ESSLINGER, Janella Stephens, age 65, of Tampa, passed away May 25, 2003 at St. Joseph's Hospital after an extended illness. Born in Montgomery, Alabama, she moved to Tampa in 1975 where she worked with the State of Florida assisting disadvantage children. She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas H. Esslinger; and parents, L.B. and Lottie Stephens. She is survived by her caretaker and nephew, William R. Esslinger of Tampa; her sister, Martha Dell Stancik; step-sons, Thomas and Mark Esslinger; grandchildren, Jeffrey, Chandler and Chase; brother-in-law, Samuel W. Esslinger (Martha); nieces, Carol, Susan, Nancy, Mary and Emily; and nephew, Sam. Graveside Funeral Services will be held at 2 p.m in the afternoon on Wednesday, May 28, 2003 at Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park, Clearwater, Florida. The family will receive friends at the Blount & Curry Funeral Home, West Chapel, 6802 Silvermill Drive, Tampa on Wednesday prior to the service from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. The family wishes to thank and acknowledge the skill and loving care provided by the nursing staffs at Town & Country Hospital and St. Joseph's Hospital. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Pinellas County.
EZZELL, Christopher `Chris`, age 42, of Ladson, South Carolina, passed away Friday, May 23, 2003. He was a native of Tampa and a Baptist. Survivors include his parents, Lloyd and Patricia Ezzell of Plant City; two brothers, Robert Ezzell of Zephyrhills and James Ezzell of Polk City; sister, Trisha Westman of Plant City; and his longtime companion, Nancy Garey of Summerville, S.C. Funeral services were held at the Garden of Memories Funeral Home, 4207 E. Lake Ave., at 10 a.m. Tuesday morning with The Rev. David Jones, Pastor, Turkey Creek First Baptist Church, officiating. Interment followed in the Garden of Memories Cemetery.
FERNANDEZ, Silvestre, (Tony), 89, passed away May 25, 2003 in Tampa. He was a native and life long resident of Tampa and Seffner. He is survived by his wife, Maxima. They were married 62 years. Also survived by his nephew, Melvin Gallar; great-nephew, Michael Gallar; and great-great-nephew, Justin Gallar. He retired from Tampa Greyhound Track after 48 years of service, without missing a performance. He also worked at Derby Lane for over 30 years. The family wishes to thank Diana Torres of Buena Vida Assisted Living and the her wonderful staff. They also would like to thank LifePath Hospice-Purple Team for their care. Contributions can be made to the Charity of your choice or to Mary Help Christians School and also to LifePath Hospice, 3010 West Azeele Street, Tampa, FL 33609. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, 10:00 a.m., May 29, 2003 at Boza & Roel Funeral Home, 4730 N. Armenia Ave. Entombment to follow at Centro Asturiano Cemetery. The family will receive friends Wednesday, 6-8 p.m. with a Catholic Wake Service at 7:30 p.m.
FLOWERS, Edna, 93, of Tampa, died May 20, 2003. Mrs. Flowers was a member of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ethell Flowers; parents, Eddie D. and Emma Collins. She is survived by one daughter, Inez O'Neal; grandchildren, Sheryl O'Neal and Alfred J. O'Neal Jr; great-grandchildren, Kevin White Sr. and wife Jennie, James C. O'Neal, Gerenard K. O'Neal. and Alfred James O'Neal, III: great-great-grandchildren, Kevin White Jr. and Carrisa White; nieces, Berdell Pollock. Jessie B. Hicks, Debris Jones and husband Willie. Pearlie Mae Johnson and husband Isiah, Eddie Lee Roberson and wife; cousins, Isiah Johnson Jr. & wife Veronica; a host of other cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives & friends. Special thanks to the staff at John Knox, Hospice, New Hope M. B. Church, Reverend T. W. Jenkins & Ray Williams Funeral Home. A Homegoing celebration will be held Thursday, May 29, 2003 at 11:00 a.m. at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, 3005 F, Ellicott St. Visitation will be held Thursday, May 29, 2003 from 9 a.m. until service time at the church. Ray Williams Funeral Home, 253-3419.
FRIEDMAN, Theodore `T`, 81, of Tampa, died Saturday, May 24, 2003. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Ethel; daughters, Lisa and Reina; son, Kurt; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He was a US Army World War II Veteran. He will be remembered as the greatest husband, father and gentleman.
GIANGRANDE, Laura, 81, of Port Richey, died May 25, 2003. Survivors include son, Rick; brothers, Bert and Martin; sister, Martha; and one grandchild.
Arlington F.H.
GRAF, Dorothy E., 81, of Seminole, died May 25, 2003. Survivors include sons, Norman, Thomas, and Warren; daughter, Nancy K. Wolff; and seven grandchildren.
