Category: Obituaries

Jan peacefully and without pain, passed from our arms into the loving arms of Jesus, on Thursday, December 15, 2022, at Estates at Carpenter’s, The Manor, skilled nursing home.

Sandra Gail O’Shea, 70, passed away December 24, 2022.

Gail Ruth Lanham of Lakeland, Florida passed away on December 22, 2022, at the age of 70. Gail was born on December 18, 1952, in Miami, Florida. She worked as a bookkeeper for most of her career.

Wanda Joyce Wilhoite Johnson, 90, passed away in Lakeland on Sunday, December 18, 2022.

Ferrell L. Gay passed away on Sunday, December 18, 2022. Ferrell was born in Fort Gaines, Georgia on June 28, 1935 to parents William M. Gay and Lottie (Best) Gay. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother William M. Gay Jr., and sisters Ruth Linger and Jimmie Peebles.
In 1954, Ferrell graduated from Clay County (GA) High School and immediately enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He served 3 ½ years as a radar technician with tours in Mississippi, Florida, Europe, and North Africa. After discharge he attended Pensacola, Fla. Jr. College and the University of Florida, graduating in 1962 with a degree in Electrical Engineering.

Patricia Bustin Myers, 81, passed away on December 17, 2022.

Josiah Salvador Cruz was fatally wounded on December 16, 2022 in Lakeland Fl. Josiah was born to parents Joshua and Maria Cruz on February 15, 2010. He was known to all his friends, family, and teachers as an outgoing, loving and charismatic boy. His favorite activity was playing basketball and he had dreams of being in the NBA later in life. He played many seasons at the Lakeland YMCA as well as loving to play pickup games in his local neighborhood and Duff Park.

James “Ronnie” Smith passed away on December 1, 2022, at the age of 69. He was a lifelong resident of Lakeland, Florida.

Grace M. Sykes, 93, of Lakeland, died Thursday, December 1, 2022. She is survived by her children and their spouses: Nick, Gary (Bettye), Scott, Randy (Linda), Victor (Theresa), and Susan (Terry) Reneau. Known as “Meme” to her 23 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren, and 12 great-great grandchildren, she is remembered for her faith in Christ and love for her family and community.

On Thursday, December 1, 2022, Dolores Bothmann, our beloved mother, passed away. She was 91.