Obituaries
Jeffrey John Woods
Jeffrey John Woods, 47, of Plant City, Fla., born on Oct. 8, 1974, entered into eternal rest on Jan. 24, 2022.
Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.
Richard ‘Dick’ Don Elston
Richard Don Elston, “Dick”, 89, of Plant City Fla., born Aug. 21, 1932 went to be with the Lord January 21, 2022. He attended the University of Florida before joining the Army in 1953. Returning home he joined the family business, Elston Insurance Agency. He was a very active member of the community and the church, First Baptist of Plant City. His achievements included the City Commission, Mayor, Charter Member/Board of Trustees for Hillsborough Community College, Outstanding Citizen of the year, President of Chamber of Commerce, President of E. Hillsborough Historical Society , Usher (First Baptist), Sunday School Director. His most important achievement was being an incredible dad. He is survived by children, Lora Brown of California, Joel Elston of Virginia and Kathy Elston of Plant City. Plus grandsons Chris Elston and Justin Elston. He is preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Elston, son, RD Elston, grandson, TJ Elston.
Dick never met a stranger and loved Plant City, calling it the best city in the world. We will see you again Dad. In the meantime share your laughter in Heaven and tell Mom hello. The family is having a private service.
Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.
Sandra ‘Nino’ Heidtman
Sandra “Nino” Heidtman, 65, of Plant City, Fla., born in Toledo, Ohio on March 22, 1956, entered into eternal rest on January 21, 2022.
Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.
Evelia Rodriguez De Hernandez
Evelia Rodriguez De Hernandez, 64, of Plant City, Fla., born on Oct. 6, 1957 in Guanajuato, Mexico, entered into eternal rest on Jan. 13, 2022.
Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.
Gisela Betancourt
Mrs. Gisela Betancourt, 75, of Plant City, Florida, born on May 7, 1946 in Guerrero, Mexico, entered into eternal rest January 19, 2022. Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.
Reyes I. Soto Gil
Reyes I. Soto Gil, 84, of Plant City, Fla., born on Jan. 6, 1938 in Tamaulipas, Mexico, entered into eternal rest on Jan. 18, 2022.
Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.
Edward Flores
Edward Flores, 27, of Mulberry, Fla., born on July 14, 1994 in Naples, entered into eternal rest Jan. 18, 2022.
Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.
Angel Manuel Santos
Angel Manuel Santos, 67, of Dover, Fla., born on June 16, 1954 in Jayuya, Puerto Rico, entered into eternal rest on Jan. 15, 2022.
Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.
Pedro Carrizales Padron
Pedro Carrizales Padron, 95, of Plant City, Fla., born on Sept. 9, 1926 in Nuevo Leon, Mexico, entered into eternal rest on Jan. 25, 2022.
Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.
Barbara Jean Sobzak
“For we put the thought of all that we love into all that we make.” –Tolkien
Barbara Jean Sobzak was a creative, loving soul who lived a life full of adventure, joy, laughter, and love. On her own she was a powerful spirit, who sought to experience all life had to offer, but when she met her soulmate of 65 years, Raymond, while dancing the night away, the universe got a little brighter. Partners on the dance floor, and partners in life, their story was a shining example of a life well lived. But as with all such tales, we must begin at the beginning. Barbara was an amazing woman, who was motivated from a young age and always striving to learn more. From telephone operator to pediatric nurse, to co-owner of her own printing business, she was always moving forward on her journey regardless of where she was in life, even going back to college in her 60’s to get an accounting degree to help with the printing business finances Nothing stood in her way. An active member of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority throughout her life, she attained the Order of the Rose, and held a Preceptor degree, continuing her work with her sisters even later in life.
Lest you think that such a radiant soul could be contained to such a singular focus, you need only look to her artistic abilities to fully understand the joy she brought to the world around her. A musician of note, mastering the lap steel guitar and playing at the New York World’s Fair, as well as becoming a skillful organist and leader of the choir, Barbara brought joy to her life and to the lives of others through her love of music. Sharing her gift with friends and family whenever the opportunity presented itself, but her art was not limited to just music. An amazing seamstress, stained glass artist and creative soul, Barbara sought to make the world a little brighter by sharing her passion and her art.
For most that would be a legacy worthy of song, but with Raymond at her side Barbara went even further, exploring all the corners of the globe, and embodying the phrase, “not all those who wander are lost”. No matter where the road took them, they made life-long friends and had amazing adventures which she shared with her family, inspiring them to see and experience all that the world had to offer. Her spark shone ever brighter through the people she touched and those she inspired to live life to its fullest.
