Mobile was named in his honor.

Gary was a Roman Catholic, a longtime member of the Mobile Optimist Club, and a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. He also volunteered with the Boys & Girls Club and supported Special Olympics.

Above all, Gary was a devoted father, grandfather, brother, and friend. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Tillia Christopherson. He is survived by his daughter, Cara Wilmot; son-in-law, Ryan Wilmot; granddaughter, Emily Wilmot; grandson, Ian Wilmot; and sister, Patricia Medicus. He will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his country, and the countless people whose lives he worked to improve.

A graveside service with military honors will be held on, September 18, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32218.

A memorial service and reception will be held on September 19, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, 2275 Snow Road North, Semmes, Alabama 36575.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Gary’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association or Volunteers of America Southeast.

View Gary Melvin Christopherson's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/04/2026

When we lose a loved one to su***de or overdose, so many different emotions swirl through us and societal pressures unnerve us. But you should be able to simply grieve for your loss. Check out this article to learn more about common emotional reactions to su***de or overdose loss and how to navigate them successfully.

It seems like it’s all over the news. The opioid crisis is ravaging communities. Another celebrity dies of an overdose. Another teenager takes his own life. Grief is always hard...

09/03/2026

Francis G. Araneo

Francis G. “Frank” Araneo, 85, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away on Saturday, August 29, 2026.

Born on July 5, 1941, in Queens, New York, he was the son of the late Francis and Myrtle Araneo. He earned a Master of Science degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and enjoyed a long career as an aerospace engineer with the Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC) at Arnold Air Force Base in Tullahoma, Tennessee.

A devoted member of Saint Bede’s Episcopal Church in Manchester, Tennessee, for many years, Francis later moved to Jacksonville, Florida, to be with his daughter following the death of his beloved wife, Jean.

He was predeceased by his wife, Jean. He is survived by his daughter, Deborah Davis of Jacksonville, Florida; his granddaughter Sherrie Adams of Daytona Beach, Florida, his sister, Judy Schaeffer of Largo, Florida; and his nephews, Dwaine and Darren Schaeffer.

A memorial service will be planned for a future date in Manchester, Tennessee.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to an animal charity of one’s choice in his memory.

View Francis G. Araneo's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/02/2026

Janice Joy Holley Rogers

Janice “Jan” Joy Holley Rogers, age 86, of Jacksonville Beach, Florida, entered into eternal rest on August 27, 2026. Born on November 5, 1939, in Jacksonville, Florida, she was the daughter of the late Willa Mae and Martin VanBeuren Holley.

Jan graduated from Fletcher High School and soon after fell in love with Jimmy, a handsome Jacksonville Beach lifeguard. The two were married and raised their four children together in Palm Valley until his untimely passing in 1973. As a young widow, Jan moved her family to Ponte Vedra, where she established a successful career as a real estate agent and broker. A beautiful, resilient, and fiercely independent woman, she worked tirelessly as the sole provider for her family.

Jan poured her heart into her community, volunteering countless hours at Ponte Vedra Palm Valley Elementary School as a homeroom mom, contributing to cake walks, supporting the annual fall bazaar, and donating Christmas trees to the classrooms.

She was known for her striking beauty, quick wit, and sharp personality. She was a wonderfully candid woman who never minced words; you always knew exactly where you stood with her right from the start. She had a lifelong love for the beach and shopping. She was an exceptional tennis player, winning several singles and doubles championships at the Sawgrass Racquet Club. One of her proudest and most cherished memories was a historic family tournament where she and both of her sons swept the courts, each triumphantly taking home a championship trophy in their respective divisions.

Jan was also a passionate Florida Gators football fan and an avid golf enthusiast. She loved following the PGA Tour both on television and in person, especially when enjoying a cocktail or two with close friends in the VIP patrons’ tent.

Jan’s strength, vibrant spirit, and dedication to her family will be forever remembered by those who loved her.

Jan was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jimmy, and her cherished son, Jody. She is survived by her children and families: Jay and Cathy Rogers, Jessica, Chris, Sara, Ryan, and Dylan; Jana and Tommy Duffy, Hillary and Lauren; Jennifer and Kenny Killingsworth, Morgan and Aubrie; her six great grandchildren; and her cousin by blood and sister by heart Laurie Morris and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A funeral service will be held on September 9, 2026, at 1:00 pm at Christ Church, where she was a long-standing faithful member and servant. Following the service, family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life gathering at Mavi Waterfront Bar & Grill to come together and share memories of Jan.

View Janice Joy Holley Rogers's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/01/2026

Yvonne Audrey Roberts McCullough

Yvonne Audrey Roberts McCullough, 98, passed away peacefully on August 18, 2026.

