Page 31 - Florida Sentinel 12-31-21

Funerals/Memoriams
AIKENS
MR. DEVORNE SYLVESTER SMITHEN
In loving memory of Mr. De- vorne Sylvester Smithen, who passed away on December 12, 2021. The visitation will be held on Thursday, December 30th, 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at Aikens Funeral Home, 2708 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Devorne was born on Febru- ary 24, 1975, to Derick Smithen and Valerie Nisbett in Bas- seterre, St. Kitts and Nevis. He came to America when he was five years old. He attended Mitchell and Robles Elementary Schools, and graduated from Gaither High School.
He worked several jobs throughout the years, including Coleman Allied Moving Com- pany for ten years until his pass- ing.
Devorne was a very hard- working, cheerful, giving person who took good care of his mother. He was preceded in death by: his father, Derick Smithen and grandmother, Pearline Henry.
He leaves to cherish his lov- ing memories with: his mother, Valerie Nisbett; siblings, Sharon Zeigler, Elston Nisbett, Dexter Smithen, and Leon Nisbett (Neci); aunts, Clamous Henry, Sylvia Arthurton, Bernadette Arthurton, Viola Arthurton, An- thia James, and Delicia Henry (Lawrence); uncles, Dennis Nis- bett, John Henry, and Mack Browne; special friends, Kevin, Loretta, Allen, and James; and a host of sorrowing nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
We are following CDC guide- lines.
“AIKENS FUNERAL HOME”
JACKSON
MR. TELLY ‘TY’ LETT
A Homegoing Celebration Serv- ice for Mr. Telly Kenyard Lett, who crossed over on December 14, 2021, will be held Saturday, Janu- ary 1, 2022, 1:00 p.m. at Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 3325 E. Emma Street Tampa, Florida, 33610. Rev. Ron- nie Murray, Pastor; Pastor David Robinson, Officiating.
Mr. Telly Lett was the youngest of three children born to Freeman Lett and Beverly Lett in Tampa, FL, on September 21, 1976. He was, re- spectfully called TY by his family, friends, and associates. TY grew up in Jackson Heights, where he at- tended Chamberlain High School. He worked for ProLogistix Ware- house, where he earned several re- wards for outstanding work performance. TY advocated for family and togetherness. He took extreme pride in his mother and children.
TY will forever be remembered for his dedication to helping in the community. Anyone that truly knew him, knew he had such a big heart. He’d give anything even if it wasn’t his to give. TY never knew a stranger and would always make anyone feel welcomed. He loved unconditionally and deeply, and we take comfort in knowing that TY is now at peace surrounded by God’s grace. He will be sorely missed.
Telly was preceded in death by: his father, Freeman Lett; grand- parents, Lloyd Sesler, Leverne Sesler, Houston Lett, Minnie B. Crosby; brother, Terrence Lett; sis- ter, Tameka Wallace; uncles, William Lett, Calvin Sesler; aunts, Norvick Sesler, and Sylvia Rainey.
He leaves a legacy of love with: mother, Beverly Lett (Edward), daughters, Jazzmin (Brooklyn), Journei, Remi, Londyn, Tameia; sons, Tabious, Ty’Rone; sisters, April (Jason), Rhonda, Shawn (Vito); devoted brothers, John Wallace, Jr., Rashard Todd (Kesha) Edward, Jr., Charles; un- cles, Houston (Joann) Lloyd; aunts, Yvonne Anderson, Retha Hobbs; nieces, Ashley, Shambre, Valencia, Davisha, Timesha, Erica, Reenicia, Johntavia, Johnavia, Cierra, Victoria, Tianna; nephews, Jermaine, David, Ricky, John, III, Leonard, Terraton, Ro’kobe; and a host of close family and friends.
Visitation will be held Friday, December 31, 2021, at Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 3325 E. Emma Street, Tampa, Florida, 33610, from 3 p.m. to 5 p. m.
Family and Friends are asked to assemble at Church on Saturday January 1, 2022, at 12:45 p.m. For the Service.
Please follow CDC Guidelines. Masks are Required.
Funeral Arrangements is En- trusted to Jackson Funeral Home.
RAY WILLIAMS
MS. DEBORAH ANN GANT BROWN
Ms. Deborah Ann Gant Brown of Tampa, FL was called home to be with the Lord on Monday, De- cember 13, 2021. The Celebration of Life Services will be conducted on Friday, December 31, 2021, 11:00 a.m. at Northside Mission- ary Baptist Church, 5706 N. 40th Street, Tampa, FL 33610, Rev. Ri- cardo Robinson, Pastor, with Rev. L. Harrington, officiating. Masks Recommended.
