History & Staff

Mr. Ferreira's career began at the age of fourteen working as a ground’s keeper at Oaklawn Cemetery in Jacksonville, Florida, owned by the Neil Taylor family and managed by Wes Taylor. Over the next four years he observed the interaction between the cemetery, families, and funeral directors.

In March of 1989, he had his first direct encounter with death in the passing of his grandfather, Sidney G. Friend. While observing his family plan and prepare for his grandfather's funeral, he realized he was called to be a servant to bereaved families. In June of 1989, the day after he graduated from high school, he became a support staff employee at Arlington Funeral Home in Jacksonville, Florida, managed by John G. Osborn. During this time Mr. Ferreira witnessed first-hand the importance of the relationship between grieving families and that of a caring, compassionate funeral director. This realization sparked a passion within him and he immediately enrolled at Miami Dade School of Mortuary Science.
While enrolled at Miami Dade, Mr. Ferreira was employed by Fred Hunter Funeral Homes. Fred Hunter Funeral Homes helped him to perfect his embalming and preparation skills and accentuated the importance of rigid organization within the funeral home. He observed the magical mindset of running a company with excellence.

After graduating from Miami Dade, he returned to Arlington Funeral Home to complete his internship. In 1995, Mr. Ferreira moved to Macclenny, Florida, to work for a local family owned funeral home. In May of 2002, at age 31, Mr. Ferreira purchased his first funeral home in Live Oak, Florida, which he renamed Suwannee Funeral Home. In the following year, December 2003, at age 32, he expanded to a second location in Macclenny, Florida, which he named V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services. In April of 2005, he purchased a third location, formerly Fraser Funeral Home of Macclenny, Florida, established in 1969, and is now Fraser-Ferreira Funeral Services. In January of 2008, he purchased Archie Tanner Funeral Home of Starke, FL which was established in 1976.

On July 22, 2016, Mr. Ferreira purchased Beaches Memorial Park and Funeral Home in Atlantic Beach, Florida. This acquisition allowed Mr. Ferreira the opportunity to serve our Nation's Veterans. The cemetery is located in the Naval Base community of Mayport Naval Basin. A granite wall within the cemetery displays the names of service men and women who are laid to rest on it's grounds. It also depicts what conflict was served by each service personnel from WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Persian Gulf and Desert Storm, to name a few.

The acquisition of this property also included a full-service funeral home on it's grounds. Mr. Ferreira renamed the funeral home V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services at Beaches Memorial Park. The setting of majestic giant live oak trees shade the pristine gardens which display the resting place of loved ones in a tranquil environment; there piece and solitude are provided to visiting families.

Mr. Ferreira is very proud of his heritage in the beaches community as well as that of the State of Florida. Sidney G. Friend, his grandfather, was the Principal at Fletcher Senior High School which served the entire Beaches community for 15 years. He was also responsible for the State of Florida’s Science Fair throughout the State, being a founding father of that educational program. Awarded “Beaches Man of the Year,” prior to his retirement.

Mr. Ferreira’s heritage goes even further than the beaches. In 1565, his Great Grandfather of many generations on Mr. Ferreira’s Father’s side from Portugal, settled in St. Augustine at Number 4 Saint George Street. The State of Florida has recognized the Ferreira Family as a “Pioneer Family.”

Mr. Ferreira’s leadership credentials include the following:
• Currently Serving as Vice President of the Independent Funeral Directors of Florida Association.
• Past president of the Baker County Chamber of Commerce
• Past President of Baker County Jaycees
• Past President of Baker County Lions Club
• Appointed to the Baker County Hospital Authority Board by Governor Jeb Bush. Served nearly two decades in that position; currently chairman of that board.
• Served on the advisory board in funeral services education at Florida Community College at Jacksonville’s North Campus.
• Donated property and a facility to the Samaritan Food Bank that feed thousands of families in Baker County monthly.
• Mr. Ferreira continues to educate himself and staff by offering a mentoring program to current mortuary students. He stresses the need to serve families with excellence and compassion. Although his career is devoted to serving the living, he always remembers he is a mortician and the foundation of his business is serving the deceased with care and dignity.

