Dustin Donovan Sweeny
Dustin Donovan Sweeny, 16 of Bradenton, FL., formerly of Lake City, died April 7, 2002 at Blake Medical Center in Bradenton.
Born November 26, 1985 in Lake City, he moved to Sarasota, FL from Lake City in 2001 then to Bradenton earlier this year.
He was a Student at Suncoast Technical Institute and a member of Westside Baptist Chapel in Lake City.
He is survived by his mother, Sherry Sweeny of Bradenton and father, Randy Sweeny of Lake City; maternal grandparents.
Dorothy & Emanuel Hershberger of Lake City; paternal grandparents, Nancy & Ron Keil of Michigan; paternal grandfather, Frank Sweeny of Michigan; maternal great grandmother, Malinda Tice of Lake City; 2 brothers, Jeramy Sweeny of Bradenton and Travis of Lake City; 2 stepbrothers, Kent & KrisChesser of Lake City.
Memorial Services will be held at 2 P.M. on Thursday, April 11, at Westside Baptist Chapel, Hwy 90 West in Lake City.
BROWN & SONS FUNERAL HOMES in Bradenton is in charge of arrangements.
Lula Pearl Ford
Lula Pearl Ford of Hampton died Tuesday at Shands at AGH following a brief illness.
She was 81, Mrs. Ford was born in Albany, GA. after moving to Florida at an early age she resided in Suwannee County until 1951 when she moved to Dunedin and then to Hampton in 1982. Mrs. Ford was a retired Patient Care Technician at Mease Hospital in Dunedin. She was a member of a Hope Baptist Church in Theressa. Preceding her in death were her husband of 54 years John T. Ford and a son Herman Lamar Ford.
Survivors include sons John Edison Ford, Kenneth Ford and Dewey Ford of Hampton and Wendell Ford of Crescent City; Daughters Jacqueline Dobos of Starke, Virgie Darley and Jean Collins of Hampton; Brother Thereon Webb of Graham and Sister Juanita Casey of Albany of Albany, GA. 29 Grandchildren 49 Great Grandchildren and 16 Great-Great Grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services will be conducted at 11:00 A.M. Friday, April 12, 2002 at the Chapel of Archie Tanner Funeral Home with Rev. Donnie Lott officiating with Burial in Siloam Cemetery. ARCHIE TANNER FUNERAL HOME of Starke is in charge of arrange-ments.
Betty Lee Merricks
Mrs. Betty Lee Merricks, age 83, resident of 612 West Long Street quietly entered rest at 12:15 a. Wednesday, April 10, 2002. She was the youngest daughter of the late Mr. Charlie and Mrs. Texas Brewer. She attended the public school of Columbia County and was a faithful member of New Bethel Baptist Church.
The family express thanks to all the staff at Hospice, of Suwannee Valley, for the tender loving care Mrs. Merricks received. We also express special thanks to the dedicated staff of Shands at Lake Shore Hospital & The Health Center of Lake City. Their combined efforts kept Mrs.
Merricks comfortable throughout her illness.
Funeral and Burial arrangements are incomplete at this time and will be announced later by COMBS FUNERAL HOME.
Renner S. Turmon
Mrs. Renner S. Turmon, 72, of Lake City died at her residence on Monday, April 8, 2002 after an illness.
Mrs. Turmon was born on October 12, 1929 in Stockton, Alabama to the late Willie Shade and Nancy Duke. Two brothers preceded her in death the late George English and Henry Shade. She was married to the late Deacon J.B. Turmon for 34 years, At an early age she joined the Old Day Springs Baptist church and served faithful until her death.