Moss Feaster F.H.
HANCOCK, Johnnie R., 52, of Tampa, died May 25, 2003. Survivors include companion, Allan Watson; mother, Wilma; sons, Michael, Marcus; sister, Kathie, Peggy; brother, Clifford; and five grandchildren.
HANSEN, Willie Jean, 66, of Tampa, entered into rest on May 25, 2003. She was a lifelong resident of Florida, a Baptist, a homemaker, and a loving wife, mother and friend. She is survived by her husband, Bill; son, Randy and wife, Kathleen; daughter, Cheryl Stephens and husband, Thomas; and grandchildren, Chase and Kristine. Graveside services will be held on Friday, May 30, 2003 at lO a.m. at Hillsboro Memorial Gardens.
Hillsboro Memorial F.H., Ph: 689-8121.
HENDERSON, Betty J., passed away on May 25, 2003. She was preceded in death by her husband, John F. Henderson and is survived by her daughter, Linda K. Oyler of Tampa; grandchildren, Bill Oyler, Teresa Oyler McGlew, Cheryl Oyler Long, and John Oyler and their spouses; and nine great-grandchildren. She was a member of St. Catherine's Episcopal Church. Friends may call at the Garden of Memories Funeral Home, Thursday evening from 6-8 p.m. Graveside services will be held on Friday, May 30, 2003 at 1 p.m. at the Garden of Memories Cemetery
with The Rev. Edward R. Rich III, officiating.
KIPKER, Mary N., 67, of Gibsonton, passed away May 24, 2003. She is survived by her husband, Ronald; daughters, Linda and Judy; son, Ken; and seven grandchildren.
LEVERINGTON, Harold H., 86, died May 25, 2003. Born in Canada, he was a retired machinist. Survivors include daughters and husbands, Rhonda and Joe Pritchard and Charlotte and John Fowler; step-sons, Donnie and Steve Sisk; 14 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Funeral service, Thursday, May 29, 2003 at 11:00 AM. at Swilley Funeral Home. Interment in Keystone Cemetery.
Swilley F.H.
MARTIN, Shirley A., 76 of Lakeland, died May 25, 2003. Survived by loving family. Services will be held on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.. with visitation from 6- 7:30 P.M.
Haught Funeral Home 717-9300
MATIS, James Joseph, age 40, died May 8, 2003. Survivors include, his mother, Virginia Poole; step-father, Charles Poole; brother, Michael S.; and nephew, Michael C. James was a Certified Addictions Counselor and a Security Guard at Busch Gardens. A memorial service will be on Wednesday, May 28, 2003 at 7 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, 12703 North Florida Avenue, Tampa, Fla. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Busch Gardens/Sea World Conservation Fund.
MCDERMOTT, Nancy R., 70, of Tampa, passed away Saturday May 24, 2003 at her home. She came to the Tampa area from Tallahassee in 1971. She was a member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church and the American Legion Auxiliary. Her husband of 43 years, Joseph; eight children; 24 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and a brother, survive her. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday May 31, 2003 at 2:30 p.m. at the American Legion Post 147, 17413 Gunn Highway, Odessa, FL 33556. Memorial Donations may be made to LifePath Hospice, 3010 W. Azeele Street, Tampa, FL 33609.
Florida Mortuary Funeral & Cremation Services
MCHAFFIE, Douglas H., 84, of Zephyrhills, passed away May 24, 2003. He was born in Middleport, Ohio, and moved to Florida in 1950. His wife, Maxine McHaffie and his granddaughter Heather McHaffie predeceased him in death. He is survived by his son, Barry and daughter-in-law Brenda. Mr. McHaffie was involved in banking, hotel management, and retired from the AAA Motor Club in 1984. He proudly served in the U.S. Army for 4 years and was a decorated World War II Veteran. Graveside services will be held at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, Fla. on May 29, 2003 at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Gideon memorial Bibles (615-883-8533 / www.gideons.org.) Hillsboro Memorial F.H.
MITSCH, Frank Joseph, III,51, of Zephyrhills, passed away on May 23, 2003. Born in Newark, N.J., he moved here in 1986 from Irvington, N.J. Mr. Mitsch was employed by CES Company, and was of Catholic Faith. Survivors include his wife, Shelley Mitsch of Zephyrhills; Son, Jeffrey Mitsch of Zephyrhills; Daughter, Roxanne Mitsch of Scottsdale, Ariz. ; mother, Joan Mitsch of Zephyrhills; and sister, Patricia Miller of Brick, N.J. Family will receive friends on Sunday, June 1, 2003 from 3:00-4:00 p.m. Funeral Service will follow at 4:00 p.m. at Kelly Memorial Funeral Home. Zephyrhills, Fla.
