Myrna Rae Harrell
Mar 10, 2026
Myrna Rae Harrell (née Herndon), born April 24, 1937, in Lake Wales, Florida, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on March 10, 2026, surrounded by her family.
Myrna was the beloved daughter of the late Loren Herndon and Leah Herndon (née Keen). She was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 59 years, James W. Harrell, her sons; Audie...
Bessie Kathryn Braswell
Mar 9, 2026
Bessie Kathryn Braswell, age 97, passed away peacefully on March 9, 2026. She was born on March 4, 1929, in Homeland, Florida, to Charles Wesley Watson and Bessie Elizabeth Mizelle Watson.
Kathryn grew up in Homeland and spent the remainder of her life in Bartow, Florida, where she built a life centered on family, and hard work. She worked for many...
Ivy Parker
Mar 5, 2026
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Ivy Parker, who passed away on March 5th, 2026, at the age of 51.
Ivy was born on March 24th, 1974, in Bartow, Florida. Throughout her life, she showed incredible strength and resilience, facing life’s challenges with courage. While her journey was not always easy, she loved deeply and fiercely.
Above all else, she...
Scott R. Griffin
Mar 4, 2026
Scott R. Griffin, age 74, of Lakeland, Florida, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2026, at Kindred Hospital Central Tampa. Scott was born on March 7, 1951, in Bridgeport, Connecticut. He was known as a hard worker who could always be counted on, and for his reliability and willingness to help others. Scott enjoyed spending time with friends and family....
James Byron Rials
Mar 2, 2026
James Byron Rials, age 89, passed away Monday, March 2, 2026. He was born in Andalusia, AL to Ivey & Clara Rials. He grew up in Sampson, AL and joined the US Army in 1952. He honorably served his country by completing 2 tours in the Vietnam conflict, where he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal. He spent 22 Years...
George T. Smith
Mar 1, 2026
FORT MEADE – George T. Smith, age 78, passed away peacefully on March 1, 2026, at Lakeland Regional Health and Medical Center. Born on February 10, 1948, in Buffalo, NY, George lived a life defined by service, hard work, and a deep love for animals.
A proud veteran, George served his country in the United States Marine Corps. Following his military...
Catherine Ann Kern
Feb 26, 2026
Catherine Ann Kern, age 63, passed away Thursday, February 26, 2026. She was born January 8, 1963 in Philladelphia, PA to Robert & Joanne Walterick. Cathy was a Medical Transcriptionists. She is survived by her husband David Kern, two daughters Danielle Albritton (Howie) and Kasey Elders, two sons Joshua Capodici and Zackery Capodici, sister Rose Walterick, brother Bobby Walterick, eight...
Jacqueline A. Emerfoll
Feb 26, 2026
Bartow - Jacqueline A. Emerfoll, age 66, passed away on February 26, 2026, at Bartow Regional Medical Center. She was born on February 22, 1960, in St. Paul, MN. She worked in Human Resources. She enjoyed crafting, baking, playing bingo and going to the casino. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family. She is survived by her...
Shawn A. Pawley
Feb 25, 2026
Rochester - Shawn A. Pawley, age 41, passed away on February 25, 2026, in Rochester, NY. He was born on September 22, 1984, in Bartow, FL. He worked as a Software Engineer. He enjoyed live comedy shows, going to the gun range, video games, and beach trips to Sarasota. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Frank Monroe, Don...
Frank Briggs, Sr.
Feb 24, 2026
Frank Briggs Sr. left this world on February 24, 2026, at the age of 76. Frank was born on August 2, 1949, in Steubenville, Ohio, to Harry Robert Briggs and Marylou Gassner. His life was a testament to resilience, dedication, and the quiet strength of a man who spoke volumes with few words.
Frank's life was filled with love and adventure...
Lareita Yvonne Shanks
Feb 24, 2026
Lareita Yvonne Shanks, age 75, passed away Tuesday, February 24, 2026. She was born January 24, 1951 in Winter Haven, FL to Oliver & Lanora Yvonne Sjoblom. Lareita was a Legal Secretary for Frank Rouse for over 30 years. She was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers Nathan Sjoblom, Donald Sjoblom and Ronald Sjoblom. Lareita is survived...
JoAn K. Music
Feb 23, 2026
Bartow - JoAn K. Music, age 67, passed away on February 23, 2026, at Bartow Regional Medical Center. She was born on November 29, 1958, in Bartow, FL. She was the Owner of Kathy's Cafe. She was a member of Vineyard Church of God. She enjoyed shopping, attending church and spending time with her family. She was preceded in death...
Judith Ann Lawrence
Feb 22, 2026
Judith Ann Lawrence, 84, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2026. Born on May 22, 1941, Judith was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great‑grandmother whose strength, wisdom, and unconditional love were the foundation of her family.
Judith was known for her sharp intellect, creativity, warmth, and love of meaningful conversation. She cherished family traditions, took great joy in cooking, art and...
John Timothy Reynolds
Feb 22, 2026
John Timothy Reynolds, age 61, passed away Sunday, February 22, 2026. He was born September 4, 1964 in Winter Haven, FL. Timothy was a Veteran in the US Army. He was a Heavy Equipment Operator. Timothy attended Fort Meade Worship Center. He was preceded in death by his brother Will Reyonlds. Timothy is survived by his parents John Hubert &...
Kristin R. Brown Simpson
Feb 21, 2026
Bartow - Kristin R. Brown Simpson , age 41, passed away on February 21, 2026, at her residence in Bartow. She was born on April 26, 1984, in Florence, SC. She worked as a Truck Driver. She enjoyed horse riding, showing cows, training dogs, traveling the country, finding the best restaurants and spending time with her kids. She was preceded...
Carl M. Rhoden
Feb 21, 2026
Bartow - Carl M. Rhoden, age 77, passed away on February 21, 2026 at Elite Care in Lakeland. He was born on February 18, 1949, in Lake Wales, FL. He was a Delivery Driver for the Polk County School Board. He enjoyed fishing, traveling, his cows and spending time with family. He was preceded in death by his wife Cathy...
Joyce S. Beach
Feb 19, 2026
Lakeland - Joyce S. Beach, age 95, passed away on February 19, 2026, at Lakeland Hospice House. She was born on March 24, 1930, in Plant City, FL. She was a Homemaker. She enjoyed traveling and telling stories of her travels. She was preceded in death by her husband William Beach. She is survived by her nephew Keith Miller (Christine)...
Myrtle A. Holland
Feb 19, 2026
Myrtle A. Holland , age 101, passed away on February 19, 2026, at Celebration Villa of Winter Haven. She was born on March 8, 1924, in Glendale , FL. She was a Homemaker. She enjoyed gardening, fishing, being a grandmother and spending time with her family. She was preceded in death by her husband Irl Holland, 3 brothers and 2...
David Stuart Arnold
Feb 18, 2026
David Stuart Arnold, age 75, passed away Wednesday, February 18, 2026. He was born March 13, 1950 in Bartow, FL to Aaron & Eula Arnold. David worked for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. He was an avid fisherman. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Charles Arnold. David is survived by his wife Cindi Arnold, daughter...
Bennie R. Rice, Sr.
Feb 17, 2026
Lakeland - Bennie R. Rice, Sr., age 89, passed away on February 17, 2026, at his residence in Lakeland. He was born on September 29, 1936, in Plant City, FL. He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps. He was an Engineering Manager for TECO. He was a member of Scott Lake Baptist Church . He enjoyed reading, shooting,...
