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Hardee County, FL
Obituaries Citrus County Chronicle Jan. 13, 2009 Helen J. (Schontag) Swartz 1919 - 2009 A service of remembrance for Helen J. Schontag Swartz will be held 1:00 p.m. Wednesday January 14, 2008, at the Homosassa Chapel of Hooper Funeral Homes. The family will receive friends from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Graveside services will be held 2:00 p.m. Thursday, January 15, 2008, at New Hope Cemetery, Wauchula, Florida. Helen J. Shontag Swartz left her earthly home and went to be with the lord on 1/9/09. She was 89 years old. Helen was born 2/2/1919 in Wauchula, Florida, to the pioneer family of Stanley and Teresa Schontag. Helen met her future husband, Peter J. Swartz Sr., on a visit to Chicago, Ill., when she was 18 and they married and had four children. Helen and Jack moved back to Florida in 1966 and settled in Sarasota. Mrs. Swartz was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years; her grandson, Peter J. III; sisters, Lillie and Stella; and a host of other relatives. She leaves to morn her passing one sister, Frances; one brother, Eddie Schontag; two daughters, Barbara Grill, Alice Yoder; two sons, Peter Jr. and Edward; eleven grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson. Helen was much loved by her family and will be greatly missed. She will have a homecoming service in Homosassa Springs with burial in Wauchula FL, where she will once again be reunited with her mama and daddy, sisters and other relatives. Contributed by Norita Shepherd Moss Presque Isle CountyAdvance 11/20/2008 Bittner, Inez C. Born: 11/10/1934 Died: 11/18/2008 Inez C. Bittner (formerly Dembny, nee Merchant), of Wauchula, Florida, and Mayville, departed this life on November 18, 2008. She is survived by her loving husband, Wayne; daughter, Lynn (Alan) Dawson; brother, Gordon (Delores) Merchant; sisters, Virginia Rightenburg, Ruby (Harold) Boyse, Dorothy Brege; stepdaughter, Shelly Nault; grandchildren, Rachel and Heather Nault; numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws and many special friends, as well as former husband and Lynn’s father, Ray Dembny. Contributed by Norita Shepherd Moss Tampa Bay Online Aug, 18, 2006 B.J. CARTER , 72, passed away Saturday, August 16, 2008, in Avon Park, Florida. He was born in Wauchula, Florida on September 12, 1935, to Riley Jackson and Bernice (Jones) Carter. He was the Chief Correctional Officer at the Avon Park Correctional Institute for 35 years, retiring in 1991; he served in the United States Army and had been a resident of Avon Park since 1937, coming from Wauchula, Florida. He is survived by his wife, Mary Lucy Carter of Avon Park, Florida; son and daughter-in-law, Wesley H. and Valerie Carter of Collierville, Tennessee; daughter and son-in-law, Deborah G. and Gary Colson of Ft. Meade, Florida; brother, Herman Riley Carter of Lake Placid, Florida; six grandchildren. Diane Wagner, Christopher Colson, Brian Colson, Wesley H. Carter, Jr., Mitchell Andrew Carter and Nakeal L. Carter; five great-grandchildren, Treyson Wagner, Bryson Wagner, Hailey Colson, Tyler Carter and Malakai Carter. Visitation will be Wednesday, from 12-1 p.m., August 20, 2008, in the First Baptist Church in Avon Park. Funeral service will be at 1 p.m., Wednesday, August 20, 2008 in the First Baptist Church, with Rev. Jack White officiating. Burial will follow in Bougainvillea Cemetery. STEPHENSON-NELSON FUNERAL HOME Avon Park, Fla. Contributed by Norita Shepherd Moss Death Notices Friday, January 6, 1933 The Florida Advocate Mildred May, age 5. Daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Ira May. Burial in Oak Grove Cemetery. Contributed by Norita Shepherd Moss George A. Singletary, age 60. Burial in Coward, S.C. Survivors: Widow, Mrs. Stella Singletary, son, Leon Singletary, several brothers of South Carolina. Contributed by Norita Shepherd Moss January 13, 1933 Harry A. Greene of Atlanta, GA (Former resident of Wauchula). Survivors: Widow (not named), sisters Mrs. A. Yancey Teachy and Mrs. D. P. Sellers of Wauchula; Mrs. R. W. Burke of Jacksonville, Mrs. M. E. Cowley of New York City; brothers Wade