KELLY MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME
PEMBERTON, Mary Christine, 94, passed away on May 26, 2003. A life long resident of Plant City, Mrs. Pemberton was a homemaker and a member of the Bethany Baptist Church since 1925. She was predeceased by her husband, O.D. Pemberton. Survivors include one daughter, Louise Johnson of Billings, Mont.; one sister, Lillian Nicks, Plant City ; one grandson, David Johnson, Washington State; one granddaughter, Lorene Johnson-Horton, Washington State; one great-grandson, Kai Johnson; and various nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends on Friday, May 30, 2003 from 10 to 11 a.m. at Wells Memorial Chapel with services to follow at 11 a.m. Immediately following the service, Internment will be at Oak Lawn Cemetery. Donations may be sent in memory of Mrs. Pemberton to Bethany Baptist Church located in Cork.
Wells Memorial Funeral Home
PIKE, Nellie, 64, of Tampa, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 25, 2003. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She is survived by her husband, Donald Pike; two daughters; one son; 10 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a host of close friends. A Memorial Service will be held in the funeral home chapel Thursday, May 29 at 2 p.m.
Florida Mortuary Funeral & Cremation Services
POJMANN, Donna Jean, 66, of Winter Haven, formerly of Brandon, passed away Monday, May 26, 2003. She is survived by her husband, Donald E. of Winter Haven; son, Don K. of Lake Panasoffkee; daughter, Desiree P. Clark and husband, Paul T. Clark of Valrico; mother, Clarissa Perdue of Lakeland; and brother, Halsey Perdue of Plant City. She was vice president of Brandon Developers and a former nurse. A Memorial service will be conducted 11 a.m. Saturday, May 31, 2003 at Stowers Brandon Chapel. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Good Shepherd Hospice, 105 Arneson Avenue, Auburndale, FL 33823 in her memory.
STOWERS-BRANDON
RIVERA, Manuel A., 72, of Tampa, passed away May 23, 2003. Mr. Rivera is survived by his wife, Lydia Rivera; son, Miguel Rivera; sister, Rosita Rivera; and other loving family members.
Gonzalez Funeral Home
ROBERTS, Pearl M., age 77, passed away Sunday, May 25, 2003. She is survived by her daughter, Sandra R. Masterson; son, Louis A. Roberts Jr.; one sister; two brothers; eight grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. A Gathering will be at Garden of Memories Chapel tonight from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Graveside services will be held Thursday, May 29, 2003 at 2 p.m. in Thonotosassa Cemetery.
RODRIGUEZ-RUIZ, Serafin, USAF Ret., 75, of Tampa, passed away May 26, 2003 in Tampa. He is survived by his wife, Carmen L. Rodriguez; two sons; one daughter-in-law; and four grandchildren. In lieu of flowers contributions in Mr. Rodriguez's memory may be made to the charity of your choice.
ROSADO, Francisco Javier, 55, of Tampa, passed away Saturday, May 24, 2003. Survivors include his wife of 33 years, Frances Rosado; sons, Manuel F. and Javier J. Rosado; daughters, Julia E. and Jenny L. Rosado; and his mom, Julia Garcia-Rosado. Funeral services will be held at 12 noon, Thursday at the Garden of Memories Funeral Home Chapel, 4207 E. Lake Avenue, with interment to follow in Garden of Memories Mausoleum. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Wednesday evening from 6-8 p.m.
SANCHEZ, Thomas E., 50, of Tampa, passed away May 26, 2003. A native of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and resident of Tampa for the past 15 years. Mr. Sanchez is survived by his wife, Mary Sanchez; son, Randy Sanchez; mother. Maria Sanchez and brothers, Franklin and Evan Sanchez.
Gonzalez Funeral Home
SHULL, Virginia, 83, of Brandon, entered into rest on May 26, 2003. She was a member of Bell Shoals Church of Christ, a Homemaker, and a loving wife, mother, and friend. She is survived by her husband, William; son, Donald; and two grandchildren. Visitation will be held on Thursday May 28, 2003 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m at Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home, with services to follow at 10 a.m. on Friday at Bell Shoals Church of Christ. Hillsboro Memorial F.H. 689-8121.
SLY, Charles R., 77, of Plant City, passed away on Saturday, May 24, 2003. Mr. Sly was retired from Phosphate Industries, a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, He was a World War II Army Veteran, and was awarded the purple heart and bronze medal. Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Thursday, at Florida National Cemetery
with military honors. The visitation will be Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. with a Catholic wake service at 6:30 p.m.
Wells Memorial Funeral Home