Survivors are: (Two) Sons Jesse Davis ( Betty Jo) and Isaiah Clayton, Jr. (Joann) (4) Brothers Sam Shade Sr. (Dorothy) George Shade, Isaac Shade (Chelestine) and Ben Shade. (3) Sisters Callie Mae Horne, Lori Macalister and Ida Drake. Sisters-in-law Mary Kier and Charlye Mae Sanford. God-sister Annie Mandy. Brothers-in-law Robert Lee House and Tommy Lee House (Annie Mae) (17) Grandchildren Lawanna (Jason), Chris (Norma) Nancella, Natasha, Elizabeth, Jessica, Laura, Isaiah (Gwen), Wartina, Lavonda, Juanita, Catherine, Marcus, Veronica, Travis, Kevin, Mario and (21) great grandchildren. (3) Devoted family friends, Vera Loggins, Alice Perry and Louise Newsome. A very special cousin Cecilia French. A host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and sorrowing friends.
Funeral services will be held Saturday April 13, 2002 at 11:00 A.M. At the Old Day Springs Baptist Church 1580 Congress St. with Rev. Leo Fleming, officiating. Interment
will follow in the Garden of Rest Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6-8 P.M. on Friday April 12, 2002 at RUDOLPH MIZELL FUNERAL HOME 609 W. Washington St. Lake City. (386)752-3166.
Lisa Michelle Wyche
Funeral Service for Lisa Michelle Wyche 34, Daughter of Retired Master Sgt. Andrew and Helena Brown Wyche will be Saturday April 13th 2002 at 1:00 pm at the Emerald Coast Chapel, Ft. Walton Beach, Florida. Emerald Coast Funeral Home is in charge of services. Tel 850-864-3361 Fax 850-864-3483 Courtesy of CAESAR and CHESTNUT FUNERAL HOME, Lake City, FL.
Betty Lee Merricks
Betty Lee Merricks, age 83 resident of 612 W. Long Street, Lake City, Fla. quietly entered rest at 12:15 a.m. Wednesday, April 10, 2002.
She was the youngest of 13 children born to the late Charlie Brewer and Texas Brewer. She attended the public schools of Columbia County, Confessing Christ at an early age she united with New Bethel Baptist Church where she served on the Usher Board and Senior Choir. She was united in Holy Matrimony to the late Haywood Merricks on September 8, 1937, this union was blessed with four children. Her son, Alvin Merricks, preceded her in death. She was a gentle spirit who touched many lives.
She leaves to cherish her memory, three sons, Hayward Merricks, (Helen), Oxnard, CA.; Emory "Blood" Merricks and Larry Donald Merricks, both of Lake City, Fla.; one daughter, Brenda Merricks Leonard (Carl), of Charlotte, N.C.; one Brother, James Brewer, of Daytona Beach, FL.; one Sister, Aleather Woodbury, Tampa, FL.; a loyal and devoted friend, Ms. Lawalla Mae Smith, of Lake City ; an aunt, Willie Mae Stanford, Lake City, Fl many devoted grandchildren, other relatives and friends.
Funeral services for Betty Lee Merricks, will be 2:00 P.M. Saturday, April 13, 2002 at New Bethel Baptist Church 924 M.L. King, Jr. Drive, Lake City, Fla with Rev. Alvein J, Baker, pastor officiating. Interment
will follow in the St. James Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Combs Funeral Home, Chapel on Friday, April 12, 2002 from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.. Arrangements by COMBS FUNERAL HOME, 400 E. Washington St. Lake City, Fla.
Sarah Lee Porter Whitcher
Mrs. Sarah Lee Porter Whitcher, age 71, of Jacksonville, Fla. died Wednesday, April 10, in the Tandem Healthcare Center, Jacksonville, Fla. following a long illness.
Mrs. Whitcher was a native of Fort White, Fla. and had resided in Jacksonville, Fla for over 50 years. She was the daughter of the late Lon and Ruby Harvey Porter and had worked in the trust department of First Union National Bank, Jacksonville, Fla. for over 20 years until her retirement. She was a graduate of Fort White High School and a member of the Baptist faith.
Survivors include her daughter, Karen D. Maggard of Fort White, Fla.; Her son, Michael Lon Harris of Jacksonville, Fla.; Two sisters, Luease Carver of Branford, Fla. and Lucille Roberts of Orlando, Fla.: One brother, Eathan Porter of Fort White, Fla.: One grandson also survive.
