Page 30 - Florida Sentinel 3-6-20

Funerals/Memoriam
WILSON
MR. LEROY DOUGLAS DAVIS
Homegoing Celebration for Mr. Leroy Douglas Davis, who passed on February 26, 2020, will be held on Saturday, March 6, 2020, at 2 p. m. at New Beginnings Ministries, 11323 N. Nebraska Av- enue, Tampa, Florida, with Pastor Johnny E. Bradley of Tabernacle Church of God in Christ, Valdosta, GA, officiating. Interment with Military Honors by the U. S. Ma- rine Corp. Honor Guards will be conducted at Rest Haven Memo- rial Park Cemetery, 4615 E. Hanna Avenue, Tampa, Florida.
Mr. Leroy Douglas Davis was born to the late Willie James Davis and Rebecca Elizabeth Lancaster on November 6, 1951 in Cleveland, OH. He came to Tampa, Florida as a child in 1965. He was a 1969 graduate of Brewster Adult School. After graduation, he joined the U. S. Marine Corps, serving from 1969-1972. After serving 3 years in the military Mr. Davis found em- ployment with Badcock Furniture Company, where he worked for 14 years. Upon leaving Badcock, he worked several years as a Diesel Mechanic. Mr. Davis later decided to attend Truck Driving School. Upon completion of this training, he took a job with Asche Trucking Company. In 1986, he became self- employed as a long distance truck driver and he drove trucks until the time of his demise.
Leroy was united in holy mat- rimony to Shannon Davis for 13 years. He loved and cherished Shannon dearly. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, cousin and a friend to all whom he encountered.
He was preceded in death by: his father, Willie J. Davis; mother, Rebecca Elizabeth Davis; sister, Fredessa “Tracy” Lamar; aunt, Essie R. Lancaster; cousins, Char- lene R. Lancaster and Marvin Lan- caster, III.
Mr. Leroy Douglas Davis leaves to cherish his fondest mem- ories with: his devoted wife, Shan- non Davis; children, Cynthia Harris, Benyatta Davis and Ley- atta Davis, all of Tampa, FL, Teresa, Herman and Quincy Gif- ford all of Valdosta, GA; grand- children, Tabitha, Le’Kai, Randall, Pasha, all of Tampa, FL, Amarion, Jaiden, Jordan, Jaucon, Zy’ron, Jeraniga, Dauvontae, Javontae and Keeiagna all of Valdosta, GA; siblings, Venetta Jefferson of Philadelphia, PA, Claudett Furst of Molden, Del and Harvey Davis (Terri); one uncle, Henry Lan- caster (Erma); nephews, Harvey Darnell Davis, Marcellus Davis, of Tampa, FL, Larry Gray (Alana), William Jefferson, III, Randolph Jefferson, Robert Hayden, JaMar- cus Lucas and Matthew Belnavis; nieces, Doretha Belnavis, Marilyn Jefferson, Robin Hayden Wright, Andrea Jefferson, Shenna Bain (Ron), and Gabrielle Belnavis; sis- ters-in-law, Kattherina Lynch, Juanita Hogan, April Brown, Kathy Bell Dumus, Kimbly Brin- son, Kamisha Baker; brothers-in- law, Willie Allen Brown, Michael Brown and Jerome, all of Val- dosta, GA; cousins, Marvin Lan- caster, Sr. (Sharon), Doris Barnum (Joel), Maxine Durant, Wanda Green (Ernest), Gaynell Cooper and Michael Lancaster (Sandra); and a host of other sor- rowing relatives and friends.
Friends are asked to assemble at the church on Saturday at ap- proximately 1:45 p. m. for the service.
THERE WILL BE NO VIEW- ING ON FRIDAY.
“A Wilson Service” www.wilson-funeralhome.com
MS. ZENOBIA (‘NOBIE’) LYNCH
On Monday, February 24, 2020, Zenobia “Nobie” Lynch, lov- ing daughter, sister, and mother of three, transitioned to be with the Lord, at the age of 40.
Ms. Zenobia Lynch’s Homego- ing Celebration will be held on Sat- urday, March 7, 2020, at 11 a. m. at New Testament Church, 11530 Walker Road, Thonotosassa, Florida, with Pastor Al Gallon, of- ficiating. Interment will follow at Orange Hill Cemetery, 4900 E. Chelsea Street, Tampa, Florida.
Zenobia was born on October 2, 1979, in Tampa, Florida, to Richadean Cottman-Watson and the late Jimmie Lynch. She at- tended the public schools of Hills- borough County.
She received her CNA (Certi- fied Nursing Assistant) at Erwin Technical College. Zenobia served as a Home Health Nurse Aide at As- sisted Hands, and she also worked at UPS in the warehouse. She was recently engaged to Jean Smilien, whom she adored. Zenobia was born and raised in Tampa, Florida.