W. Greene, Roy M. Greene of Detroit, MI, E. Murry Green of Chicago. . Date of Death: January 2, 1933 in Atlanta, GA; Burial in Wauchula Cemetery) Contributed by Norita Shepherd Moss T. R. Forrest, age 63 of Albemarle, Stanly County North Carolina. (Former resident of Wauchcula). Died December 26, 1932. Contributed by Norita Shepherd Moss Mrs. Evelyn Hall Sims, age 17. Died December 22, 1932 at Maude. Burial at Maude on December 23rd. Survivors: Husband, Frank Sims, infant child, mother, Mrs. William Hall. Contributed by Norita Shepherd Moss Friday, January 13, 1933 The Florida Advocate Mrs. Tony Pearce, Arcadia. (In the Gardner news section) Contributed by Norita Shepherd Moss Friday, January 20, 1933 The Florida Advocate M. P. Gardner, age 81. Born in Live Oak, Florida. Resident of Zolfo Springs for 30 years. Member of Masonic Lodge of Wauchula. Funeral service at New Hope church and burial in New Hope Cemetery. Survivors: Widow and three living children, Mrs. Charles H. Brown, Tampa, J. B. and M. P. Gardner of Zolfo Springs, several grandchildren and great grandchildren. Contributed by Norita Shepherd Moss Friday, January 20, 1933 The Florida Advocate Mrs. Martha Jane Lastinger, age 79. Pioneer resident. Born May 25, 1853 in Thomasville, GA. Funeral services at Bethlehem church. Survivors: 5 children and three brothers. Children: M. L. Lasginter of Wauchula; Mrs. C. W. Whidden, Zolfo Springs; Mrs. J. E. Burkett and Mrs. Mamie Tucker, Lakeland, and Mrs. Julia McLean, Lake Wales. Brothers William and Jeff Pollard, Tampa, and Hiram Pollard, Lithia. Contributed by Norita Shepherd Moss Friday, January 27, 1933 The Florida Advocate Amos Strunk, age 83. Came to Wauchula from Philadelphia. No known living relatives. Burial in Wauchula cemetery. Contributed by Norita Shepherd Moss Friday, January 27, 1933 The Florida Advocate S. H. Harn, age 73. Funeral services at Fort Green Baptist Church. Survivor: One sister, Mary Ann Arnold, of Arcadia. Contributed by Norita Shepherd Moss The Lakeland Ledger January 19, 2009 Homemaker WINTER HAVEN - Merry W. Garrett, 80, of Winter Haven died Sunday, January 18, 2009 at Winter Haven Hospital due to heart failure. Born June 4, 1928 in Wauchula, Fl to Harley and Oroff Wadsworth she has been a lifelong resident of Winter Haven. She was a homemaker and has been a member of First Presbyterian Church of Winter Haven for over 50 years. Many knew her to be the most kind and considerate person that you could ever know. Merry is survived by her husband of 60 years, Bill Garrett; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 5:00pm till 7:00pm, Wednesday, January 21, 2009 at Oak Ridge Funeral Care, 2425 Havendale Blvd., Winter Haven. Funeral Services will be held at 2:30pm, Thursday, January 22, 2009 in the Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Steven Negley and Dr. Alan Harvey officiating. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery. Contributed by Norita Shepherd Moss The Greenville News 09-23-2006 Greenville, SC John Eley Parnell, 69, of 26 Becky Gibson Road, Greer, S.C., died Thursday, September 21, 2006. He was born in Wauchula, Florida. He was the son of the late Calip M. Parnell and Nina Collier Whidden. He was a decorated Vietnam veteran and retired GY. SGT. USMC, a Boy Scout leader for 14 years, and a member of Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church. He traveled far and wide, and chose Greer as his home. Most important, he was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife, C. Linda Parnell of the home; a daughter and son-in-law, Cynthia and Chris McLoughlin; a granddaughter, Samantha Parnell and her fiance, Matt Lewis; two brothers, Mearl Parnell of Wauchula, Florida and Wendel Parnell of Largo, Florida; and a sister, Pam Mitchell of Sebring, Florida. He was predeceased by his son, John Wesley (Porky) Parnell. Visitation will be Sunday, September 24, 2006, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at Wood Mortuary, Greer, S.C. Services will be held Sunday, September 24, 2006, at 2 p.m. at Wood Mortuary, conducted by Rev. Don Bennett. Graveside services to follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens, Greer, S.C., with