Mr. Ferreira holds several Licenses with the State of Florida:
• Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer
• Licensed Real Estate Agent since 2013
• Licensed Life Insured Agent since 1995
• Licensed Boat Captain (50 ton)

Mr. Ferreira is the father of two daughters, Emma Elizabeth Ferreira and Ellie Renee’ Ferreira. Emma enjoys her teachers and will be entering a newly built High School 2019-2020. As a freshman, she was selected to the Student Council as freshman Representative. She also is active with the volleyball program as the team captain. Ellie is a meticulous organizer. She enjoys her teachers and is on the track team and volleyball team at the Middle School she attends. Both girls love to eat out with their dad and are very active water sport enthusiasts.

Ashley Steele Miller was born in Orangeburg, South Carolina and she was raised in Florida, Kentucky, Illinois, and in New York. She has been resident of Baker County since 2001 after moving from Gloversville, New York. After graduating from Baker County High School in 2006 she continued her education by earning an Associate of Art Degree at Lake City Community College and also earning an Associate of Science Degree at Florida Community College of Jacksonville in Mortuary Science through their Funeral Services Program. Ashley has been with Ferreira Funeral Services since 2007 and has served as a licensed funeral director since 2009. She continues to attend the Florida State College of Jacksonville Funeral Services Advisory Board meetings where she has been a longtime member.

Ashley met her husband, Chris Miller, while attending high school, and they were happily married in August of 2008. They live in Macclenny with their 3 dogs, twin sons, Christopher James "C.J." Miller, Jr. and Grayson Steele Miller and their newest edition Aubrey Miller. Chris and Ashley are members of Emmanuel Baptist Church where they enjoy attending church and assisting with church events. She also enjoys baking, vacationing, traveling, and most of all, spending time with her family.

Daniel Wheeler was born and raised in Jacksonville, FL. He recently moved to Bradford County in October of 2014. He has two older brothers and a cream colored lab named Thor. He graduated high school in 2009 and graduated from Florida State College at Jacksonville with his Associates of Science degree in Mortuary Science in May 2014.

Daniel’s first experience with a funeral occurred when his grandfather passed away in 2008. The event introduced him to life’s finale and later influenced him to dedicate his life to tending to those who experience life’s biggest heartache. He believes we are all here for a purpose and his is to help those that are grieving to heal.

When he is not visiting family, Daniel enjoys reading, watching movies, and follows both college and professional football. He also loves admiring nature by fishing and taking leisurely walks through parks and forests.

Shelisa was born in Jacksonville, FL to Bishops Ray and Peggy Willis. She grew up in a Pastors home and lived all over the state of Florida. She offers extensive experience in the Human Resource and Administration fields. Shelisa started with Ferreira in 2013 and is the Administration Manager for each of the Ferreira locations. She enjoys all facets of the funeral services industry and considers it an honor to work with families during their time of loss.

Shelisa met her husband Billy Hull while living in Palatka, FL and they married in 1997. They are both ordained ministers in the International Pentecostal Holiness Church under the direct leadership of the SonShine Conference. They are also the proud parents of three sons, Caleb, Blake (Dana) and Augustine. And three precious granddaughters.

Amy Duncan was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida. She graduated from Baldwin High School in 2003. She is the proud parent of her 13 year-old son, Brock and 6 year-old daughter, Adelyn. She enjoys spending time with her children, family & friends. Some of her favorite things to do are going to the beach, antique/boutique shopping, church and helping others.

Melissa Faircloth Hester was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida. She graduated from Orange Park High School in 1999. She also graduated with a BA degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice from the University of North Florida in 2004.

Melissa is a proud parent of her 6 year old son, Jackson. She loves spending time with her son, family, friends, being outdoors and watching college football.

Mr. Gary Bland has over 21 years of experience in the Funeral and Cemetery Industry in North Florida. With a great compassion for people, he enjoys serving others and being involved with community outreach. Gary is a graduate of Orange Park High School and also received his Business Administration Certificate through First Coast Technical College with honors. He is a native of Georgia and currently resides in Fleming Island Florida with his wife of 20 years, Sonia. They enjoy traveling and spending time with each other.