While she was many things, Barbara first and foremost was always there for family and friends, offering unconditional love and support whenever they needed it. She was proud to be a loving partner, mother, grandmother and great- grandmother, inspiring her family through her actions and the example she set for those she touched. Barbara is survived by her loyal companion BeBe, sisters Jane Leary, Carol Heron, her brother Raymond Normandeau, her children Carol Velez (Lou) and Terry Sobzak (Lorrie); grandchildren Michelle Waldron (Aaron), Marco Diaz (Tammy), Jason Sobzak (Amy), Laci Hammond (Lyle), and Trey Sobzak; great-grandchildren Ava and Anna Sobzak, Melody (Matt) and Maximus Diaz; as well as many loving extended family and many friends around the globe.
She will be sorely missed but she will continue to inspire those she touched to seek out all life has to offer.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 5 at 4:00 P.M. at Hopewell Funeral Home, 6005 South County Road 39, Plant City, where the family will receive friends beginning at 3:00 P.M. Graveside committal to follow at Hopewell Memorial Gardens. For those unable to attend, the service will be live-streamed at facebook.com/HopewellFuneral.
Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.
Edna Barron
Edna Barron, 60, of Plant City, Fla., born on Dec. 12, 1961, entered into eternal rest on Jan. 26, 2022.
Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.
Edna Barron
Edna Barron, 60, of Plant City, Florida, born on December 12, 1961, entered into eternal rest on January 26, 2022.
Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.
Vivian Stallings Ruis
Vivian Stallings Ruis, 74, of Plant City, Fla., passed away on Jan. 27, 2022. The family will receive friends Feb. 3, 2022 from 12 to 1 p.m. at Haught Funeral Home Chapel, 708 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Plant City, FL 33563. Funeral services will follow at 1 p.m.
Online condolences may be left for the family at haught.care.
Pamela Chaney Moncada
Pamela Chaney Moncada, 58, of Plant City, Fla., passed away on Jan. 18, 2022. Born on Aug. 18, 1963.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.WellsMemorial.com for the Moncada family.
Wayne Thomas Davis
Wayne Thomas Davis, 75, of Zephyrhills, Fla., passed away on Jan. 25, 2022. Funeral services were held Jan. 31, 2022, at Haught Funeral Home Chapel, 708 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Plant City, FL 33563.
Online condolences may be left for the family at haught.care.
Harry Leroy English
Harry Leroy English, 90, of Dover, Fla., entered into Heaven’s Gates on Jan. 18, 2022. He was born on June 9, 1931 in Dover, Fla.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.WellsMemorial.com for the English family.
Brady Lee Moore
Brady Lee Moore, 18, of Plant City, Fla., entered into Heaven’s Gates on Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022. He was born on Dec.16, 2003.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.WellsMemorial.com for the Moore family.
Ricardo ‘Richard’ Cruz
Ricardo “Richard” Cruz, 79, of Lakeland, Fla. passed peacefully on Jan. 19, 2022. He was born in Bayamon, Puerto Rico on July 8, 1942.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.WellsMemorial.com for the Cruz family.
Armando Neri
Armando Neri, of Plant City, Fla., passed away on Jan. 26, 2022. He was born on Sept. 14, 1958.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.WellsMemorial.com for the Neri family.
Sharon Louise Tillman
Sharon Louise Tillman, resident of Williston, Florida passed away on Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022. She was 86 years old. Sharon was born to William Curtis Berry and Hazel Louise Byrd on April 2, 1935 in Plant City, Fla.. She moved to Williston, Fla., in 1989 from Bloomingdale, Fla.
Sharon was of the Baptist faith and was a member of the Fairfield Baptist Church. Some of her hobbies included reading and traveling throughout the country and spending time with her family. She leaves behind her husband of 69 years, James Floyd Tillman, Sr., son James Floyd Tillman, Jr. (Cynthia), two daughters Katherine Hudson and Teresa Cummings (Richard), one sister Sandra Tillman, and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held at the Knauff Funeral Home Chapel in Williston on Friday, Feb. 4, 2022 at 11 a.m. with a visitation one hour prior. Reverends Tal Mincey and Wayne Allen will officiate. Burial will follow at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida at 2 p.m. Knauff Funeral Home of Williston is honored to serve the Tillman family during their time of transition.
