Elena Golden

-St. Pope John Paul II

Elena Golden, 83, on Manzanillo, Cuba, passed away on February 12, 2026 after a few months of carrying the cross of Lymphoma, She was born on November 25, 1942 in Manzanillo, Cuba. She came to the US when she was 18 and lived in Miami, Florida. She is preceded in death by her parents; Carolina and Fernando Martinez.

She studied at a Private Catholic School in Jamaica before coming to the US in 1961 with her parents and two brothers Orlando and Fernando. In Miami, she worked for her father in his CPA business doing administrative work. Elena married George Halkard on August 16, 1963 in Miami, Florida and moved to Jacksonville, FL. She was happily married to George for 40 years until his passing. She was a devoted mother to Carol Nelson (Joey), Bertha Dolen (Sam), Phoebe Reformado (Mike), Susie and Ralph. She had 12 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. She was married to Jack Golden for 10 years before he passed away in 2014. She leaves behind her most recent long time life partner of 10 years, Travis Mangham whom she loved and enjoyed life with to the fullest. Elena was predeceased by George Halkard, Susie Knight, Ralph Halkard and Jack Golden.

Elena's legacy of love, humor, dancing and perseverance will be carried forward for those who had a privilege of knowing her. Her remarkable life will forever be an inspiration, a testament to the power of an indomitable spirit enthused with love, having fun and resilience. She was such a loving, kind and friendly soul. Elena would talk to anyone she met and put a smile on their face and always went out of her way even driving at 83 to go visit her family. She enjoyed riding her golf cart in her neighborhood, swimming, biking, boating and even got on the back of her youngest daughters motorcycle. She will truly be missed everyday and never forgotten.

Elena loved to dance and she was the center of entertainment. She loved going to 57 Heaven to dance and was known as "Dancing Queen". She and Travis would go every Saturday night until just months of her passing. She loved spending time with family at any occasion and was always there for her grandchildren to visit and participate in their lives as much as possible. She was an active member of Celebration Church in Macclenny, Florida.

The celebration of life in honor of Elena Halkard-Golden will be held on February 28, 2026 at 10 AM. In remembrance of Elena, you may send flowers to Hardage Giddens Greenlawn Funeral Home at 4300 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207.