Todd Osbron was raised in Northern Illinois. He and his wife Shirley were married in 1988, after having met while both working for a local blood bank. He is a graduate of Aurora University (Aurora, IL) and Northern Illinois University, College of Law (Dekalb, IL). In 2003, after 12 years of legal practice in Illinois, he and his wife and four children moved to Clay County.

For over a decade, Todd has served the families of Northeast Florida, by helping them plan for their funeral, cremation and cemetery needs prior to the time of need. He is currently serving as a licensed Preplanning Advisor with Ferreira Funeral Services and Beaches Memorial Park. When he’s not helping families make their most important plans, Todd enjoys watching football (Bears), baseball (Cubs not White Sox) and hockey (Blackhawks).

Mr. William Godwin was born in Lake City, Florida in 1962 and was raised in Glen St. Mary. He played Wildcat Football and Graduated from Baker County High School in 1980.

He is married to the love of his life, Cleo Godwin and together they have a daughter, Crystal and three grandchildren that are his pride and joy.

William has been in the funeral business for over 30 years and feels that it is an honor to serve the people of our community.

Cleo Godwin was born and raised in Macclenny, Florida. She is a graduate of Baker County High School, class of 1984. She also has her CDA from Lake City Community College and is a licensed Florist.

Cleo, being a lifelong resident of Baker County, with over 20 years of funeral experience, enjoys assisting each family that she serves with the respect and dignity they deserve.

She married her love in 1991, William Godwin, and together they are proud parents of a daughter, Crystal. She has given them three grandchildren Catelynn, Cayden and Cayselynn that are their pride and joy.

Mr. Johnie T. Hobbs has been involved in the Funeral Business for a number of years. He and his wife, of 46 years, Rebecca, have four grown children, eleven grandchildren and two great grand children. Johnie is an Ordained Minister and the Pastor of Cornerstone Congregational Methodist Church in Macclenny, Florida.

Donna Hildreth was born and raised in Bradford County and is the daughter of the late Rudolph and Anna Mae Sapp. Donna married Brad Hildreth in 1990, they have two sons; Brandon and Brett and are members of Northside Baptist Church.

Donna has spent the last 26 years in Event Planning, Catering, Sales, and Customer Service. Her mission is to offer care and compassion to families during their time of need. Donna enjoys vacationing in the Amish Country and spending time outdoors in her vegetable garden. She is passionate about cooking and baking because she loves sharing her tasty treats with family and friends.

Donna tries to keep a simple life and focus on what really matters to her; Faith, Family, and Friends. Philippians 4:13

Jencie Hardee was born and raised in Bradford County. She graduated from Bradford High School in 2016. She is currently attending Florida State College of Jacksonville to earn an Associates of Science degree in Mortuary science through the Funeral Services program.

Jencie loves to travel and decorate, but most importantly spend time with her family. She has two little sisters which she strives to set the best example for. She is excited for her journey into the field of Funeral Services to assist those in their time of heart ache.

Ms. Mell was born and raised in Baldwin, Florida and graduated from Baldwin High School. She lettered four years in basketball, softball, volleyball, cheerleading and two years as a majorette. After graduation she continued her education at Lake City Jr. College, Midwestern College and the University of Tennessee. While attending Midwestern College in Iowa Ms. Mell was Assistant Coach for the Girls Basketball Team which placed sixth at the National AAU Basketball Tournament. After returning to Baldwin, she met Earle V. Johnson and he became her first boyfriend. Thirteen years after their first date they were married and Ms. Mell was his wife and mother to his four boys for thirty-two years. Her husband passed away in 2003 and none other than Ferreira Funeral Services was in charge of his arrangements.

Ms. Mell also had an extensive career with Mercedes-Benz of North America and retired after twenty-seven years of service. Deciding that retirement was not for her, a month later she started to work at First Baptist Preschool of Baldwin where she stayed for 10 years. During this same period of time Ms. Mell ran for, and was elected to, the Baldwin Town Council. She had many accomplishments while there including the opening of the Community Boutique, a clothing distribution program for the underprivileged. She also started the Annual Easter Egg Hunt and the lighting of luminaries during Christmas at the Coleman House in Baldwin, Florida. During her spare time she also volunteered at the Macclenny Rehab and Nursing Facility. Her first achievement as a volunteer was to locate the family of a resident. After many years apart they were reunited two weeks prior to the resident’s death.

