Nassau Funeral Home

02/04/2026

Nelson - Francis John Nelson, Jr., age 85, of Yulee, Florida, passed away peacefully on February 1, 2026.

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Francis proudly served in the United States Army as a young man and worked most of his life at Jefferson Smurfit. He enjoyed fishing, traveling, and pool parties with his family and friends, along with his two beloved dogs, Gracie and Bella. Francis was always happiest when surrounded by the people he loved.

Francis was a man of faith who loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and his church family. His faith guided his life and brought him great comfort and strength.

Francis is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 60 years, Rhoda I. Nelson; children, Richard and Darcy Nelson, Mellissa Gonzales, Cindy and John Collins, John and Paige Shirley; grandchildren, Trae and Bri Jelinek, Trevor Jelinek, Teague Jelinek, Tony Gonzales, Shelby and Justin Valesquez, Sierra Nelson, Ricky Nelson, Shyanne Nelson, John Martin Shirley, Kristi and Andy Dillhyon, Drew Feagle; great grandchildren, Sawyer Penn Jelinek, Blake Dillhyon, Dane Dillhyon; and many nephews and nieces.

Francis was preceded in death by his parents, Francis John Nelson, Amelia Jean Schreier; siblings, Edith Tampier, Al Olson, Jenny Griffis, Barbara Nelson, Shirley Sumney, Junior Livesay, George Livesay; and his son, Gary Gene Nelson.

The tribute above was prepared by Francis’ loving family.

A Celebration of Francis’s Life will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. with Mr. George Lee and Mr. Jon Knochenmus officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. The arrangements are under the care and direction of Nassau Funeral Home, 541720 US-1, Callahan, Florida 32011. 904-879-1770. Visit www.nassaufh.com to sign the family’s guest book.

02/02/2026

Patricia Nicholson Dowling was born on September 16, 1938, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Patrick and Lillian Nicholson. She lived a life defined by creativity, service, and devotion to her family.

Patricia proudly served in the United States Air Force, where she met the love of her life, John F. Dowling, who preceded her in death. Their shared service marked the beginning of a lifelong partnership rooted in dedication and mutual respect.

A gifted and passionate artist, Patrica expressed her creativity most beautifully through quilting. Her extraordinary talent earned her numerous awards, and one of her quilts was honored with inclusion in the Smithsonian Institution—a testament to her remarkable skill and artistic vision. Patricia was an active and cherished member of the Jacksonville Quilting Guild and the Callahan Garden Club, where she shared her love of art, nature, and community.

Patricia was preceded in death by her husband, John F. Dowling; her daughter, Peggy Dowling Wilson and son in law, Mark Wilson; and her siblings, Paul Patrick Nicholson and Sylvia Nicholson Wyzkowski.

Patricia is survived by her daughter, Brenda Dowling Hart and son in law, Charles Hart; her siblings, Patrick Nicholson (Judy) and Clifford Nicholson (Mary); and her brother in law, Bill Wyzkowski.

Patricia leaves behind a legacy of love through her grandchildren, Philip Wilson, Tiffany Wilson, Brandi Hart Werts (Justin), and Jessica Hart Wooley (Jeffrey).

Her joy continued through her great grandchildren, Mercedes Ardolonio, Austin Ardolonio, Dylan Ardolonio, Ethan Capps, Blake Werts, Conner Werts, Macen Werts, Jordan Wooley, Jorgia Wooley, Jade Wooley, and Jhett Wooley. She was also blessed with great great grandchildren, Troy and Connor.

Patricia will be remembered for her artistic spirit, her dedication to service, and the warmth she brought to everyone fortunate enough to know her. Her legacy lives on through the beauty she created and the family she so dearly loved.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Community Hospice of Jacksonville and The Canopy at Duval Station staff for the compassionate care, kindness, and support they provided to Patricia and her family.

The tribute above was prepared by Patricia’s loving family.

A Celebration of Patricia’s Life will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Nassau Funeral Home with Pastor Dean Starling officiating. Interment will follow at Corinth Cemetery in Folkston, Georgia. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. The arrangements are under the care and direction of Nassau Funeral Home, 541720 US-1, Callahan, Florida 32011. 904-879-1770. Visit www.nassaufh.com to sign the family’s guest book.

