Arthur "Catfish" Conner, Jr.
05/27/1939 - 9/6/2004
Arthur Conner, Jr. was born May 27, 1939 in Georgia to Arthur Conner, Sr. and the late Mary Lou Conner. Known lovingly as "Catfish", Arthur was a longtime DeLand resident ad a concrete laborer by trade. He was a hard working man who greeted everyone with a smile and friendly conversation.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Robert and sisters, Louise Spells and Mary Harris.
He leaves to cherish his memory: wife: Joyce; daughter: Mykira Bailey; father: Arthur Conner, Sr., St. Augustine, FL; four sisters: Pearline Finley, St. Augustine, FL; Lillie Bell Johnson, Palm Coast, Fl; Mattie Mae Edmund, Chicago, IL; Willie Mae Wilson, Jacksonville, FL; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many sorrowing friends.
Doris Worthy McCoy
03/03/1922 - 11/3/2004
Doris Amanda Worthy McCoy was born March 6, 1922 in DeLand, Florida to the late Eli & Charlotte Andrews Worthy.
She graduated from Bronson High School and later began working for the former Fish Memorial Hospital as a Certifed Nursing Assistant.
Doris loved sewing and spending time with her family and friends.
While growing up, she was a member of Greater Union First Baptist Church and later attended Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church. She departed this life for a better home on Wednesday, November 3, 2004 at Florida Hospital - DeLand.
She leaves to cherish her memories: a devoted husband: Lonnie; aunt: Theresa Worthy; a host of cousins, among them, Quentin Worthy (Helen); Gordon Worthy, Willie Mae R. Johnson, Inez Leslie (James), Robert James (Betty), Charles A. Cusack, Jr. (Joyce), James E. Cusack (Brenda), Ray V. Johnson, Jr. (Melinda), Elvin W. Johnson, Donald L. Johnson (Deborah), Calvin R. Johnson (Kathy), Larry C. Johnson a.k.a. Maurice Starr, Michael E. Johnson a.k.a. Jonzun (Cheryl), Van C. Thomas (Diane), Richard Roper (Marlene), Rodney T. Roper (Patricia), Steven Roper, Alfred Roper, Charlaine Roper-Stinson; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Willie Jewel Maddox, Jr.
02/04/1952 - 11/5/2004
Willie Jewel Maddox was the second child born of Vella Mae Maddox and the late Jewel Maddox on February 4, 1952 in DeLand. He was educated in the Volusia County Public School System. His passing on Friday, November 5, 2004 at Florida Hospital - DeLand is a deep and personal loss to his family and relatives and a deep ane personal bereavement to his many friends.
Willie was employed in the Maintenance Division of the Department of Transportation of DeLand for more than 27 years. His memory will be forever cherished by Retta Spencer Maddox with whom he was united in Holy Matrimony on September 22, 1990. Besides working and enjoying his family, Willie had a passion for fishing and found pleasure and relaxation in the game of bowling.
He also served faithfully for many years as the Minister of Music for Saint James Missionary Baptist Church. The passing of Willie has called us together today. There is no death. An angel form walks over the earth with silent tread and bears our loved one away; and then we call them dead. But, they are near us, though unseen. Their dear immortal spirits tread. For all the boundless universe is life; there is no death. The giver takes back His loved ones unto Himself, after they have wrought such beautiful pattern during their sojourn here.
He leaves treasured and cherished memories to his devoted wife: Retta Spencer Maddox; a son: Willie Jewel Maddox, III, DeLand; mother: Vella Mae Maddox; three brothers: Robert L. (Faye), George (Michelle), DeLand; Bobby (Beverly), Augusta, GA; (His brother, Jewel "Barney" Green, preceded him in death; four sisters: Marie Birch-Barkley, Mary (Willie)Harpe, Janie Green, DeLand; Willie Mae (Fred) Jones, Osteen, FL; Two stepsons: Kent (Edna) Eady, Mount Vernon, NY; John (Carolyn) Spencer, Palm Coast, FL; three stepdaughters: Clara Glenn, Augusta, GA; Loretta Ousley, Daytona Beach and Lynda Spencer, Bunnell; a special great-granddaughter: Victoria Love, Bunnell; a special niece: Major Sergeant Timberlyn (Michael) Harrington, Dayton, OH; a special nephew: Commander Sergeant Leo Birch, Germany; Nine step-grandchildren and four step great-grandchildren; aunts: Alzora (Willie) McGill and Inell Jenkins, Cocoa, Florida; Uncles: George (Mary) Maddox, Brooklyn, New York; Bobby (Barbara) Jenkins and Booker T. (Mary) Brown, both of Cocoa, Florida; a devoted friend: Royce Covington; two goddaughters: Argintina Johnson, Palm Coast; Retta Dragelaut, Tampa; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. Willie also leaves to cherish his memories five brothers-in-law, Robert (Cynthia) Eady, Jacksonville, Florida; Calvin Bryant, Eddie Frank (Yvonne) Bryant, Danny Bryant, all of Bunnell, Florida and Sammie Lee (Nita) Bryant of Palatka, Florida; five sisters-in-law: Betty Underwood, Palm Coast, Mamie Lee Burke, Daytona, Doris (Reggie) Williams, Alfreda (George) Cummings and Gladena Bryant, all of Bunnell.
