Elizabeth Rue Barksdale

Elizabeth Rue Barksdale, longtime resident of Fleming Island, Florida, passed away on Wednesday, March 18, after a battle with Cancer. Beth was born at NAS Jacksonville on September 12, 1952 to Capt. David Armistead Barksdale and Annie Browne Barksdale. Her family’s travels with the Navy took her to California, Rhode Island, Virginia, and Auburn, Alabama where she graduated from Auburn High School and then earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fashion Merchandising from Auburn University. Beth returned to the Jacksonville area upon graduation from Auburn in 1974, and spent a number of years working as the Bridal Consultant for the Furchgotts Dept. Store in downtown Jacksonville. She later became one of the area’s most knowledgeable ceramic tile sales consultants, working many years with Fleming and Sons, Dal Tile, and The Home Depot.

Beth is survived by sisters; Lynn Barksdale Abbott and Mary Barksdale Mancino of N.W. St. Johns County, Florida; and brother, David Armistead Barksdale, Jr. and his wife Patti Chapman Barksdale now residing in Brooks, Georgia. She was fondly called “Uncle Bethie” by nephews Forrest Abbott and James Mancino, and nieces, Megan and Mandy Abbott, Katie, Samantha, and Casey Mancino, and Lucy and Anna Barksdale. Beth was an avid animal lover, having adopted two homeless doggies, her beloved Beau and Charlie, who she cared for as members of her family. She worked with the Bear Society for many years, rescuing and adopting numerous feral cats.

In recognition of her love and care of animals, the family has planned a special memorial service to which friends and family are invited to bring their doggies to help celebrate Beth’s generous and loving life. The memorial service will take place on the grounds of Oaklawn Cemetery on Saturday, April 4 at 2:00 p.m. in the afternoon. Casual dress is encouraged and leashes are required for any dogs that will be attending. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations of pet food to be collected at the service, or monetary donations in Beth’s name to The Safe Animal Shelter in Middleburg, Florida at www.safeanimalshelter.com. Beth’s remains will be inurned with her father at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.