Zenobia had a passion for life and she lived it with a heart for cel- ebration. She was a loving and car- ing person, and was a proud “football mom” and homeowner. Zenobia beamed with pride with regard to her children and she sup- ported them in every way that she
could. She loved her family and would be seen constantly express- ing her love towards them. Her sense of humor allowed her to cre- ate laughter amongst family and friends, during both the good and bad times. She was admired and loved by many because of her gre- garious personality. Zeno- bia believed in wholeheartedly supporting her family and friends - no deed was too large, and she con- sidered everyone a friend. She was known for her quick wit, her infec- tious smile, and her kind and com- passionate spirit towards humankind.
Zenobia was preceded in death by: her grandparents, Erma Ben- nefield and Jack Cottman, Jr.
She is survived by: her beloved three children: Michael Forbes, Omarion Hopkins and Keith Gard- ner; her fiancé, Jean Similien; her loving mother, Richadean Watson (Dewey); a supportive and loving sister, Javita Cochran (Maurice); a protective brother, Joseph Woods. She is also survived by: her uncles, Grey Bennefield, Terence Cottman (Obran) and Tarik Cotman; aunts, Beatrice Payne (Donald) of New Jersey and Dr. Sonja Brookins; nephews, Amari Guerrier and Robert Woods; niece, Janiyla Gal- lon; cousins, Arielle Daniels (Rakeli), Antonio Bennefield, Antwuan Bennefield, Tiara Ross (John), Shanice Brookins, Starr Brookins, Esq., Jack, Yvonne and Donald Payne of New Jersey, Ciera Alonso, Tarik Cotman, Jr.; her close friend, Vickey Johnson and a host of other cousins, sorrowing relatives and friends.
There will be a viewing on Fri- day, March 6, 2020, at Wilson Fu- neral Home, 3000 N. 29th Street, Tampa, Florida from 5 – 8 p. m., with the family present to receive friends from 5-6 p. m.
Friends are asked to assemble at the church on Saturday at ap- proximately 10:45 a. m.
“A Wilson Service” www.wilson-funeralhome.com
BROTHER FRED OSCAR RUTLEDGE, SR.
Homegoing Celebration for Brother Fred Oscar Rutledge, Sr., who passed away on February 29, 2020, will be held on Saturday March 7, 2020, at 11 a. m. at Wil- son Funeral Home, 3000 N. 29th Street, Tampa, Florida, with Rev. Dr. Michael E. Rutledge, eulogist, of Mt. Ararat Missionary Baptist Church, Houston, TX. Interment will follow in Rest Haven Memo- rial Park Cemetery, 4615 E. Hanna Avenue, Tampa, Florida.
Brother Fred Oscar Rutledge, Sr., age 95, was born on February 5, 1925 in Walterboro, South Car- olina. He was the son of the late Jonas and Jane Rutledge. Mr. Rutledge was married to the late Mary Lee Rutledge for over 70 years.
He was a member of the First Baptist Church of College Hill under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Evan S. Burrows for over 63 years. Brother Rutledge and his wife were diligent Foster Care Parents to hundreds of children for over 39 years.
Mr. Rutledge leaves behind: a daughter, Altamese Rutledge Brinson and husband, Jesse; son, Minister Fred O. Rutledge, Jr. and wife, Jacquelyn; daughter, Michele Rutledge Vaughn and husband, Gary and son, Rev. Dr. Michael Rutledge and wife, Ali- cia; his loving grandchildren, Gina Duncombe and husband, Johnathan, Stanley G. Merchant, Jr. and wife, Terri, Fred O. Rut- ledge, III, Anthony D. Merchant, Candyce Vaughn, Gary L. Vaughn, Jr., Ashli Southall and husband, Cameron, Dr. Michael E. Rutledge, Jr., Michaela Rut- ledge, Ayana Rutledge; his great- grandchildren, Angela Merchant, Christina Merchant, Cameri Southall, Cameia Southall and Camyah Southall; brother, Samuel Rutledge and his daugh- ter, Yvette; sister, Lydia Williams; caretaker, Carita Fant; a host of other family members and friends.
There will be a viewing on Friday, March 6, 2020, from 5-8 p. m. at Wilson Funeral Home.
Friends are asked to assem- ble at the funeral home at ap- proximately 10:45 a. m.
“A Wilson Service” www.wilson-funeralhome.com
BIRTHDAY MEMORIAM
MERCEDES MCNAIR Sunrise: March 11, 1916 Sunset: March 13, 2008
Mama! It’s been 12 years since you’ve been gone, but it seems like it was yesterday when the Lord called you home.
In our hears, you occupy a special place. We cherish your mem- ory and will never allow it to fade; your patience, kindness, love and compassion for us.
Love, your son, George; son-in-law, Leon; grandchild, Timothy, Love, all your family.
FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2020 FLORIDA SENTINEL-BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY PAGE 21-A