Mr. Todd Ferreira sensed Ms. Mell needed an additional job, so was blessed with a position at Ferreira Funeral Services. According to Ms. Mell, “This is a family and I am grateful and privileged to be on the team.”

Miss Mae White was born in Stephens County, Toccoa, Georgia. She later moved to Alma, Georgia, at age 12. Five years later, she married and moved to Jacksonville, Florida. In 1969, Miss Mae settled in Macclenny and has lived at the same address for the last 38 years.

Miss Mae has two children, Connie and Mitchell. Miss Mae also has five grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Miss Mae is the founder and Pastor of the Corner Stone Congregational Church which was established 1977, in Macclenny, Florida, on the corner of 7th and South Boulevard.

Miss Mae has been serving Baker County families at Fraser Memorial Hospital, 7 years. She also worked for the Northeast Florida Telephone Company, 24 years before retiring the year 2000, only to become active in her community as a grief counselor for Ferreira Funeral Services.

Miss Mae's philosophy is "God first, others 2nd, and me last." Her hobbies are crocheting, reading, traveling, and cooking.

Vincent D. Ferreira, Ph.D. born in Marseille, France, is an American Citizen since birth. Married to Sydney Friend Ferreira of Jacksonville, Florida. He has three great children, V. Todd, son; Jill Baker and Sydney Ferreira Avila, daughters and six excellent grandchildren.

Graduated from Andrew Jackson High School; attended Independence Community College on football scholarship and later attended and graduated with an AA degree from Chipola College. He then entered Florida State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education.

Vincent entered the Army upon graduation from Florida State as a second lieutenant. After earning an Army Commendation Medal for Distinguished Duty State Side, he was promoted to first lieutenant. Upon receiving an assignment to Vietnam at the end of his second year he was promoted to rank of Captain and given a command in Vietnam with the 396 Military Police Company.

Mr. Ferreira worked in the field of sales for 30 years with some distinguished Companies like Scott Paper Company, Michelin USA and personalities like Zig Ziggler, Mary Kay Ash, W. Clement Stone and Dale Carnegie who formed his sales expertise.

Mr. Ferreira became employed with the Duval County School System in 1993; teaching Music, Woodshop, Graphics and coaching soccer, football and swimming for eight years. Later he took a teaching position with his alma mater, Andrew Jackson High School, starting a new graduation initiative program at Jackson for five years. His graduation success rate was incredible in those five years. He then was given a new task as the schools director of activities, which he thoroughly enjoys today.

Mr. Ferreira went back to school and earned a Masters degree in Christian Counseling and his Doctorate in Christian Psychology. He attributes his success in the classroom is directly related to his own studies and loves working with his son at V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services.

Sydney Friend Ferreira, Ph.D was born in Jacksonville, Florida, reared in Jacksonville and graduated from Terry Parker High School, where her father was the Principal; and first principal of the school. Her mother was also a math teacher for 40 years in the Duval County School System.

Sydney has roots in Baker County; her great grandfather A.N. Williams, was a resident of Macclenny and is buried with his wife, Mary at Woodlawn Cemetery in Macclenny. Sydney is the mother of V.Todd Ferreira of Macclenny, Jill Baker of Jacksonville and Sydney Avila of Jacksonville. Sydney has six (6) grandchildren.

Sydney, attended Chipola Junior College and earned a AA degree. She then transferred to Florida State University and earned a BS degree from the School of Education. Sydney is a member of Delta Gamma Sorority and a Theta Chi Little Sister. Later Sydney attended Jacksonville Theological Seminary and earned a Masters Degree in Christian Counseling. Sydney earned her Doctorate in Christian Psychology and became an Ordained Minister while receiving her Doctorate.

Sydney assists Ferreira Funeral Services in anyway she can; through viewings of loved ones and any errands that need to be performed for the firm. Sydney is an Executive Senior Director with Mary Kay Cosmetics and has been affiliated with Mary Kay for 34 years.