Funeral services will be conducted at 4 P.M. Saturday, April 13, in the Siloam United Methodist Church with Rev. William D. Wood of Elm Baptist Church, Fort White, Fla. officiating. Interment
will be in Siloam Cemetery, Columbia County, Fla. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 P.M. Friday, April 12, at GUERRY FUNERAL HOME, 4309 South First Street, Lake City, Fla.
Genevieve N. Horton
Mrs. Genevieve N. Horton, 69, of Lake City died late Saturday evening at the Shands at the University of Florida Hospital following a brief illness.
A native and lifelong resident of lake City, Mrs. Horton was a homemaker and spent all of her spare time helping other people do things that they were not able to do themselves. Mrs. Horton was preceded in death by her husband Otha Horton in 1982.
Mrs. Horton is survived by two daughters: Linda Ann Saylor (Eddie) of Lake City, FL; and Othaleen
Horton of Worthington Springs, FL; one son, Larry Horton (Karen) of Lake City, FL; her mother, Ida Green of Jacksonville, FL; two brothers, Rodney Green of Jack-sonville, FL, and Harold Green of Savannah, GA; three Grand-children also survive
Graveside funeral services for Mrs. Horton will be conducted at 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, April 16th at the Memorial Cemetery in Lake City with the Rev. Lowell O'Steen, Pastor of the Bethlehem Baptist Church, Lake City, officiating. Visitation with the family will be held on Monday evening from 6:00-8:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Arrangements are under the direction of the Gateway Memorial Funeral Home, 1322 West Duval Street, Lake City, (386)752-1954.
Colon F. Jenkins
Mr. Colon F, Jenkins, 67, resident of Orlando, Florida died Sunday,
April 14, 2002 at his home, following a long illness.
Mr. Jenkins was a native of Columbia County, Florida, son of the late Carlton E. and Eliza Jane Langford Jenkins, and had resided in central Florida, since 1957. Mr. Jenkins was a graduate of Columbia High School, Class of 1953, and had served in the U.S. Navy on the U.S.S. Bon Homme, in the pacific fleet. Mr. Jenkins had worked as a Grocery store Manager for Fairway markets in Orlando until his retirement. He was of the Presbyterian faith. Mr. Jenkins was preceded in death by his Brothers, Carlton E. Jenkins, Jr., and Albert M. Jenkins, by his beloved Aunt, Tommie A. Langford, and his Grandmother, Lina Langford.
Survivors include; His Wife, Ruth D. Jenkins; Three Daughters,Pamela F. J. (Mark) Gibson, M. LeAnne J. Everett and Stacie R. J. (Brain) Stafford, all of Orlando; Sisters, Martha J. Terry, of Lake City and. Faith (Robert) Fuller, of Forest City, Fla.; Brothers, Edward F. (Mary) Jenkins, of Eclectic, Ala., Burl H. (Bonnie) Jenkins, and T.D. (Shirley) Jenkins, both of Lake City, and Randolph L. (Frances) Jenkins, of Orlando; Uncle, Clarence Jenkins, of Lake City; Aunts, Ella Mae Webb and Norma Lee Musgrove. FiveGrandchildren, Seven Nieces, Eleven Nephews and may friends also survive.
Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, April 17, 2002, at 4:00 P.M., in the Chapel; of Guerry Funeral Home. Interment
will follow in Jenkins Cemetery. The family will receive friends, Tuesday, April 16, 2002, from 6 to 8 P.M., at the funeral home. GUERRY FUNERAL HOME, 4309 South FirstStreet, Lake City, is in charge of all ar-rangements.
Eugene "Gene" Robinson, SR
Eugene "Gene" Robinson, SR, 66, of O'Brien, passed away Sunday, April 14, 2002 in his home after a long illness.
The Watertown, New York native moved to O'Brien from Tampa, FL sixteen years ago, was a truck driver and of Catholic faith.
