From Stone Brothers Funeral Home
Deacon Freddie L. Woolfork, 74, Vero Beach (Gifford)
December 21, 1951 – March 11, 2026
Freddie L. Woolfork was born December 21, 1951 in Milledgeville, Georgia, to the late Henry Woolfork, Sr. and Cora Lee Butts Woolfork. He was one of five children born to this union. Freddie and his family moved to a small community in Indian River County called Spillway, located in Vero Beach, Florida. While in attendance at Gifford High, he played the baritone horn in the high school band. The baritone, and later trombone, remained a part of his life.
In 1969, Gifford High School closed its doors due to the integration of all schools in the county. Freddie’s Senior year was completed at Vero Beach High School (VBHS) in June 1970. While a student, Freddie composed an upbeat song entitled “Freddie’s Cheer,” which continues to get played at every VBHS Friday night football game and pep rally. He then attended Florida A&M University (FAMU), and was a member of the Marching 100 Band; serving as President of the Marching 100 his Senior year. He graduated Magnum Cum Laude from FAMU in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science Degree.
Upon returning home after graduating from FAMU, he joined the work force starting at Piper Aircraft in 1974 to 1991, Metropolitan Life Insurance Company from 1991 to 1997, and Gifford Youth Achievement Center (formerly known as the Gifford Youth Activity Center) from 1997 to 2026, where he currently served as Director of Public Relations and Facilities Operations.
On Wednesday, March 11, 2026, a call for trusted servants went out from Almighty God and Deacon Freddie L. Woolfork answered the call. He went home from labor to reward at 74 years of age. Freddie was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Woolfork Sr. and Cora Lee Butts Woolfork; his brother, Henry Woolfork Jr.; and his sisters, Connie and Sandra Woolfork.
He leaves to cherish his memory and celebrate his life and legacy, a devoted wife of 50 years: Debra Faye Woolfork; one son: Derrick Woolfork, Sr.; two daughters, Shasta Woolfork and Shannon Woolfork Chambers; six grandchildren: Jerome Davis III, Jayden Woolfork, Trinity Woolfork, Donald Martin, Jr., Tamir Chambers, and Derrick Woolfork, Jr.; one sister: Anita (Vernon) Dillard; his mother-in-law: Lena Bell Gaither; two brothers-in-law: Timothy Gaither and Rodney Gaither; three goddaughters: Tiffany Johnson, Gweniesha White, and NaKyah Ross; special friends: Ronnie Ross, Melvin McKay, Howard Brown, Carter Hopkins and Reggie Watkins; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and many more dear friends. Deacon Freddie Woolfork leaves behind a legacy of faith, leadership, service, and community that will forever remain in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.
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Brian Lynn Smith, 61 years old. Born 12/18/1964 in Peoria, IL to Ronald D Smith and Patricia Joseph Kurth.
Brian grew up in IL and moved to Hollywood, FL as preteen. He lived in Hollywood through his teen years with dad and stepmother. He was married and had three kids. He remarried Aug 10, 1996 after a two year courtship.
He loved surfing when he was younger, and always had a love for fishing, Nascar and the FL Gators sports teams.
Brian was an awesome father, providing his kids with great memories full of love, and he was the best husband to his wife. He took his family on annual vacations, and weekend trips to the races and weekend long fishing trips. Those trips included his brothers and other family members.
He loved to travel and see new things, usually there would be some fishing involved along the way. A family past time was working puzzles and playing games. Laughing and having family cookouts.
Brian started working at a young age with his father’s company R.S. Construction & Drywall, his dad said Brian would stand by and watch what he would do with the blueprints and learned from watching. As a man, Brian was very respected for his knowledge in the drywall business, and having ran a lot of large commercial jobs, he knew a lot about fire ratings and load bearing walls. I loved it when a general contractor or architect would call him for advice for specific systems and what would work best for complicated jobs. He started his own company in 2008, Smith Construction & Drywall, and worked until no longer was able.