full military honors. Contributed by Norita Shepherd Moss Mabel Cheraz Boone, 91, of Wauchula, died March 25, 2008 in Avon Park. She was born May 1, 1916 in War, West Virginia, and moved to Hardee County in 1948. She was a registered nurse and a member of the First Baptist Church of Wauchula. She was preceded in death by a husband, Julius Joseph Cheraz and a son, Ray D. Cheraz. Survivors include her husband, Clifford Boone; son, J. R. Owens of Wauchula; daughter, Jackeline Owens of Wauchula; sister, Ethel Ramirez of Zolfo Springs; 4 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 28, 2008 in the chapel of First Baptist Church of Wauchula from 10-11 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m. Burial is in Wauchula Cemetery. Contributed by Norita Shepherd Moss Herman W. Thomas, 77, of Wauchula, passed away March 12, 2008 at The Health Center of Lake City where he had spent the past four years. Born on Aug. 15, 1930 in Apopka, Fla., he moved to Wauchula in 1938. He was a member of Faith Presbyterian Church and worked for Hardee County for 20 years before retiring. Survivors include daughter, Carol Taylor (Lester) of Wauchula; son, Clyde Fraser of Avon Park; sister, Joanne Calloway of Lake City; 17 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2008 from 1-2 p.m. at Robarts Garden Chapel, Wauchula, followed by the service at 2 p.m. Rev. Brook Larrison is officiating. Burial is in New Hope Cemetery.Contributed by Norita Shepherd Moss Wilbur M. Cobb, Sr., 73, of Wauchula, died Feb. 20, 2008 at his home. He was born May 2, 1934 in Alva, Fla., and had been a resident of Hardee and DeSoto Counties for most of his life. He attended Riverview Heights Missionary Baptist Church and was a veteran of the Korean Conflict serving in the U.S. Navy. He was a deputy sheriff with the Polk County Sheriff Office, a Winter Haven police officer, as well as a police officer in Annapolis, Maryland. He is survived by his wife, Shirley; 9 children, Debra Lundquist (William) of Englewood, Wilbur M. Cobb Jr. (JoAnne) of Wauchula, Juanita Aguion of Georgia, Tina Lundquist (Tim) of Polk City, Mark Cobb (Debbie) of Lakeland, Rex Cobb (Jackie) of Alabama, Chuck Huddleston (Kay) of Wauchula, Edward “Cowboy” Huddleston of Wauchula, and Chet Huddleston of Wauchula; 4 brothers and sisters, Orval Richard Cobb (Grace) of Nocatee, Jimmie Cobb (Dena) of Zephyrhills, Ruby “Susie” Harrison of Bradenton and Euby Bennett (Fonda) of Ft. Meade; 17 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held on Friday, Feb. 22nd from 5-7 p.m. at Robarts Funeral Home, Arcadia. Services will be Saturday at 2 p.m. at Riverview Heights Missionary Baptist Church, Wauchula with Rev. Jim Harris officiating. Burial is in Oak Ridge CemeteryContributed by Norita Shepherd Moss Joel B. “Buddy” Wells, 70, of Bowling Green, died February 9, 2008 at his home. He was born Sept. 11, 1937 in Turkey Creek, Fla. and had been a resident of Hardee County for 40 years, coming from California. He was self employed in window tinting and worked for the phosphate mines. Survivors include 4 sons, Joseph William Wells of Pinellas Park, Timothy Edward Wells (Laura)of Bowling Green, Phillip Steven Wells (Karen Lynn) of Tampa, and Daniel Alan Wells ( Melinda) of Wauchula; 1 brother, Wesley James Wells (Joann) of Bowling Green; 4 sisters, Roxie Lunsford of Lithia, Lois Pearce of Sebring, Betty Ann Harris (Bobby Joe) of Avon Park, and Doris Snell of Tallahassee; 9 grandchildren, Kristopher Phillip Wells (Dee), Cortney Michelle Wells, Candice Marie Wells, Clemons Buck Wells, Whitney Kaitin Wells, Mattie Louise Wells, Bailey Rebecca Wells, Ava Sophia Wells, and Mya Grace Wells; and great-great-grandson, Kayden Kristopher Wells. Memorial services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 15th at Lake Dale Baptist Church. There will be a visitation held on Thursday, Feb. 14th 7-9 p.m. at Robarts Garden Chapel.Contributed by Norita Shepherd Moss Peggy Jean Brown, 77, lifetime resident of Bowling Green, died Feb. 11, 2008 in Sebring. Peggy was born in Bowling Green on October 18, 1930 and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Bowling Green. She was preceded in death by her