Survivors include his wife: Theresa Robinson, O'Brien, FL; Four Daughters: Florence Day, Zephry- hills, FL, Deborah Gross, Mary Jane Robinson and Leah Means all of Tampa, FL; One Son; Bruce Robinson, Tampa, FL; One Brother; Richard Robinson, Wellsboro, PA; Eight Grandchild-ren and Two Great-Grandchildren.
Memorial Services will be conducted 3:00 P.M. Tuesday, April 16, 2002 at Daniels Memorial Chapel, Branford, FL with Mr. Bob Fletcher officiating. Daniels Funeral Home of Branford is in charge of all arrangements.
Mary-Kathryn Shiver
Mary-Kathryn Shiver, age 12 a resident of Mayo, Florida died accidentally on April 12, 2002.
A 6th grade student at Lafayette County School, Mary-Kathryn loved reading, writing, and all ani- mals.
She also loved gardening es-pecially flowers.
Her parents Louis Clay and Cynthia Bennett Shiver, of Mayo, and 2 brothers, Keith Shiver, Cross City, Kurt Shiver, Mayo, survive her. Her paternal grandparents, Clifton and Gladys Shiver, Mayo her maternal grandmother, Evelyn Bennett, Gainesville, a number of loving aunts and uncles and 2 nephews, Kole and Christian also survive her.
Funeral service will be held at 2:00 P.M., Monday, April 15, 2002 at Airline Baptist Church with interment
at Airline Cemetery. The family received friends Sunday, April 14, 2002 at Joe P. Burns Funeral Home Mayo Chapel. The family suggests in lieu of flowers memorial donations be made to a library of choice in Lafayette County. Joe P. Burns Funeral Home, Mayo and Perry Chapels, 1400 Johnson Stripling Road, Perry, FL is in charge of the arrangements.
Lorene Elizabeth Alderman
Lorene Elizabeth Alderman, 71, a resident of Lake City, Florida, died, Thursday, April 18, 2002 at Lake City Medical Center after an extended illness.
Mrs. Alderman lived most of her life in Columbia County and was a member of Eastside Baptist Church. Mrs. Alderman was a homemaker and was preceded in death in 1984 by her husband, James J. Alderman.
Survivors include a son, Randy (Jeanette) Alderman, Togo, Africa; three daughters, Charlene Zeigler, Jacksonville, Florida; Yvonne Sealy, Lake City, Florida; Lisa (Gregory) Harris, Lake City, Florida; two sisters: Annette Sullivan and Clifford Walker both of Jack- sonville, Florida. Also surviving are nine grandchildren.
Funeral services for Mrs. Alderman will be conducted on Sunday, April 21, 2002 at 2:00 P.M. at the Union Baptist Church, O'Brien, Florida with the Rev. J.B. "Tank" Ogburn officiating. Interment
will follow in the Union Baptist Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home, Saturday evening April 20, 2002 from 5:00-8:00 P.M.
SHERRILL-GUERRY FUNERAL HOME, 616 South Marion Street, Lake City, Florida is in charge of all arrangements.
Edgar R. "Poppie" Clauser, Jr
Mr. Edgar R. "Poppie" Clauser, Jr. I am leaving you with a gift-peace of mind and heart... So don't be troubled or afraid. John 14:27
Our father, Edgar Rinker "Poppie" Clauser, Jr., 82, died on April 16, 2002. He was born on May 17, 1919 in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, to Edgar and Emily Clauser. He was educated in Bethlehem schools and served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1949. It was during this time that he met our mother, Annie Irene Hudson. They were married on June 7, 1947, in Columbia, South Carolina. After leaving the Navy they lived for several years in Lake City and then moved to Marietta, Georgia where he worked for Lockhead until returning to Lake City in 1985. Dad was a member of the Lake City Lodge #27 F&AM, Scottish Rite Bodies, Lake City Shrine Club which he served twice as president, and a member of the Morocco Temple of the Shrine in Jacksonville.