Brian and his wife had a weekend get away for the last 13 years of his life, they would go to Lopez RV Park in Oakhill, Fl almost every weekend. He would say, “I shrimp to catch the bait, to catch the fish, to set the crab trap, to get the crabs”. Everyone that knew him knew that was his little paradise. He provided plenty of fish, shrimp, and crabmeat for his family, sitting for hours diligently picking the crabmeat to have to eat later. He was an awesome cook and enjoyed cooking some amazing chowders.
Proceeded in death by his father Ron Smith, and his grandparents, Roy and Florence Smith, and Tony and Ester Joseph, stepsister Teresa Smith.
Brian is survived by his wife of 29 years and 7 months, Trina Hearndon Smith. Daughter Christine Smith – Live Oak, Fl, sons Joshua Smith (Maggie) – Fellsmere, FL, Ronald Smith -Sebastian, FL, and his nephew he raised as a son Vince Smith – Ocala, FL. He had many grandchildren, Jaden, Emma, Amber, Mylz, Kendra, Adrian, A.J., Gabby, and newly born Brian. His mother Patricia Joseph Kurth, stepmother Norma Smith, brothers Kevin Smith and Phillip Smith, sister Kelly Smith. Many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Brian loved his family and friends. He is going to be missed greatly.
Services will be held at Sebastian United Methodist Church, 1029 Main St, Sebastian, FL 32958 on Saturday, March 21, 2026.
Visitation will be from 10 am – 11am, the Service will be at 11 am, followed by a celebration of life luncheon in the church fellowship hall.
Donations in Brians name may be made to Sebastian United Methodist Church.
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March 9, 1925 – March 13, 2026
Clarence F. “Korky” Korker, aged 101, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2026, in Vero Beach, Florida. Born on March 9, 1925, in New Canaan, Connecticut the son of Clarence F. Korker, Sr and Irene Dean Murphy. Korky lived a remarkable life that spanned over a century and left an indelible mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
A proud veteran of World War II, Korky enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1943 and served with distinction as part of the Navy Armed Guard. This specialized branch was tasked with manning guns on Merchant Marine ships during the war. Korky’s role as chief photographer at the Brooklyn Navy Yard placed him at the heart of history, where he documented public relations events, photographed VIPs and naval ships before and after battle, and contributed to the bi-weekly newsletter “The Pointer,” which connected Armed Guard personnel both at sea and on base. He concluded his military service in 1945 as a 3rd Class Photographic Petty Officer.
In 1951, Korky and his beloved wife Geraldine (“Gerry”) embarked on a new chapter when they purchased the Ridgefield Photo Shop & Studio in Ridgefield, Connecticut. Together, they transformed the business into a thriving enterprise that became a cornerstone of their community. The shop offered a full range of photographic services, including portraiture, wedding photography, commercial work, custom framing, and retail and wholesale photo finishing. Under their stewardship, the business grew to become the second-largest Kodak dealer on the East Coast during the late 1960s and early 1970s. After decades of dedication to their craft and community, Korky and Gerry retired to Fellsmere, Florida, in 1991.
Korky’s passion for civic engagement was evident throughout his life. He was an active member of numerous organizations, including Kiwanis, Odd Fellows, the American Legion, the Ridgefield Historical Society, the Indian River County Historical Society, and the U.S. Navy Armed Guard World War II Veterans Group in Fellsmere. He was president of the U.S. Navy Armed Guard & Merchant Marines Museum with its national headquarters formerly located in Fellsmere and Vero Beach. His commitment to preserving history and enhancing his community was perhaps most evident in his efforts to save Fellsmere’s historic “Old Public School” from demolition. Through his leadership and determination to rally public support and secure restoration grants, the building was preserved and repurposed as Fellsmere City Hall. In recognition of his contributions, the Fellsmere City Council honored him by naming the auditorium on the second floor “The Clarence F. Korker Center for the Performing Arts” in 2012.
Korky’s legacy extends beyond his professional achievements and civic contributions. Known as a gentleman and role model by all who met him, he was admired for his kindness and ability to connect with people across generations and geographies—from Connecticut to Florida and beyond. His warmth and friendship enriched countless lives.
Korky was predeceased by his cherished wife Geraldine in 2015. He is survived by his son Paul F. Korker; daughter-in-law Elisabeth; many distant cousins; and numerous relatives who will forever hold him close in their hearts.