Obadiah Otis McMillan
05/25/1945 - 11/11/2004
Obadiah Otis McMillan was born May 25, 1945 in Mount Pleasant, Florida to the late Reverend W. E. & Mary Lou McMillan. After the death of his mother, her was reared by his father and stepmother, Alva E. McMillan from the age of 15 years until his graduation from High School. Growing up in Mount Pleasant and Gretna, Obie as he was called was very talkative and straightforward saying what he meant. He was known as te Historian of the family, always checking on the family members making sure everybody was kept up to date and the well-being of everybody. He always kept education first and formost, always going o school to further his education. Obie attended the public schools of Gadsden County, attending Springfield Elementary, Carter Parramore High School. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1964 to 1993, where he completed his secondary education. He received his Associate of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from Seminole Community College in 1990 and later his Bachelor of Science Degree at the University of Central Florida in 2000 in Criminal Justice.
Obie worked in various occupations ranging from National Rental Car, Taxi Driver, Insurance Agent, later law enforcement. Prior to his homegoing, Obie was employed at Daytona Beach Community College in the Security Department. Obie grew up in a very religious environment. Obie joined New Hope Missionary Baptist Church at a very young age under the leadership of his father, Reverend W. E. McMillan, where he strived in the Youth Department and other area of the church as an Usher. Upon moving to Orlando, he became a member of the Church of God in Christ, where he was Ordained as a Deacon. In later years, he moved to Deltona, Florida and joined Saint James Missionary Baptist Church, where he was called into the Ministry in 2002. He was a member of AMVETS Post # 17, Sanford, FL and the Royal Arch Masonic Lodge of Orlando. On Thursday, November 11, 2004 at 8:21 a. m. at Fish Memorial Hospital in Orange City, Florida.
He leaves to cherish fond memories: a devoted daughter: Sarah Knight (Robert); Wilhemina, Alisia, Wytotosia McMillan; five grandchildren: Darius Faison, Sagirah, Mau, Kanika, Kwame Knight; six brothers: Reverend Paul (Dorothy) McMillan, Cincinnati, OH; Deacon James (Andrea) McMillan, Cincinnati, OH; Reverend Jimmie (Mildred) McMillan, Syracuse, NY; Elder Jeramiah (Elder Gloria) McMillan, Quincy, FL; Deacon Charlie (Gwendolyn) Lyons, Jacksonville, FL; Mr. Leonard Charles Jones, Rochester, NY; nephew, raised like a brother: Isiah (Aguilla) McMillan, Augusta, GA; three sisters: Miss Mary Sue Nell, Syracuse, NY; Missionary Bessie (Elder Ulysees) Bell, Hollywood, FL; Ms. Queenie DeSue, Orlando, FL; special sisters-in-law: Mrs. Mary Ann McMillan and Annette McMillan, preceded him in death; Iola Lewis, Frances Sapp, Lottie Pearl Campbell; two brothers: Willie McMillan and Elijah, also several nieces, nephews, cousins, uncles, aunts and other relatives and surrounding friends.
Michael Ray Johnson
07/22/1958 - 11/10/2004
Michael Ray Johnson was born July 22, 1958 to Reginald Johnson and the late Shirley Ann Johnson.
Brother Michael Johnson was born in DeLand and was raised in DeLeon Springs. He later moved to Memphis, Tennessee.
He was a former member of Bethlehem Baptist Church, DeLeon Springs. He was an Army Veteran. He worked for the United State Postal Service.