When our mother became ill, and until her death on July 4, 2001, Dad devoted all of his time to caring for her. Dad will always be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor and his love for playing practical jokes. He seldom could be seen without a smile on his face. Dad will be deeply missed by his three children; Donna (Richard) McAdams of Lake City; Elizabeth (Hugh) Mulkey of Chattanooga, Tennessee; and Edgar R. Clauser, III (Paula) of Marietta, Georgia; four grandchildren, Kelly (Terry) Speck, Kevin Mulkey, Amanda Clauser, and Chip Clauser; one sister, Janet (Edward) Deegan of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; one brother, David (Betty) Clauser of Bethle- hem, Pennsylvania; and his cousin, Tom Dolan of Honolulu, Hawaii.
We would like to thank two very special friends who were so important to Dad and helped him im- mensely; Billy Wheeler and Bobbie Sue Geiger.
The family would also like to thank the staff of The Health Center of Lake City and Hospice of North Central Florida for their kindness and compassion and our friends for their thoughts and prayers during Dad's illness.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Hospice of North Central Florida, 1900 Florida Gateway Blvd., Lake City, FL 32024. A memorial service and committal service will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2002, at 4:00 P.M. at the St. James Episcopal Church in Lake City.
Arrangements are under the direction of the GATEWAY MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, 1322 West Duval Street, Lake City. 386-752-1954
Cleo Cole
Mr. Cleo Cole, age 68, resident of 831 West Wilson St., died Thursday, April 11, 2002 at Shands at Lake Shore Hosp. terminating a brief illness. Born and raised in Bellville, FL he was the son of the late Mr. Cleo Cole, Sr. and Mrs. Terussell Cole. He retired from the Department of Transportation. He was united in Holy Matrimony to Ms. Florida Coleman on December 17, 1979.
He was a member of the Bethel A.M.E. Church, Lake City, FL for 28 years where he served on the Trustee Board, Usher Board and the Men of Valor. Cleo, was loved by many; his greatest love was fishing with his friends.
He leaves to mourn his passing a devoted wife, Florida Cole; 5 Children, Dennis Young (Gayle) of Titusville, FL, Louie Cole (Minnie), Ruby Zanders (McArthur), Gloria Cole and Jannas Williams, all of Bellville, FL; 2 Step-children, Jody Curry and Lee Curry, both of Bellville, FL; 10 Brothers & Sisters, Josephine Kirkland, Jimmy Cole, Charlie, David Cole (deceased), survived by C.W. Cole, Ervine, Loren-zo Cole (Maryann), Bellville, FL, Johnny Cole, Fort Pierce, FL, Mammie Crawford (Floyd) Largo, FL, Lottie Cole, St. Petersburg, FL, and Elizabeth Ann Cole, Bellville, FL; 2 devoted God-children, Edward Coleman (Evette) and Mercedes Hobbs; 2 devoted friends, Elbert Manker and Fred Jones; 8 Grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
Funeral Services for Mr. Cleo Cole will be 1:00 P.M. Saturday, April 20, 2002 at Mt. Pisgah A.M.E. Church.
Rev. Mark Crutcher, pastor; and Rev Victoria Smith, officiating. Interment
will follow in Bellville, FL.
Arrangements by COMBS FUN-ERAL HOME, 400 E. Washington St. Lake City, FL.
Betty June Davis
Mrs. Betty June Davis. age 72, of Lake City, Fla. died Thursday, April 18, in the Health Center of Lake City Fla. following a long illness.
Mrs. Davis was a native of Lake City, Fla. and had resided in Lake City all of her life.
She was the daughter of the late Leo and Florence Cox and worked as a licensed practical nurse with the V.A. Medical Center, Lake City, Fla. for many years until her retirement. She was a member of the Southside Baptist Church, Lake City, Fla.
She is survived by her aunt and uncle, Lota and Lonnie Hall of Lake City, Fla.
