Mayport Lighthouse Association Honors Mayport Maritime Heritage by Hosting First-Ever Lighthouse Keeper Grave Marker Ceremony

The Mayport Lighthouse Association (MLA) proudly hosted its first U.S. Lighthouse Service Grave Marker Ceremony on November 22, 2025, at Jones Cemetery in Callahan, Florida. This historic event honored Amos Beauregard Buford, who faithfully served for more than three decades (1892–1925) as Head Keeper of the St. Johns River Lighthouse in Mayport Village.

As MLA continues its major initiative to save and relocate the historic St. Johns River Lighthouse, this ceremony stands as a powerful reminder of why preservation matters: to safeguard the stories, service, and legacy of those who shaped our maritime history. Local officials and representatives joined MLA in commemorating Keeper Buford’s life, underscoring strong community support for protecting and promoting Mayport’s heritage.

The ceremony marked a significant milestone in MLA’s ongoing mission to preserve and celebrate the maritime history of Mayport Village and to recognize the keepers and lightship crewmen who dedicated their lives to guiding mariners safely into and out of the St. Johns River through shifting sand bars and strong currents.

Distinguished Guests and Community Support

The event was led by Beverly Oakes, MLA Board Member and Program Chair for the Lighthouse Keeper Grave Marker Program, who welcomed attendees and introduced dignitaries, family members, and community partners. MLA was honored by the presence and support of numerous local representatives, including:

• State Representative Kiyan Michael and Legislative Aide Destiny Davis

• A.M. “Hupp” Huppmann, Chairman, Nassau County Board of Commissioners

• George Spicer, District Aide for State Representative Dean Black

• Zachary Etchberger, Legislative Assistant to State Senator Clay Yarborough

• Jason Titcomb, Executive Director, St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum

Members of the Buford family, representing three of Keeper Buford’s four children, were also in attendance, sharing personal remarks and participating in key moments of the ceremony.

The descendants of Keeper Buford had a great time coming together in honor of their ancestor, Amos Beauregard Buford. It was very important to them that the program included a descendant from each of Keeper Buford’s children.

The thoughtful ceremony featured Keeper Buford’s descendants in multiple ways. His great-grandchildren honored him through song and readings, a great-great-grandchild closed the ceremony with “The Lighthouse Keeper’s Prayer”, and his great-great-great-grandchildren carefully placed the American Flag. It was a beautiful celebration of familial history and heritage.

At the request of Connie Permenter, Keeper Buford’s granddaughter, MLA Vice-President, Elizabeth Boggs, provided an update on the Association’s current feasibility study to explore the safe relocation of the St. Johns River Lighthouse to the Mayport Village waterfront, where it can be restored and regain its place as a centerpiece of village life. At the conclusion of the ceremony, “Ms. Connie” shared, “People love lighthouses and are drawn to them for their mystery and romance. A big “Thank You” to everyone that made the grave marker ceremony happen.”

MLA extends its deep gratitude to the Air Force ROTC Honor Guard from West Nassau High School, the Jones Cemetery Association, especially Keith Wingate, and the entire Buford family for their support, participation, and stewardship of family history.

Preserving Mayport’s Maritime Legacy

The ceremony reflects MLA’s commitment to honoring those who shaped Northeast Florida’s maritime identity. As an affiliate of the U.S. Lighthouse Society, MLA has joined the national effort to recognize lighthouse keepers and lightship crews nationwide. Keeper Buford’s ceremony marks the first of MLA’s grave marker dedications to commemorate those who served at the St. Johns River Lighthouse, the St. Johns Lighthouse, and the St. Johns Lightship.