Category: Obituaries

Barbara Hudgins-Mitchell passed away on April 10, 2023. She was born in Lowndes County, Alabama, and has lived in Lakeland since 1966. She was a member of Scott Lake Baptist Church. Barbara was an administrator for the Law Firm of Wendel, Chritton, and Parks for many years before her retirement in 1997. Barbara was preceded in death by her first husband, Robert J. Hudgins in 1997, and by her parents, one brother, and one sister. She is survived by her husband, William G. Mitchell; her son, Robert H. Hudgins (Maria); her grandson, Carlos Hudgins; and her niece and two nephews.

Andrew Charles Lock was born on January 1, 1981, in Port Huron Michigan. He passed away on April 7, 2023. He was 42 years old. He was a retired veteran and served an Afghanistan tour for the US Army. Andrew was passionate about fishing, hunting, baseball, reading, drawing, and especially music. He was an avid storyteller. He was funny, protective, sentimental, loving, kind, and brilliant. Andrew is survived by his mother Grace, father Joe, sisters Vicki and Mary, nieces Emma and Olivia, nephew Noah, and best friend Jennifer. A graveside service will be held at Oakhill Burial Park in Lakeland on Thursday, April 20, 2023, at 1 p.m.

John T. Ellington, Jr. of Lakeland passed away on March 21, 2023, at the age of 78. He was born in Portsmouth, Virginia on April 2, 1944, to John and Kathleen Ellington. John was devoted to making his community better with his faith as a guiding light. He was a committed family man, an avid outdoorsman, had a passion for engineering, and was a fanatic for his Tennessee Volunteers. He was a Professional Engineer for over 55 years and in the phosphate industry for over 40 years working for Mobil Chemical, Agrifos, and Penn Pro in the Central Florida region. John always sought opportunities to lead and mentor. John graduated from Bearden High School in Knoxville, Tennessee, and was Senior Class President. He was also on the track, football, and basketball teams. He attended the University of Tennessee where he earned two undergraduate degrees in Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering and went on to receive a Master’s in Engineering Administration and was licensed as a Professional Engineer. He achieved his undergraduate degrees while competing as a walk-on on the track and cross-country teams and working part-time.

Barbara “Granny” Mercer Costine, beloved Mother, Granny, and Friend, died on April 5, 2023, at the age of 85, with a family that adored her by her side until she gained her wings. Her loss is profoundly felt by everyone that loved her. Barbara “Granny” was born in Clearwater, Fl, on August 21, 1937, to Fred Mercer and Clifford Rhimes. She was married to John “Harry” Costine for 41 loving years. He preceded her in death in 1992. She is survived by her loving son Bobby Costine and preceded in death by her son John (Johnny) Costine whom she missed so very much. Barbara “Granny” was also preceded in death by her loving siblings Pat Taylor, Betty Mcdonald, Freddy Mercer, and George Mercer. She was a loving mother figure to Freddy and George for many years.

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Patricia Ann York, who left us on April 4, 2023, at the age of 75. She passed away knowing how much she was loved. Patricia was born in Brooklyn, New York on September 15, 1947, to Raymond Donovan and Dorothy Spencer Donovan. She spent the last 46 years in the Lakeland area where she was a member of Victory Church. Patricia enjoyed watching Christian movies, reading, traveling to new destinations with Dwight, and visiting historical sites, but most of all she loved her visits to her grandchildren.

John Disbot, 80, passed away on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital in Tampa, Florida. John was born in Philadelphia on November 16, 1942, to his parents, Joseph, and Josephine (Sawicki) Disbot. He graduated from Father Judge High School in 1960, then enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served 4 years of active duty and 2 years in the reserves. John was a longtime employee of Rohm and Haas, a chemical manufacturing company headquartered in the Bridesburg section of Philadelphia. He was also an avid baseball fan, especially of the Philadelphia Phillies. He later moved to the Lakeland, Florida, area in 2003 and became a dedicated member of Together Church of God.

Jack McMullen, 91, went home to be with the Lord on April 4, 2023. Jack was born in Norman Park, Georgia on January 5, 1932. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He retired after 28 years of teaching at Traviss Technical School, where he taught auto paint and bodywork. In 1996, Jack was voted Teacher of the Year at the school. He attended Lakes Church where he was a part of the Seekers II Sunday School Class. In his spare time, Jack enjoyed fishing, camping, and working on cars and motorcycles. Jack is survived by his wife, Yvonne McMullen; son, Richard McMullen; step-sons, Terry Smith and Chris Smith; 8 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

Becky was an amazing woman; kind and selfless, always funny and making light of every situation. She grew up in Elders Ridge, Pennsylvania, and graduated from Apollo Ridge High School in 1970. There will be a memorial service in PA for friends and family. Preceded in death by her father Lester M. Synder, mother Lillie Redding, first husband Dennis Wadsworth, second husband Michael McDowell, brother Lester Synder, sister Connie Byers, and sister Elizabeth Kostelansky. Becky is survived by her three children Brandy Lawrence, Jacob Wadsworth, and Dennis Wadsworth, nine grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, five sisters, one brother, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Marie Immacula Myrtha Manigat Francois passed away peacefully on March 28th, 2023 at the age of 68. She was surrounded by family and friends at the Lakeland Regional Hospital when she transitioned. She was born on June 8th, 1954 in Cap Haitian, the second largest city of Haiti, and moved temporarily to Lakeland, Fl in 2021 to be closer to her immediate family. On top of being a wonderful mother and grandmother, she was a proud businesswoman for 30 years and a fervent Catholic who devoted her whole life to helping the less fortunate in her community. She was a member of Haiti’s famous choirs: the MCJ and Maranatha of Cap Haitian.