Funeral services will be conducted at 1 P.M. Monday, April 22, in the Chapel of Guerry Funeral Home with Rev. Herman Hampton, Associate pastor of Southside Baptist Church, officiating. Interment
will be in Memorial Cemetery, Lake City, Fla. Visitation will be from 10 to 11:30 A.M. Monday, April 22, at GUERRY FUNERAL HOME, 4609 South First Street, Lake City, Fla.
Mario Fitzpatrick Griffin, Sr.
Mario Fitzpatrick Griffin, Sr. of Lake City, Florida was born March 3, 1968 at the United States Navel Air Station in Jacksonville, Florida to Ms. Olivia Miller Griffin of Spo- kane, Washington and Mr. Connie L. Griffin of Lake City, Florida.
At the time of demise, he resided in Lake City, Florida. Mario attended and graduated from the Columbia County Public School System. He attended Falling Creek Baptist Church and Truevine Baptist Church where he served on the Usher Board. On Sunday, April 14, 2002 after an extended illness, God called Mario home.
Mario was preceded in death by his son Timotheus Akeem Griffin. He leaves to cherish his memories a loving and devoted wife Arlene Griffin. Two daughters Charon Griffin and Contressa Griffin. One stepdaughter Nikole Bryant and three sons Marion Griffin, Antonio Griffin and Mario Griffin, Jr. all of Lake City, Florida, His father Connie Griffin, Lake City, Florida and His mother Olivia Miller Griffin.A loving brother Terrance Griffin, Lake City, Florida. A loving sister Latricia (Deon) Brown, Miami, Florida. Devoted grand parents Jeff and Creasy Brady, Lake City, Florida. A loving Mother-in-law, Florine J. Dix. A Father-in-law Johnnie Lee Dix. A loving Brother-in-law Octa- vious Dix.
Loving Aunts' Thelma (Horace) Morris, Joella Johnson, both of Miami, Florida. Florida Mae (Pastor Clarence) Hayes, Jacksonville, Florida. Hazel (Marcus) Shivells. Loving Uncles Zack (Charity) Johnson, Lake City, Florida. Emory (Wyla) Johnson Detroit, Michigan and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and sorrowing friends.
Funeral services for Mario Fitzpatrick Griffin, Sr. will be 11:00 A.M. Saturday, April 20, 2002 at New Bethel Baptist Church with Rev. Alvin Baker, pastor; and Rev. Kenneth Troup, officiating. Interment
will follow in the Falling Creek Ceme-tery. Arrangements by COMBS FUNERAL HOME, 400 E. Washington St. Lake City, FL.
Sean Dewayne Lee
Sean Dewayne Lee, 23, a resident of Lake City, Florida died Tuesday, April 16, 2002, at Shands Hospital in Gainesville, Florida after an extended illness.
Sean was a lifelong resident of Columbia County and was a member of the Watertown Congregational Methodist Church. Sean enjoyed baseball and was a Babe Ruth Baseball Coach for six years for Columbia County's local league.
Sean is survived by his Father and Mother, Charles "Butch" & Billie Jo Lee, Lake City, Florida; two brothers: Charles "Butch" Lee, Jr. & (Donna Spahalski), Lake City, Florida; Steven Lenton Lee, Lake City, Florida; one sister: Tiffany Michele Lee, Lake City, Florida; two nieces: Courtney Spahalski and Whitney Lee. Also surviving are many other relatives and friends.
Funeral services for Sean Dewayne Lee will be conducted on Saturday, April 20, 2002 at 11:00 A.M. in the Sherrill-Guerry Memorial Chapel with the Rev. J.B. "Tank" Ogburn, Rev Tommy Lindsey and Rev. Randy Ogburn officiating. Interment
will follow at Riverside Cemetery, White Springs, Florida. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Friday evening, April 19, 2002 from 6:00-8:00 P.M.
SHERRILL-GUERRY FUNERAL HOME, 616 South Marion Street, Lake City, Florida is in charge of all arrangements.
Mark Alan Merriman
Mark Alan Merriman died Tuesday at Lake City MedicalCenter. He was 51.