parents, Muriel Ernest Brown and Rachel Louise Huddleston Brown. She is survived by her sister, Ernestine B. Durrance of Bowling Green; uncle, Alvin “Bubby” Huddleston; nephews, Ronnie (Diana) Durrance, Bruce (Janice) Durrance and Jeffri (Jo) Durrance; great-nieces and nephews, Bobby and Shawn Durrance, Heather Diaz, and Sharon Rivers; and eight great-great-nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 13th at First Baptist Church of Bowling Green from 10-11 a.m., followed by the service at 11 a.m. Rev. Jim Williams will officiate. Burial is in Bowling Green Cemetery. Contributed by Norita Shepherd Moss Roy V. Crews, 84, lifelong resident of Ona, died Dec. 10, 2007 in Sarasota. He was born March 30, 1923 in Crewsville, Fla., was a rancher, and a member of Union Baptist Church in Lily. Survivors include his wife, Shirley Crews of Ona; one son, Earl “Happy” Crews of Zolfo Springs; one daughter, Patty Braddock of Bowling Green; two sisters, Audrey Conley of Wauchula and Zelda Randall of Labelle, Fla.; 5 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13th in the Sanctuary of First Baptist Church of Wauchula with Rev. Ricky Dyal and Mr. Duck Smith officiating. Burial is in Wauchula Cemetery. Visitation is Wednesday 6-8 p.m. at Robarts Garden Chapel, Wauchula. Contributed by Norita Shepherd Moss Judith V. Knight, 69, of Avon Park, died Saturday, December 28, 2007 at her residence. Born Nov. 4, 1938 in Wauchula, she had been a resident of this area all of her life. She was a homemaker, wife and mother, and member of the First Baptist Church of Wauchula. She was preceded in death by a daughter and granddaughter, Nona and Lindsey Moore. Survivors include her husband J. Lamar Knight of Avon Park; daughters Dana Christenson of Tampa, and Beth Jahna and husband Albert of Avon Park; brother James P. Deal of Avon Park; four grandchildren, Ashley and Haley Moore and Lamar and Mason Jahna. Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, January 2, 2008 at 11 a.m. in the Chapel of First Baptist Church of Wauchula with Rev. Ed Sager officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service, from 10-11 a.m. Burial is in Wauchula Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made in her memory to Hope Hospice, 4840 Sun ‘N Lake Blvd., Sebring, FL 33872. Contributed by Norita Shepherd Moss Rev. Henry Rhoden, 94, of Wauchula, passed away on Nov. 23, 2007 in Wauchula. He was born Aug. 2, 1913 in Frostproof, FL, moving to Wauchula in 1952. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Wauchula. Ordained as a minister in 1943, he pastored First Baptist Church of West Frostproof, Lake Dale Baptist Church, Crewsville Bethel Baptist, Charlie Creek Baptist, and First Baptist Church in Ona. He also worked as a carpenter and in the maintenance department at Hardee County Schools for several years. His wife of 68 years, Inez C. Rhoden, preceded him in death in 2004. He was also preceded in death by a grandson, Troy Rhoden. Survivors include his son, Donald Rhoden and wife Bobbie of Naples; his daughter, Norma Jean Young and husband Ed of Rutledge, GA; 4 grandchildren, Kimberly (Steve) Reitz of Bosnia, Stephanie (Chris) Lee of Sarasota, Denise (Phillip) Brown of Byron, GA, and Scott (Shannon) Rhoden of Naples; and 10 great-grandchildren. Visitation is Sunday, Nov. 25th from 2-4 p.m. at Robarts Garden Chapel, Wauchula. Services are Monday, Nov. 26th at 4 p.m. in the Chapel of the First Baptist Church of Wauchula with Rev. Ken Smith officiating. Burial is in Wauchula Cemetery. Contributed by Norita Shepherd Moss Annie Dora Thompson, 88, of Wauchula, died Nov. 11, 2007 in Wauchula. She was born Jan. 10, 1919 in Zolfo Springs, and was a lifetime resident of Hardee County. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Wauchula, and a past member of the Wauchula Chapter of Order of Eastern Star. She loved to golf and was retired from Wauchula State Bank. She is survived by her husband Pete L. Thompson of Wauchula; step-son, Bruce Thompson of Hendersonville, NC; 2 step-grandchildren, Jeff and wife Mary Anne Thompson, and Kirk and wife Tricia Thompson, all of Wauchula; 4 great-grandchildren, Jessica, Josh, Jason and Michelle, all of Wauchula; and numerous nieces and nephews, including Barbara Jo Albritton and Ann Godfrey, and being a very special aunt to Lynda and Charles Abbott, all of Wauchula. Visitation will be held on Thursday, Nov. 15th from 9-9:30 a.m. at Robarts Garden Chapel, with graveside services held at 10 a.m. at Wauchula Cemetery. Rev. Brian Laker is officiating. Contributed by Norita Shepherd Moss Mava Albritton, 73, of Bowling Green, died Oct. 1, 2007 in Wauchula. She was born June 23, 1934 in Signal Mountain, Tenn., and had been a Hardee County resident for 60 years. She was a homemaker and a member of Immanuel Baptist Church in Bowling Green. Survivors include her husband of over 50 years, Grady; 7 children, Claude Myers of Melbourne, FL, Linda Goad of Wauchula, Marsha Redding and husband Tim of Bowling Green, Randall Albritton and wife Kay of Bowling Green, “Billy” Grady Albritton Jr. and wife Denise of Zolfo Springs, Eva Boehm and husband Gary of Wauchula, and Blake Albritton and wife Dee Dee of Bowling Green; 2 sisters, Effie Higgenbottom of Signal Mountain, TN, and Flara Miller and husband W. T. of Wauchula; 16 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, Oct. 5th at First Baptist Church of Bowling Green with Rev. Blake Albritton officiating. Burial will follow at Paynes Creek Cemetery. Visitation is Thursday 6-8 p.m. at Robarts Garden Chapel. Contributed by Norita Shepherd Moss Joe Bostick Himrod Sr., 76, a third generation Hardee County pioneer and citrus farmer of Bowling Green, Florida passed away Friday, September 28, 2007 at his residence. He leaves his childhood sweetheart and loving wife of 57 years, Johnna Mae Cathcart Himrod and the following family members; most of whom are from Hardee County. The children include: Joe B. Himrod Jr. and wife Sherri of Bowling Green, Marci and husband Dr. Derrel Bryan of Lake Placid, Joni and husband Bruce Crawford of Bowling Green, and Patrice and husband Lt. Col. Tim Strange of St. Cloud. The grandchildren include: Derren Bryan and wife Diane of Bowling Green, Darci and husband Jamie Orth of Bartow, Jamie Crawford of Bowling Green, Jenna Kae Crawford and fiancé Lee Rowland of Port Charlotte, Aaron and LeAnna Himrod of Bowling Green, and Colt Barwick, Madelin Strange and Ridge Strange of St. Cloud. The great grandchildren include: Juliana Herrin, Jaden Orth and Joeci Orth of Bartow, Dylan Crawford of Bowling Green and Jace and Jorren Bryan of Bowling Green. Sisters in laws and families: Jean Cathcart Polk of Wauchula and Dr. Gayal Cathcart of Sebring. Many other relatives live throughout Hardee County and other areas. Joe is preceded in death by his parents, Hardee pioneers, Charles Himrod and Era Bostick Himrod and brother, Hale Himrod and his wife Elaine McDonald Himrod. Joe attended schools in Wauchula, graduating from Wauchula high school where he played varsity football and was a charter member of the W.H.S. Key club. He attended the University of Florida. He was a member of the First Methodist Church of Wauchula and was a Farm Bureau Director. Joe was interested in all forms of history, science, astronomy, engineering, and music. He obtained a pilot license and enjoyed flying for many years. With the aid of family members he spent years in researching and writing a Himrod genealogy book, “In Search of Aaron” that dates back to the 1600’s in Germany. He also spent much time researching his maternal Bostick family line. He loved farming, antiques, and had a great sense of humor. He raised sugar cane and made syrup in his own hand-made copper cooker. He grew corn to grind into grits and meal in his self-built, oak gristmill, complete with a twenty foot waterwheel. By building this mill he carried on the tradition of having a mill built in each family generation. This gristmill is located in North Carolina where he spent many summers and he will be missed by many lasting friends there. He was adored by his family and admired by all who knew him. He leaves a legacy of humility, dignity, and respect. He will be long missed and his memory loved. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to: Good Shepard Hospice, 320 North 6th Street, Wauchula, Fl, 33873 Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 2nd from 3:30-4:00PM at Duck and Susan Smith’s camp house at New Zion with service following at 4:00PM. Duck Smith and Bill Lambert will be officiating. Burial will be at Wauchula Cemetery. Contributed by Norita Shepherd Moss Gladys Louise “Toshie” Albritton Davis, 87 of Bowling Green died Friday September 28, 2007 at Hardee Manor. She was a fourth generation Hardee County resident, residing here for most of her life. She was an active member of Payne’s Creek Primitive Baptist Church and past president of the College Hill School Reunion. She was a grader at Parker Brothers Packing House and was an avid gardener and fisherman. Coming from a large family, She was the last survivor of nine children. She was preceded in death by her husband, Damon C. Davis. She is survived by two sons; James C. Davis and wife Ellen of Fort Myers, and Michael E. Davis and wife Nancy of Cape Coral, two daughters; Marie Talcott and husband Neil of Fort Myers and Nelda Grice Paulk of Cape Coral, eight Grandchildren, thirteen great- Grandchildren, and a sister-in-law Ruth Albritton of Wauchula. Visitation will be Tuesday October 2, 2007 from 6-8 PM at the ROBARTS FAMILY GARDEN CHAPEL. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday October 3, 2007 at 11:00 AM at the Payne’s Creek Primitive Baptist Church with Elder Hollis Albritton officiating. Burial will follow at Payne’s Creek Cemetery.Contributed by Norita Shepherd Moss Dorothy Kay Clifton, 52, of Bowling Green, died Sept. 20, 2007 in Winter Haven. Born Nov. 3, 1954 in Arcadia, she was a lifetime resident of Hardee County. Survivors include her mother, Barbara Williams of Bowling Green; husband, Jack Clifton of Winter Haven; daughters, Sherry Clifton of Bowling Green, Jennifer Moye (Bret) of Wauchula, and Judy Clifton (Richard Snyder) of Penn; brothers, Leroy Williams Jr. and David Williams of Sarasota, John Williams and Robert Williams of Zolfo Springs; sister, Terry Ziglar of Winter Haven. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 25th at Wauchula Cemetery. Visitation was Monday 6-8 p.m. Contributed by Norita Shepherd Moss James Alfred Rogers, 77, of Wauchula, died November 7, 2007 at his home. He was born November 26, 1929 in Wauchula, and had been a lifelong resident of Hardee County. He was a cattleman and citrus grower, and served in the U.S. Army. He was a member of Oak Grove Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his wife, Catherine Janiece Rogers. Survivors include his daughter, Gail Smith and husband David; son, Steve Rogers; grandsons, Justin Smith and wife Cindi, Jared Smith and wife Caitlin, Darrick Rogers and wife Nikki; granddaughters, Jaime Smith and Heather Rogers; and great-grandchildren, Zackary, Blake, and Heidi. Services will be held on Saturday, November 10th at 2:00 p.m. at Oak Grove Baptist Church with Rev. Jim Davis officiating. Burial is in Oak Grove Cemetery. Visitation is Friday 6-8 p.m. at Robarts Garden Chapel, Wauchula. Contributed by Norita Shepherd Moss Lillian Marie “Peggy” Clauser, 82, of Wauchula, died November 28, 2007 at home. She was born September 15, 1925 in Wauchula and had been a lifelong resident. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Wauchula. Survivors include her niece, Iolani Grainger Sparks of Bartow; nephew, Michael S. Grainger of Charlottesville, Virginia; great-nieces, April Sumner of Bartow and Sarah Grainger of Charlottesville, Virginia; great-great-niece, Sydney Sumner of Bartow; and sister in law, Mary Ellen Grainger of Virginia. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, Dec. 3rd at First Baptist Church of Wauchula with Marcus Shackelford and Pastor Ken Smith officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until service time. Burial is in Wauchula Cemetery. Contributed by Norita Shepherd Moss Bennie Goode Stewart, 99, of Wauchula, died November 26, 2007 in Wauchula. She was born October 12, 1908 in Thomaston, Georgia, and had been a resident of Wauchula since 1932. She had been a member of the First Baptist Church of Wauchula since 1932 and was a former member of the Order of Eastern Star. She was a homemaker, and had worked as a telephone