02/01/2026

01/30/2026

Howell – Christian Connor Howell, age 23, of Callahan, Florida passed away on January 24, 2026. He was born on August 19, 2002, in Jacksonville, Florida.

Christian attended West Nassau High School where he graduated with the class of 2020. After graduation, he went to work at Michael’s Distribution Center where he was employed the past five years.

Christian was an amazing artist and movie guru who could quote entire movies line by line. His favorites include Spider-Man, SpongeBob, Hercules, and Monster’s Inc. He had the biggest heart and loved fiercely.

Christian is survived by his parents, Joseph and Sharon Howell, Amanda Rogers, and Brandon Nalos; grandparents, Minnie Rowell and Bill and Minnie Howell; siblings, Joey (Abrianna) Howell, Kayla Copher, Gabrielle Howell, Hannah Howell, Zachary Shull, Isabelle Shull, Abigail Sanders, and Gabriel Sanders; niece, Cambri Copher; nephews, Hudson Martin and Stetson Howell; and numerous uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends.

Christian was preceded in death by his grandfather, Marvin Rowell; and nephews, Carson Copher and Cohen Copher.

The tribute above was prepared by Christian’s loving family.

A Celebration of Life Service for Christian will be held on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Callahan First Baptist Church with Pastor Todd Carr officiating. Interment will follow at Jones Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the church. The arrangements are under the care and direction of Nassau Funeral Home, 541720 US-1, Callahan, Florida 32011. 904-879-1770. Visit www.nassaufh.com to sign the family’s guest book.

01/28/2026

Nassau Funeral Home wants to invite everyone in the community to a time of discussion and delicious food. We understand how uncomfortable discussing anything funeral related can be so therefore, we want to provide a relaxing space to answer any questions regarding pre-arranging funeral services. There is limited seating available, so please make sure you call or email to reserve your seat. Thank you and we look forward to seeing you.

01/28/2026

Aaron Matthew Kinser, age 59, passed away on January 14, 2026, while on vacation on the island of Bonaire.

Aaron was born in Kettering, Ohio, and grew into a man known for his integrity, intelligence, warmth, and unforgettable sense of humor. He had a quirky wit and never missed the chance to deliver a perfectly timed dad joke.

Aaron proudly served more than 20 years in the United States Air Force, including deployment to Iraq, and retired as a Major from his post at the Pentagon. Following his military career, Aaron continued his lifelong dedication to service as an aviation meteorologist, serving as a forecaster for the Center Weather Service Unit at the Jacksonville Air Traffic Control Center. He was a steady and trusted presence whose expertise and calm professionalism supported the safety of countless flights and the people who depend on them every day.

Aaron met the love of his life, Lori, on July 9, 2018, and they were inseparable from that moment on. They were married during a perfect beach wedding on Madeira Beach, Florida, on September 11, 2021, surrounded by family and closest friends — a day that reflected the joy, love, and partnership they shared.

Aaron is survived by his adoring wife, Lori; daughter, Nina (Adam); son, Nicholaas (Meggie); daughter, Nicole (Mitchell); brother, Adam (Anna); sisters, Christy and Carrie (Kim); and many extended family members and dear friends who will forever cherish his memory.

Aaron’s legacy of service, devotion, kindness, and laughter will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

The tribute above was prepared by Aaron’s loving family.

A Celebration of Aaron’s Life will be held on Monday, February 2, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Nassau Funeral Home with Rev. Philip Stubbs officiating. Interment will follow at 1:30 p.m. at Jacksonville National Cemetery where military honors will be rendered. The family will receive friends on Sunday, February 1, 2026, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. The arrangements are under the care and direction of Nassau Funeral Home, 541720 US-1, Callahan, Florida 32011, 904-879-1770. Visit www.nassaufh.com to sign the family’s guest book.

01/27/2026

Join us in wishing our Funeral Service Assistant, Mr. David Richardson a Happy Birthday! We hope you have a wonderful day and wish you many blessings on the upcoming year.