Mr. Merriman was born in Columbus, Ohio, and moved to Lake City from Gainesville seven years ago. He was a sales manager and gunsmith for a gun shop in Lake City. He also was a firearms instructor. He was a member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners Local No. 1278.
He served in the U.S. Army.
Survivors include his wife, Mary Savage of Lake City; a daughter, Emma Jane Caplan of Gainesville; and a half-brother, Williams Good-rich of Inverness.
Graveside services will be at 11 A.M. on Friday, April 19, 2002 with Rabbi Berl Goldman conducting the services. Burial will be in Memorial Park-Central, 4100 NW 39th Ave., in Gainesville, FL. Arrangements are under the care of WILLIAMS-THOMAS FUN-ERAL HOME, 404 N. Main St., Gainesville, FL. 32601.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Lubavitch Jewish Center, 3324 W. University Ave, No. 301, Gainesville, FL. 32607.
Helena Rollins
Helena Rollins, age 26, resident of Olustee, FL died April 10, 2002 as a result of injuries received in an au-tomobile accident.
She was born in Manhattan, N.Y. and was the daughter of Edward Suarez and the late Carmen Arce. Helena, received her education from Park West High School in New York. She attended Lake City Community College where she completed her course in Patient Care. She was employed at the V.A. Medical Center in Lake City, FL; She was an active member of Olivet Baptist Church in Lake City and also attended Emanuel Church of God in Christ, Macclenny, FL.
She leaves to mourn her passing her husband, Rev. Tommie Rollins III; 2 sons, Tommy Edward Suarez Rollins IV and Thomas Valentino Suarez Rollins V; 1 daughter, Alexandria Thomasina Suarez Rollins; 1 step-son, Deontre Oliver Paige Rollins; 1 sister Carmen Arce; 1 uncle; 1 aunt; 8 brothers-in-law; devoted friends, Sharlonda Brown, Veronica Jackson, Linda Cason, Betty Grif-ford, Barbara Harrell and Nedra Jennings; a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
Funeral services for Helena Rollins, will be 1:00 P.M., Saturday, April 20, 2002 at Emanuel Church of God in Christ Macclenny, FL with Elder Jonathan Ruise, pastor, officiating. Interment
will follow in the Mt. Hermon Cemetery, Macclenny, FL. The body will lie in state for viewing at Emanuel Church of God in Christ on Friday, April 19, 2002 from 4:00 P.M. until 6:00 P.M.
Arrangements by COMBS FUNERAL HOME, 400 E. Washington St. Lake City, FL.
Benny F. Smith
Mr. Benny F. Smith, 77 of Lake City died Saturday evening, April 13, 2002, at Shands Hospital at the University of Florida following a brief illness.
A native of Good Springs, Alabama, Mr. Smith had lived in Lake City for the past twelve years having moved here from Orangeburg, South Carolina. Mr. Smith was of the Baptist faith and a member of the Evergreen Baptist Church.
Mr. Smith was a member of the Disabled American Veterans and a veteran of the United States Navy. One hobby that Mr. Smith enjoyed was fishing. Mr. Smith was married to his wife, Mrs. Mazzie Smith, for the past fifty two years.
Mr. Smith is survived by one son, Dan Smith (Debbie) of Jack-sonville, two grandsons, Justin C. and Kyle D. Smith both of Jacksonville; one sister, Kathleen Smith Russell of Bessner, Alabama, and two nephews, David Russell (Susanne) of Alabaster, Alabama and Butch Russell (Terry) of Ralph, Alabama and Butch Russell (Terry) of Ralph, Alabama also survive.
A memorial service for Mr. Smith will be conducted on Tuesday, April 23, 2002 at 1:00 P.M. in the Evergreen Baptist Church with the Reverend Jerry Tyre officiating. Interment
will follow in the Evergreen Baptist Church Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the direction of the GATEWAY MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, 1322 WestDuval Street, Lake City. 386-752-1954.