God called his faithful servant home November 10, 2004. He leaves to cherish, one aunt, Linda Baldwin, DeLand, FL; three uncles: Samuel Denson, St. Petersburg; James Robinson (Martha), Deltona; Derrick Rolle (Paula), South Carolina; five special cousins: Daphne Wilkins, Faye Badger (Daryl), DeLeon Springs; Tamela Mitchell (Herman), Decatur, GA; Kristy Wilson (Germaine), Columbia, South Carolina; Clarence Small, DeLand, FL; Grandparents: Frank Rolle (Jane); one great aunt: Marva Gaines (Al); four great uncles: Jeffrey Walker (Willie Jane), Thomas Reynolds (Doris), Arthur Hogan, James Foreman (Genevieve); two stepchildren: Angela & Jay; a host of other cousins and friends; Godmother: Rutha Mae Young; special friends: Pastor Lorenza Lane, Sam Smith, Randy Johnson, Horace Ward, LeVetta, Bridgette.
Walter "Zundy" Dixon, Jr.
05/11/1925 - 11/23/2004
Walter Dixon, Jr. of DeLand, Florida was the second child born to Walter Dixon, Sr. and Wilhemina Candler Dixon (both deceased) on May 11, 1925. He was called to Glory on November 23, 2004. His sister Dorothy Lee Lewis and Alonzo Dixon who are twins predecease him.
Walter Dixon, affectionately known as "Zundy" was a graduate of Bronson High School and an Army Veteran. In his early career, he was a model and tailored men's fine clothing. He owned and operated Zundy's Barbershop in DeLand, Florida for many years and was retired from Sherwood Medical Corporation. Upon his retirement, Zundy still found time to barber and serve the Lord with time and talent. He graciously gave abundantly to his family. His family and friends knew him as a great conversationlist, a sports enthusiast and a dedicated member of the Greater Union First Baptist Church family.
He leaves behind his greatest joy in life, Evelyn Lorene Dixon, who he was married to for 53 years. From this blessed union, God entrusted this lovely couple with one son, Antonelli Dixon. He is also survived by a daughter-in-law: Shilretha A. Dixon; sister: Gladys Dixon Browne; three grandchildren: Antonelli Dixon, Jr., Tiberius A. Dixon and Markell A. Dixon, all of DeLand, Florida; nieces & nephews: Joycelyn Witts of Los Angeles, California; Emerson Brown (Johnnie) of Miami, Florida; Willerene Manning (Raymond) of Orlando, Florida; Anna M. Andrews of Inglewood, California; Michael Smith of Tampa, Florida; Lana Smith of Los Angeles, California; Ernest Dixon (Diane) of New York and Diane Dixon, also of New York. A special thanks to the Hospice Staff, Sara, Jerry ad also the staff of Dr. Brent Schlapper's office. Special acknowledgement to cousins, Carrie "Bell" Smokes, Elenora Smtih, Eugenia Bradley and a host of sorrowing cousins, friends and neighbors.
Janie C. Fort
03/24/1911 - 11/30/2004
Janie Curry Fort is a descendant of Israel and Ella Brockman. She was born in Jefferson County, Florida on March 24, 1911.
She moved to DeLand in 1939.
Survivors include her daughters: Rosetta McDowell and Johnnie Mae Proctor, both of DeLand and two sons, James L. Fort of Daytona Beach, Florida and Eddie C. Fort of DeLand; She also has Nine Grandchildren and Nine Great-Grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, and a host of cousins and friends; a devoted niece: Mrs. Frances Wilson and one of her special friends, Mrs. Elizabeth McRae.
"Mrs. Janie" as known by many was one of the pioneers of the Springhill Community in which she lived. She was affiliated with the Triumph, the Church and Kingdom of God in Christ until her health failed. She later united with Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church family. She loved singing and attending church services.
She was also an active member of the Sunshine Pallbearers Lodge Number 7.
King Solomon Brown
09/16/1950 - 11/24/2004
King Solomon Brown was born September 16, 1950 in DeLand, Florida to Essie Beatrice Brown and the late Christopher C. Brown, Sr.
He graduated from Benjamin Franklin High School in Rochester, New York, later finding employment with F. S. S. Music Company and a regular with ASCP Music Company in Las Vegas, Nevada.
He enjoyed Music, Chess, Jogging, Hiking & Swimming.
He departed this life November 24, 2004 in Las Vegas, Nevada. He was preceded in death by a brother, Christopher C. Brown, Jr. in the summer of 2001.
He leaves to cherish his memories: wife: Svitlanna Brown, Ukraine, Russia; children: Cassandra Gilbert-Brown, K-Ron Brown, Kreun Brown; mother: Essie Beatrice Brown; sisters & brothers: Vensetta Young, DeLand, FL; Verdelle Elliott, Philadelphia, PA; Cozena Taylor, Philadelphia, PA; Jeremiah Brown, Rochester, NY; George Broughton, DeLand, FL; Ray Broughton, Homestead, FL; Regina Brown, DeLand, FL; with a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.
