Judy Gleaton Connell Smith
Judy Gleaton Connell Smith, 79, born December 1, 1944, a lifelong resident of Plant City, died peacefully April 22, 2024, surrounded by her family. She was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, James “Jim” H. Connell; and her parents, W.L. “Bill” and Magaline Jent Gleaton. She is survived by her husband of 9 years, Phillip “Phil” C. Smith; children, William “Bill” J. Connell (Jayme), Carrie L. Mahon, and Kay Mullis; grandchildren, Shelby Conrad (Klay), Jackson Connell, Maggie Mahon, Martie Mahon, and James Mullis (Kerry). Judy was crowned the first Little Miss Plant City in 1955 and was the head cheerleader at Plant City High School. She graduated from Florida Southern College with a degree in Education, and she taught at Jackson Elementary School, and Turkey Creek Junior High School for 27 years. Judy was a farmer for the entirety of her adult life, as she shared a poultry and cattle farm with her late husband Jim and continued to live on the farm until her passing. Judy watched thousands of ball games during her life as her children and grandchildren have played and coached high school and college athletics over the past 42 years. She also enjoyed working at the Parkesdale booth at the Strawberry Festival for most of her retirement years. Judy was blessed with a second marriage to Phil Smith in 2015, and they have enjoyed traveling and spending time with their families over the past decade. A funeral service will be held on Monday, April 29th at 11:00 A.M. at First Baptist Church Plant City, 3309 James L. Redman Parkway, where the family will receive friends at 10:00 A.M. Committal to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, Plant City. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the South Florida Baptist Hospital Foundation at 301 N. Alexander St., Plant City, FL 33563; the H.B. Plant High School Girl’s Basketball Program at 2415 S. Himes Ave, Tampa, FL 33629; the Quincy Notre Dame High School Foundation at 1400 S. 11th St., Quincy, IL 62301; or you could take your mother to dinner tonight, and let her know how much she is loved.
Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.
Annie Mae McMillan
Annie Mae McMillan, 89, of Floral City, Fla., entered into eternal rest on Apr. 17, 2024.
Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.
Kenneth “Ken” James Harwood
Kenneth “Ken” James Harwood, 68, of Lithia, Fla., born on Sept. 29, 1955, in Ft. Knox, Kentucky, entered into eternal rest on Apr. 18, 2024.
Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.
David J. Hubay, Sr.
David J. Hubay, Sr., 79, of Plant City, Fla., born on June 2, 1944, in New Hampton, Connecticut, entered into eternal rest on Apr. 16, 2024.
Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.
Harrell, Lala Ellen (Brannon)
Harrell, Lala Ellen (Brannon), passed away Apr. 1, 2024, just 2 days before her 92nd birthday.
Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.
Billy Rodgers
Billy Rodgers, 63, of Lithia, Fla., born on Aug. 26, 1960, in Plant City, entered into eternal rest on Apr. 15, 2024.
Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.
Maxine Watson
Maxine Watson, 91, of Plant City, Fla., born on Apr. 1, 1933, in Malone, Fla., entered into eternal rest on Apr. 20, 2024.
Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.
Rita McNamee
Rita McNamee, an embodiment of laughter and love, passed away on Apr. 22, 2024, in Plant City, Fla., at the age of 78. Born on Feb. 4, 1946, in Friedberg, Germany.
Services will be held privately by the family.
Online condolences can be made at www.haught.care.
Michael Scott Lindsey
Michael Scott Lindsey, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away on Apr. 19, 2024, in his hometown of Plant City, FL. He was a proud Marine Corps veteran who served his country valiantly in Vietnam. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Online condolences can be made at www.haught.care.
Bonnie Faye Wetherington
Bonnie Faye Wetherington, an embodiment of love and faith, passed away on Apr. 22, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. Born on May 9, 1940, in Plant City, Fla., Faye’s gentle spirit and kind heart touched everyone she met throughout her 83 years of life. Faye was the cherished wife of Ronald R. Wetherington, with whom she shared 66 years of devoted marriage. Together, they built a family that includes their loving children, Rhonda (Chip) Carpenter, Lane Wetherington, and Shayla (David) McCullers. Faye was predeceased by her parents, Ola Butler and Irma Carr, as well as her sisters, Helen Smith, Doris Randall, and Betty Surrency. Her legacy continues through her adoring grandchildren, Scarlett (Kyle) Jackson, Dakota (Morgan) McCullers, and Moriah (Jobe) Johns, and her treasured great-grandchildren, Aubrey Faye, Elsey Kaye Jackson, Montana McCullers, Tenille McCullers, and Tulsa McCullers. For 36 years, Faye served her community as a rural route mail carrier in Dover, where she was not only a familiar face but a friend to all on her route. Her commitment to service was further exemplified through her active membership in both the National Rural Letter Carrier Association and the Florida Rural Letter Carrier Association.
Faye’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. She was a dedicated member of the First Baptist Church of Dover, where she joyfully taught Sunday School and lifted her voice in the choir. Her unwavering belief and the love she shared with her church family were sources of great comfort and strength to her and to those she served. Described as loving, faith-filled, and gentle, Faye lived by the words of Mother Teresa, “Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.” This quote encapsulates the essence of Faye’s life; she was a vessel of love and happiness to her family, friends, and community.
Bonnie Faye Wetherington’s life was a testament to the power of kindness and the strength of faith. Her memory will be cherished and kept alive in the hearts of those who were blessed to know her. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Feeding One More Child in care of Florida Baptist Children’s Home, 1015 Sikes Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33815, in memory of Faye Wetherington. Friends and family will be received Thursday, April 25, 2024, from 5 to 7 p.m. at First Baptist Church Dover. A funeral service will follow on Friday, April 26, 2024, at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church Dover.
Online condolences can be made at www.haught.care.
Craig Martin Knecht
Craig Martin Knecht, aged 75, born Feb. 20, 1949, in Akron, OH, passed away peacefully on Apr. 18, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. Craig also proudly served his country as an Army veteran. Friends and family will be received April 25, 2024, from 6 to 7 p.m. at Haught Funeral Home, 708 W. Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd Plant City, FL 33563. A funeral service will follow at 7 p.m.
Online condolences can be made at www.haught.care.
Donald Grover Williams
Donald Grover Williams, 76, of Plant City, Fla., passed away on Apr. 16, 2024. Donald was born Nov. 6, 1947. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.WellsMemorial.com for the Williams family.
