OBITUARIES

Feb 27, 2025

Mr. Paul Emerson Weaver passed away on February 27, 2025 in Lakeland, Florida. He was born on April 21, 1936 in Powell, Ohio to the late Dalton and Edith (Leach) Weaver. Family and Trucking was his life. Paul served as a long-time Vice President of Watkins Motor Lines and Past Chairman and Board Director Emeritus of Southern Motor Carriers (SMC3).

He...

Feb 24, 2025

Paul Dickinson, a devoted minister, loving husband, cherished father and grandfather, passed away in Lakeland, Florida on February 24, 2025, at the age of 81.

After graduating from Asbury College and Asbury Theological Seminary, Paul served as a Methodist Minister in the Florida Conference for 40 years. Paul was a lifelong tennis player and enjoyed backpacking and playing basketball with his...

Feb 22, 2025

Barbara Lorene (Berend) Davis, 79, of Lakeland, Florida, passed peacefully on February 22, 2025. She was born on September 4, 1945, in LaGrange Park, Illinois, to Bob and Lorene Berend. She graduated from the University of Kentucky in 1967 with a degree in education. Barb spent many years volunteering at Philip O’Brian Elementary (Lime Street Elementary) before she began teaching...

Feb 20, 2025

Kathleen Forehand Betz (Kay) died peacefully on 2/20/25 at LRMC. She had suffered a severe stroke. 

Kay was a lifelong resident of Lakeland. She was an active member of First United Methodist Church, most recently as a member of the Altar Guild. Kay was employed by The Mosaic Company. Kay loved animals. She loved horseback riding and took advantage of every...

Feb 19, 2025

The God of all glory and grace has called home and into his presence Gerald (Jerry) Towson. He was born in Dayton Ohio on June 26, 1937, to his parents, Theodore Orin Towson and Helen Elizabeth Towson, who preceded him in death, as did his sister, Wanda Anita Anderson, his first wife, Beverly Day Towson, and his daughter, Amy Day...

Feb 19, 2025

Robert Caruthers "Bobby" Anderson passed away Wednesday, February 19, 2025. He was born August 2, 1940, in Charlotte, North Carolina, to the late Hugh and Juanita Peay Anderson. 

He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 57 years, Betty “Jeanie” Anderson, and his brother Terrell Anderson. He is survived by his daughter, Shannon Anderson Fowler (Bill); grandchildren, Peyton Fowler,...

Feb 16, 2025

Shirley L. (Blitch) Boyett, age 97, of Lakeland, FL, went home to be with her Heavenly Father on Sunday, February 16, 2025, under the care of Westminster Lakeland (formerly Florida Presbyterian Homes) and Good Shepherd Hospice.

 She was born February 7, 1928, in Bradford County, Florida to Stewart Edwin Sr. and Sara Frances (Maddox) Blitch. 

 She spent most of her formative years...

Feb 15, 2025

Feb 13, 2025

Feb 10, 2025

 It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Larry Mark Dietrich at the age of 74. He passed away peacefully on February 10, 2025, in Lakeland, FL with his devoted wife by his side. 

He was born on September 5, 1950, in West Lafayette, Indiana, to parents Pauline Smith Dietrich and Verne E. Dietrich. Larry...

Feb 9, 2025

David Wendell Carter, passed into the arms of Jesus on February 9, 2025, at the age of 90. David was born in Baxley, GA on October 24, 1934, to Florbell Mincey Carter and Lory Carter. His father died when David was 3, and his mother moved with him and his sister, Joyce, to the Lakeland, FL area. His mother married...

Feb 8, 2025

Phyllis J. Greene passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 8th, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was born in Dallas, Texas on November 15th, 1933.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Clarence E. Greene. She is survived by her daughter Jo Ellen Greene, her son Richard Greene, her daughter-in-law Ana Liz Greene, her grandchildren Cristina Nelson, Kyle Greene, Kathryn...

Feb 7, 2025

Feb 4, 2025

Feb 4, 2025

Rodolfo Javier Miro, 60, passed away peacefully on February 4, 2025, following a courageous eight-year battle with Esthesioneuroblastoma. 

A resident of Lakeland, Florida, Rudy was born in Dayton Ohio, on August 10, 1964. Rudy was a first generation American; his parents were forced to flee Cuba a few years prior to Rudy's birth.

 Rudy spent his early years growing up in Dayton...

Feb 2, 2025

Jan 31, 2025

Jan 30, 2025

Richard Flan Williams, “Dick” 83, of Lakeland, passed away on Thursday, January 30, 2025.

He was born on December 16, 1941, in Utica, NY, son of the late David and Mary Williams. He is preceded in death by his sisters, Maryellen LaGray, Joan Vine and Sara Cozza.

Dick is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Janice Claire Williams; sons, David...

Jan 27, 2025

Jan 25, 2025

Vilna DeZayas, age 84, peacefully went to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 25, 2025.

She was a loving mother to Bruno F. DeZayas and Alan DeZayas. Proud grandmother to Bruno F. DeZayas II, Blythe DeZayas, Clement DeZayas, and Cecelia DeZayas.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband J. Bruno DeZayas. Her parents Fernando Silva and Consuelo Silva Bendana,...