Rita Ann Morgan
05/03/1948 - December 2/2004
Ms. Rita Ann Morgan was born May 3, 1948 in Lake Helen, Florida to the late Easter Morgan-Woullard and the late George Morgan, Jr., She departed this life on December 2, 2004 at 6:48 a. m. after a long illness.
She touched the lives of many and was loved by many. She was a Registered Nurse in Miami, Florida for 33 years. Her profession later moved her to San Antonio, Texas , where she became ill. She was also a Minister of the Gospel while living in Miami.
She is survived by her three children, Roycelynn Morgan, Daytona Beach, FL; Jimmy Jones, Lake Helen, FL; James Philmore, Miami, FL; four sisters: Marie Brown (Calvin), Jackson, MS; Vonell Ramsey, DeLand, FL; Ann Gray (Edward), Purvis, MS; Kathy Woods, Hattiesburg, MS; five brothers: Donald Morgan, Sr., Hattiesburg, MS; Lawrence Morgan, Miami, FL; George Morgan, III, Fort Myers, FL; James Morgan (Mary), San Antonio, TX; John Woullard (Gaye), Denver, CO; aunt: Ruth Smiley, Lake Helen, FL; five uncles: David Lane (Joan), DeLand, FL; Eddie Lane, DeLand, FL; Eugene Lane (Karen), Deltona, FL; Matthew Lane (Leota), Norfolk, VA; Leroy Lane (Catherine), Norfolk, VA; seven grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
Robert Lee Strong, Jr.
07/24/1984 - December 5/2004
Robert Lee Strong, Jr., affectionately known as "Man", by his family was the second child born to Robert, Sr. and Florence Strong. He departed this life on Sunday, December 5, 2004.
As a young child, Robert accepted Christ. He attended DeLand High School and graduated with honors from Greenville Academy, Tallahassee, Florida.
He enjoyed fishing and basketball.
He leaves behind his parents: Robert and Florence Strong; sister: Kemeisha Strong, Deltona, FL; maternal grandparents: Johnnie and Ola Pearl Blue, Chattahoochee, FL; he was predeceased by his paternal grandparents: Wilbert & Lorine Strong; great-grandmother: Agnes Estella Jackson, Chattahoochee, FL; aunts: Shilretha Dixon (Antonelli), Remona Paisley (John), Marita Feaster (Joe), Corine Whitmore and Linda Strong Wise (Neal), all of DeLand; uncles: Quay Graham, Chattahoochie, FL; Wilbert Strong, St. Petersburg, FL; James Strong (Catherine), DeLand; devoted cousins: Tiberius and Markell Dixon, DeLand, FL; and a host of sorrowing relatives and friends.
Jeanie Page
05/26/1918 - December 10/2004
Jeanie Page was born May 26, 1918 in New Orleans, Louisiana to James & Everlena Harmon.
She was a homemaker and the mother of sixteen. Eleven children preceded her in death.
She was a member of Manhattan Christian Reform Church in New York. She moved to Deltona, Florida in 2002 to be near her daughter.
She departed this life December 10, 2004 at Woodland Terrace of DeLand.
She leaves to cherish fond memories: her surviving children: Jessie Palmore, New Orleans, LA; James Williams, New York City; Mary Brazier, Chicago, IL; Pauline Merritt, New York City and Diane "DeDe" Coleman, Deltona, FL; a sister: Henrietta Harmon, Deltona, FL; a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, other relatives and sorrowing friends.
Milton Gray
11/08/1954 - December 24/2004
Milton Gray, the son of Mosella Nephew Gray and the late Charlie Gray was born on November 8, 1954 in DeLand, Florida. He departed this life on Friday, December 24, 2004 at Health Central West, Ocoee.
Milton attended DeLand High School and went on to become the founder and owner of Dynamic Air Designs in Orlando, Florida. He enjoyed Race Car Driving.
He leaves in mourning: a devoted and loving mother: Mosella Gray; two daughters: Janaya Gray and Lenzi Gray; five sisters: Charlene Gray Miles (Willie Dee), Elvenia Jiles, Spring Gray, Miami, FL; Senerchia Hendry (Patrick), San Jose, CA; Charmy Gray, Gainesville, FL; one special brother: Gregory "Turk" Gray; two devoted aunts: Odessa Ferguson and Archie Mae Gray, Montgomery, AL; a special friend: Louise Simpson and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many sorrowing friends. Special thanks to Harper Mechanical of Sanford, Florida.