A man of integrity, dedication, and compassion, Clarence F. “Korky” Korker leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire those who knew him. May his memory bring comfort to all who mourn his passing. Funeral will be held on March 25, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Brookside Historical Cemetery Dryden Ave. in Sebastian FL. The Sebastian Area Veterans Honor Guard will be performing final military honors. A Celebration of Life will be held on April 11, 2026, from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM at Fellsmere City Hall, 22 South Orange St., in the Clarence F. Korker Auditorium. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Humane Society of Vero Beach & Indian River County, hsvb.org
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June 6, 1943 – March 18, 2026
She was born on June 6, 1943 in Bentleyville, PA and grew up on her family’s dairy farm, where she didn’t have running water until the age of 13. She graduated as the salutatorian of the 1961 class of Bentleyville High School. In 1965, she graduated from Penn State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education, followed years later by a Master’s degree from Stony Brook University.
After college graduation she returned to Bentleyville High School where she taught Social Studies for two years. After which she moved to Long Island where she met and married her soulmate, Gerard (Jerry) Weick in 1968. She taught in the West Islip (NY) School District for 30 years where she influenced the lives of so many students.
Retiring in 1998, Jerry and Jane moved to Indian River Shores enjoying all that the area had to offer. She loved the beautiful nature and culture of Florida, spending as much time as possible walking the neighborhood and beautiful beaches. A fearless adventurer, she traveled the world with her husband visiting six continents, all but Antarctica because she didn’t like the cold, and going on over 25 cruises. But her favorite vacations were spent with her family, making beautiful memories in the Caribbean.
She was an avid reader and never seen without a book or her Kindle in her hand.
A caring and compassionate individual, she gave back to her community by volunteering at the Auxiliary of the Indian River Medical Center providing comfort to those in need from 2000 to 2020.
She is preceded in death by her loving parents, Steve and Frances Marchezak.
She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Jerry, her daughter Elissa (John) of Bay Shore, NY and her son, Christopher (Niki) of Orlando, FL. She was most proud to be the Grandma of Jack Horodiski, who she adored immensely.
She enjoyed spending time with her extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins and life-long friends. Jane led an incredible life and left a lasting impression on all those who knew and loved her. She will be greatly missed and remembered forever. We love you, Jane!
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Jane’s memory to one of the following organizations:
VNA Hospice at https://vnatc.org/waystogive/memorials-and-honorariums/
Cleveland Clinic Indian River Memorial Foundation https://give.ccf.org/JaneFrancesWeick
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November 21, 1942 – March 17, 2026
James was born in Brooklyn, NY to Agnes Veronica (Carney) & James Haigney.
Jim attended St. Augustine Prep School before continuing his education at Fordham University, where he earned his degree in clinical psychology. He later pursued graduate studies at Hunter College, receiving his Master of Social Work.
He built a distinguished career in mental health, serving as Director of Community Services at Rockland Psychiatric Hospital in Westchester, New York, where he developed an innovative program for those living with co-occurring psychiatric and substance use disorders. He also maintained a private practice as a clinical psychologist.
In 1991, he met the love of his life, Timothy Sanchez. Three years later, they moved to Vero Beach, Florida, where they enjoyed a beautiful life together on the ocean. Jim began a second career at Berkshire Hathaway, where he helped clients find their dream homes. In 2014, after 23 years together, Jim and Timothy were married in a joyous and long-awaited ceremony in Manhasset, Long Island.
Jim was a devoted Catholic, having served as an altar boy in his youth. His faith remained a constant and guiding presence throughout his life, alongside the love he shared with Timothy.
After a battle with long-term COVID-19, Jim’s health gradually declined. He passed away peacefully on March 17, 2026. Jim leaves behind his loving husband, Timothy; brothers William Haigney (Ellen) and Stephen Haigney (Teresa); and daughter, Christine Haigney. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Marie McGovern (Michael) and Margaret Taylor (Francis).
A Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 500 Iris Ln, Vero Beach, FL 32963 on Monday, March 23, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