Yvonne was born to Marjorie and Pasco Roberts on September 5, 1927, in Jacksonville, Florida. At age 11, she moved to Chicago but returned to Jacksonville at age 16 and attended Robert E Lee High School from which she graduated in 1945. In 1946, she became a Christian and met her future husband, John G McCullough. They married in 1947 at Woodlawn Baptist Church and began building a house across the street from Hyde Park Golf Course where they eventually raised three children. Yvonne (or Audrey as her husband always called her) worked for many years for the US Navy at NAS Jax and retired from the Naval Legal Service Office, JAG, in 1988.

Music and church were special parts of Yvonne’s life. She and Johnny, as she lovingly called him, joined Lake Shore Baptist Church where she sang in the choir for 49 years and often shared her beautiful voice as a soloist. She faithfully attended Sunday School and ensured that her three children were raised in the church. Music was always an important part of her life, and she loved to sing and play the piano at home. After moving to Neptune Beach in December 2005, the couple joined Neptune Baptist. She joined the choir there and made many new, close friends in Sunday School. Her husband passed away at the age of 83 after living in Neptune Beach for three years.

Yvonne, always well-dressed, was a very outgoing person who was practical and independent. One never doubted where they stood with her. She also placed great importance on family and loved bringing everyone together for large Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings, preparing traditional meals with all the trimmings.

She is preceded in death by her loving husband of 61 years, her mother, her father and stepfather (William Taylor), as well as by her three sisters—Alice Mae Vanderbilt, June Elaine Hopper, and Sylvia Arlene Haddock. She is survived by her three children, Elaine Karen McCullough Mann (Richard), Wade Gilbert McCullough (Peggy), and Donald John McCullough (Robert Reeves); her four grandchildren, Melissa Bidwell (Richard), Christopher McCullough, Christa Battaglia (Daniel), and Lauren Fugere (Bryan); and ten great-grandchildren.

The family wishes to thank Vitas Hospice for their loving care; her faithful caregivers, Linda Knight, Carrie Harrison, Jackie Buck, Susan Hargraves, and Michelle Carson who cooked for her and took such great care of her for over two years; and the neighbors across the street—the Godwin family who thought of her as a family member. The Godwins provided many meals and flower arrangements over the years and completed many jigsaw puzzles with “Miss Yvonne.” Sixteen-year-old Andi Godwin provided companionship almost every day during her lifetime.

A celebration of Yvonne’s life will be held on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. at Palms Presbyterian Church since Neptune Baptist is undergoing renovation. Pastor Travis Laney will be officiating. A reception at the church will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Neptune Baptist Church, 407 3rd Street, Neptune Beach, FL 32266.

View Yvonne Audrey Roberts McCullough's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/31/2026

08/28/2026

Have you decided to preplan for your funeral wishes but aren't sure how to talk to your family about it? This article discusses tips and talking points for sharing your funeral wishes with your children and loved ones.

Not sure how to tell your family about your funeral plans? Here are 7 steps to having a positive conversation about your final wishes.

08/27/2026

Julie Louise Cadet

It is with heartfelt sorrow that we announce the peaceful passing of Julie Louise Cadet from this life, at the age of 81, the morning of August 18, 2026, after a gradual decline in health. She was surrounded and supported by her loving family and caregivers during the last days of her life.

Julie was born in Jacksonville, FL and lived in New York through her 20s and 30s before moving back to Florida in 1984, where she lived the remainder of her life. Julie will be remembered for the unconditional love she bestowed upon her family, especially her grandchildren, who were the proud topic of all her conversations, and her beloved friends. She will be remembered with a smile and chuckle how… at the mentioning of garlic butter crabs and liver and onions - and don’t forget the grits… would light up her day. “Ooooh, I can taste them right now!” she’d say. She loved to watch movies, travel, go shopping, and play bingo. However, she will be remembered most of all for her love, faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, which she made known to all that took time to listen.

Julie is survived by her three children Patrick L. Cadet, Estelle A. Green (Matthew) & Curtis A. Cadet and three grandchildren, Jason P. Cadet, Matthew R. Green, Jr. & Milania S. Green.

She was preceded in death by her mother Estelle Buckner Stevens, father Lee Stevens, daughter Lucina A. Pierre, and sister Joanne Rice.

As we bid farewell to Julie Louise Cadet, let us remember and honor the impact she had on our lives. May her soul rest in eternal peace, and may the memories we shared bring comfort during this difficult time.

Julie’s ashes will be interred at Restlawn Memorial Park located at 2600 Ribault Scenic Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32208 at a later date.

If desired, flowers, cards and all much appreciated condolences may be sent to the family residence at 6085 Anglia Dr. Jacksonville, FL 32244.

View Julie Louise Cadet's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/25/2026

Many people don’t realize it, but every funeral home is required by law to keep a General Price List (GPL) available upon request. That means you can sit down with us and review our pricing before selecting our services!

An itemized inventory of all of our services and merchandise, the General Price List not only clearly communicates our pricing, but it also gives you transparent information that can help you make informed decisions. Just give us call at (904) 260-2522 to schedule a short visit to review our pricing!