Cornelious "Nebo" Pierce
07/23/1946 - December 24/2004
Cornelious "Nebo" Pierce was born July 23, 1946 in DeLand, Florida to Blanche McKiver Pierce and the late Nathan Pierce.
He graduated from Euclid High School, class of 1964 and served in the United States Army.
He departed this life on Friday, December 24, 2004 at Halifax Medical Center, Daytona Beach.
He is survived by: two sons: Cornelious (GiGi) Pierce, Austell, GA; Corey (Nikki) Pierce, Santa Ana, CA; mother: Blanche McKiver Pierce, DeLand, FL; two brothers: Freddie (Diane) Smith, DeLand, FL; Clayton Miles, Hartford, CT; two sisters: Sarah (Roosevelt) Nealy, DeLand, FL; Cynthia Pringle, DeLand, FL; three uncles: Henry (Sister) Pierce, Frank (Cassie), Pierce, Brooklyn, NY; Elder Willie (Mary) Pierce, Twin City, GA; two aunts: Katie Davis, Lillie Fann, Brooklyn, NY; four grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Benjamin Jack Howell, Jr.
02/22/1948 - December 28/2004
Benjamin J. Howell, Jr. was born February 22, 1948 to Benjamin J. Sr. and Albertha Howell.
He was employed with Volusia County Schools, later working with Keller Kitchen Cabinets, until his retirement.
He served in the United States Army and was honorably discharged. He was a member of Greater Union First Baptist Church.
He departed this life on December 28, 2004 in Gainesville, Florida at the Veteran's Administration Medical Center.
He is survived by two children: Shaderick Howell (Latrecia) and Lisa Huffman (Ronald L. Jr.); his parents: Benjamin J. Sr. and Albertha Howell; five grandchildren: Brittney S. Nealy, Joseph N. Lewis, Jr., Joerelle R. Lewis, Kejuan & Jalen Howell; sisters: Sophronia J. King, Pamela Yarn (Limuel), Genodra Reeves (Robert); aunts: Thelma McMillan, Bettye Cooper, Alice Jenkins (Charles), Carnetta McArthur; uncles: Willie Howell (Rudy), Plemon Hill, Jr. (Lillie Ruth); John McArthur, Jr. and Robert Hill; one great aunt: Elizabeth Durant; three nephews: Shawn Ford, Adrian Howell & Kenyon King; a host of cousins, other relatives and many sorrowing friends.
Eugenia Williams Bradley
03/06/1941 - December 27/2004
On Monday, December 27, 2004, Eugenia Bradley entered into rest.
She was born March 6, 1941, to the late Joseph and Naomi Williams. She recieved her education in Volusia County Schools and graduated from Euclid High School in 1958. She worked for many years at West Volusia Memorial Hospital and Brunswick Corporation.
She was a member of Saint Paul Missionary Baptst where she served faithfully as a deaconess and choir member. She was a proud Christian who didn't mind giving God the glory.
She was also Worthy Matron of the former Prince of Peace Chapter # 120, later becoming of the Queen of the South Chapter # 141, Order of the Eastern Star; Heriones of Jericho, Joshua Court # 79, Progressive Pallbearers Lodge # 119 and the Electralyte Charity Club.
She was preceded in death by her son, Duncan Bradley; Sisters: Naomi Williams, Janie Lundy (Tom), Gala Lee (Jack), Carleen Williams; Brothers: Joseph, Jerry & John Williams (Eva).
She leaves to cherish her devoted husband of 46 years: William, Sr.; daughters: Regina White, Deborah Bradley, Cynthia Woods (Terry); sons: Pastor William Bradley, Jr. (Dot), Pastor Troy Bradley (Crystal); Grandchildren: Kendra, Marisha, Donte, Monet, Randy, Mia, Malcolm, Marlena, Marcus, Jazzmine, Mila, Troy, Jr., Terri; sisters: Ethel Rouse, San Antonio, TX; Marilyn Robinson, Eula Jackson, Sandra Davis, Melody Brown and Patricia Cummings, all of DeLand; brothers: Oscar Williams and Charles Williams; sisters-in-law: Joy Leonard (Thomas), Rose Bradley, Gertrude Kendricks, Barbara Campbell (Charles), Juanita Edwards, Johnny Mae Chavis, Janette Brown (Franklin); brothers-in-law: Pastor Henry Bradley, Jr. (Betty), Pastor David Bradley, Sr. (Cynthia), Ivan Bradley (Tonya); a host of nieces and nephews, cousins and special friend: Evelyn Dixon.