operator in Wauchula during World War II. She was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin Stewart, and a brother, Merle Goode. Survivors include 4 nieces, Sherry Henderson (Eddie) of Lake Placid, Fla., Gayle Gilmer (Johnny) of Richland, Georgia, Carol Glouser of Wauchula, and Betty Weaver of Thomaston, Georgia; 1 sister, Minnie Lee Colley of Dunnellon, Fla.; 1 sister-in-law, Juanita Graham (Henry) of Wauchula; 4 great-nieces, Toniette Wallace of Wauchula, Jana Bush-Olha (Brian) of Covington, VA, Carla Gilmer of Macon, GA and Krista Jordan (Tim) of Macon, GA; 4 great-nephews, Bryan Gilmer (Rochelle) of Georgia, Scott Henderson (Cheryl) of Lake Placid, Travis Henderson (Cristy) of Golden Gate, FL, and James Bush of Wauchula; and many great-great-nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be held on Thursday, November 29th at 11 a.m. at Wauchula Cemetery with Marcus Shackelford officiating. Visitation is Wednesday 6-8 p.m. at Robarts Garden Chapel. Contributed by Norita Shepherd Moss Rev. William Harrison Conley, 95, recently of Anthony, Fla., and a longtime Wauchula resident, passed away on Feb. 22, 2008 in Ocala, Fla. Born on May 4, 1912 in Enterprise, Alabama, he moved to Hardee County in1920 and attended the Lemon Grove and Popash schools. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Wauchula. Rev. Conley surrendered to preach at the age of 16 and was ordained to the Gospel Ministry in 1932 by New Hope Baptist Church. He received theological training at the first class of Baptist Bible Institute, then in Lakeland, Fla. He has pastored churches in Hardee, DeSoto and Highlands Counties, including Sandy Ridge Baptist Church (now Northside Baptist), Southside Baptist Church in Avon Park, (now Florida Ave. Baptist), Brownsville Baptist Church, Wauchula Hills Baptist Mission, and Eastside Mission. Rev. Conley served the Orange Blossom Baptist Association as President of the Pastor’s Conference and Vice Moderator, President of the Hardee County Ministerial Association, Chaplain at the Hardee County Jail, and was an Honorary Deputy Sheriff. He also served on the staff of First Baptist Church of Wauchula as Chaplain and Special Ministries since December 1993, visiting the shut-ins, nursing homes, hospitals, and jail inmates. He married Mary Ellen Jones on January 12, 1932 and God blessed them with four children. He is preceded in death by his wife, Mary E. Conley, a daughter, Frieda, and a granddaughter, Tinna. Survivors include 2 sons, Savell Conley of Sebring, and William Kelly Conley of Anthony, Fla.; 1 daughter, Marvell Barnes of Level Plains, Alabama; 14 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great-grandchildren, and a number of nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 26th from 6-8 p.m. at Robarts Garden Chapel, Wauchula. Services are at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27th at First Baptist Church of Wauchula with Rev. Ken Smith, Marcus Shackelford, Kenny Sanders and Duck Smith officiating. Burial is in Wauchula Cemetery Contributed by Norita Shepherd Moss Rev. Opal M. Colson, 89, of Bartow, passed away Feb. 21, 2008 in Bartow. She was born in Manatee County, Fla. on Oct. 26, 1918. She graduated from the Apostolic Bible School in 1945 and became an ordained minister. For the next 50 years, she pastored churches in Concord, NC and in Wauchula, Fla. She is survived by one brother, Rev. A.C. Colson of Bradenton; 2 sisters, Vesta Meriwether of Pompano Beach, and Corinne O’Bryan of Bartow. She leaves behind many devoted friends and a host of nieces and nephews who loved her dearly. Visitation will be held on Saturday, Feb. 23rd at Robarts Garden Chapel from 2-3 p.m. followed by services at 3 p.m. Burial is in Wauchula Cemetery Contributed by Norita Shepherd Moss Florence Inez Wright, 85, of Wauchula, died Feb. 22, 2008 in Wauchula. She was born Feb. 20, 1923 in Wauchula, the daughter of the late Nathan and Rowena Lanier Barwick. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Harley McCoy Keene and John Wright, and sons Kenneth and Tom Keene. She had been a Hardee County resident for most of her life, was a member of Wauchula Hills Baptist Church, and a loyal member of The W omen of the Moose. She was a homemaker and a caregiver. Survivors include her children, Patricia Marsh of Avon Park, Gayle Story (Jerald) of Sebring, Lillian Hughes (Jim) of Ona, and Terry Keene of Wauchula; brothers, Harold Barwick of Labelle and Calvin Barwick of Avon Park; sister, Carlie Earnest of Arcadia; 10 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held at Robarts Garden Chapel, Wauchula on Monday, Feb. 25th from 1-2 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 2 p.m. Burial is in Paynes Creek Cemetery. Contributed by Norita Shepherd Moss Wilbur M. Cobb, Sr., 73, of Wauchula, died Feb. 20, 2008 at his home. He was born May 2, 1934 in Alva, Fla., and had been a resident of Hardee and DeSoto Counties for most of his life. He attended Riverview Heights Missionary Baptist Church and was a veteran of the Korean Conflict serving in the U.S. Navy. He was a deputy sheriff with the Polk County Sheriff Office, a Winter Haven police officer, as well as a police officer in Annapolis, Maryland. He is survived by his wife, Shirley; 9 children, Debra Lundquist (William) of Englewood, Wilbur M. Cobb Jr. (JoAnne) of Wauchula, Juanita Aguion of Georgia, Tina Lundquist (Tim) of Polk City, Mark Cobb (Debbie) of Lakeland, Rex Cobb (Jackie) of Alabama, Chuck Huddleston (Kay) of Wauchula, Edward “Cowboy” Huddleston of Wauchula, and Chet Huddleston of Wauchula; 4 brothers and sisters, Orval Richard Cobb (Grace) of Nocatee, Jimmie Cobb (Dena) of Zephyrhills, Ruby “Susie” Harrison of Bradenton and Euby Bennett (Fonda) of Ft. Meade; 17 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held on Friday, Feb. 22nd from 5-7 p.m. at Robarts Funeral Home, Arcadia. Services will be Saturday at 2 p.m. at Riverview Heights Missionary Baptist Church, Wauchula with Rev. Jim Harris Robarts Family Funeral Home Contributed by Norita Shepherd Moss Tampa Tribune - 14 May 1922
GILL, Alberta, the fifteen-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Gill, of Fort Green, died Tuesday morning of typhoid fever. The funeral was held at Fort Green Wednesday afternoon, Rev. Sam Durrance officiating, and the remains were laid to rest in the Fort Green cemetery. The bereaved parents have the deepest sympathy of all in the loss of their dear one.Transcribed by Marla Zwakman
Tampa Tribune – 31 Mar. 1918
WAUCHULA, March 30. – Mrs. Zena O. Borlund died Tuesday morning at the home of her mother, Mrs. Donna Hendry, on Sixth avenue, after a lingering illness. The funeral took place from the Baptist Church Wednesday morning at 10 o’clock, Rev. R. P. McPherson officiating, and the remains were laid to rest in the family lot in the Wauchula cemetery. Transcribed by Marla Zwakman
Tampa Tribune – 8 Dec. 1918
WAUCHULA, Dec. 7. – The many Wauchula friends of Grady Burch were grieved to hear that he had died on a transport while en route to France. As the news of his death came to Wauchula indirect, J. C. McEwen, cashier of the Bank of Wauchula, wrote to John Campbell at Hartford, Ala., who confirmed the news. Mr. Campbell’s message stated that Grady Lee Burch had died of bronchial pneumonia on October 16 and was buried at sea with full military honors. Transcribed by Marla Zwakman
Tampa Tribune – Sunday, 18 Jan. 1920
The many Wauchula friends of Mrs. Harriet E. Higley will regret to hear of her death which occurred at the home of her niece in Chicago on Wednesday of last week. Her husband, Dr. N. D. Higley died at their home northwest of Wauchula last September and having no people here Mrs. Higley went north to live with relatives. Transcribed by Marla Zwakman
Tampa Tribune – Sunday, 1 Apr. 1918 Joseph Nejedly, who has been spending the winter at Wauchula, died yesterday morning at a local hospital, where he was taken several days ago for treatment. The remains are being prepared for shipment to his home in New York by J. L. Reed. The wife of the deceased arrived in the city yesterday, having learned of his illness several days ago. She will accompany the remains back to New York. Besides a wife he leaves three grown sons, all of whom are living in New York. Transcribed by Marla Zwakman
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