Deborah was born September 18, 1960, to Evelyn McKenzie Gant and Caesar Gant, Jr., in Plant City, Florida. She was a resident of Tampa, FL and had also lived in Lakeland, FL for a while. Deborah attended Hillsborough High School during the school years 1977 and 1978. She was a member of Northside Missionary Baptist Church.
Deborah was a loving mother, grandmother, and great grand- mother. She enjoyed listening to her favorite gospel songs, and greatly enjoyed spending family time with her kids, grandkids, and other family members.
Deborah was preceded in death by: her father, Caesar Gant, Jr.; daughter, Chandra Rene’ Gant Brown; brother, Anthony Gant; best friends, Lydia Miles- Bell, Cal Robinson and Melissa.
Deborah leaves to cherish her loving memories with: mother, Evelyn McKenzie Gant; step- mother, Patricia “Gail” Gant; son,
Courtney
daughters,
(Richard),
Brown (Al), and Chambrica Brown; grandchildren she raised, Brionna Jones, Tyra West and Dalmonte Givens; grandchildren, Bridgette, Zarrian, Courtney, Christian, J’den, MaKayla, Saniya, Sadira, Nicklas, Summer, Amari and Allen; great grand- daughter, Sa’riyah Alexander; sis- ters, Cathleen Gant, Cynthia Gant Rolfe, Nechole Felvia Gant Flow- ers (Ron), Bianca Gant, and Kim Lewis; brothers, Pastor Jerome Nathaniel Kelly (Anita), Caesar Gant, III, (Nanette), Reggie Gant, former NFL player Kenneth “Kenny” Gant (Treves), Eric Gant (Selena) and Brandon Gant; aunts, Johnnie Mae Johnson, Shirley Fason, Jeanette Rice, Twanda Andrades, Betty Gant, Gloria Gant, Margarette and Ginny; uncles, Curtis McKenzie, Adam “Pop” McKenzie, Timothy Gant, David Gant and Kenny Holt (Gail); a host of loving nieces and nephews who she loved dearly; a host of cousins; special family friends, Ms. Sandra Roberts and family; and, many loving friends and neighbors.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 30, 2021, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Ray Williams Funeral Home, 301 N. Howard Avenue, Tampa. MASKS RECOMMENDED.
Arrangements entrusted to RAY WILLIAMS, FUNERAL HOME. Rhodes and Northern, owners.
Brown (LaKecia); Christian Gant Corey “Fatmama”
DR. CHESTER MAURICE LUNEY, JR.
Dr. Chester Maurice Luney, Jr., of Tampa, passed away on Thursday, December 23, 2021. A private Celebration of Life Service will be held at Ray Williams Fu- neral Home, 301 N. Howard Av- enue, Tampa, FL 33606. Please contact the family for information about the Celebration of Life Serv- ice.
Dr. Luney was born in Irving- ton, Kentucky, on November 11, 1944. He moved to Tampa, Florida, with his wife, Gwendolyn Luney, in 1974. He is a graduate of Tennessee State University and the University of Kansas. He was a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fra- ternity, Inc., and St. Peter Claver Catholic Church. He retired from James A. Haley Veterans Hospital.
He leaves to cherish his mem- ory: wife, Gwen Luney; daughters, Jamalya Jackson (Kevin), Kieva Kazek (Sebastian); sisters, Phyllis Cook and Debbie Langhorne; brother, Phillip Luney (Charlene); grandchildren, Jevon Jackson, Kamryn Jackson, Konnor Kazek and Evan Kazek; a host of nieces, nephews, and other family mem- bers.
Arrangements entrusted to Ray Williams Funeral Home, Rhodes and Northern, owners.
BIRTHDAY MEMORIAM
MOTHER MARGARET MORGAN 12/30/1928 – 7/26/2021
Happy heavenly birth- day, Mom, you are loved and missed dearly.
But when God called you home, it was time. It was not about timing. If that were true, we would never have let you go. When God called you home, it was the right time, it was your time to be born in heaven.
Happy Birthday, Mother Margaret Morgan. Love, yours truly, Margaret Barker and family.
MY LETTER TO MOMMIE, BABY LOVE
MOTHER MINNIE KENNEDY Sunrise: May 1, 1909
Sunset: December 31, 2002
Dearest Mom, I love you, honey with all my heart. What a beau- tiful memory we all have of the spiritual mother that cared, loved, honored those that were in high elevations, while you were here.
Thanks Mommie, for all you accomplished for your family and others. Now, my darling, you are sharing all you have with the Lord, who said it was time, nineteen years ago, come my child. You did Mommie, in a spiritual way.
Merry Christmas Mommie. You are still faithful in heaven. Good night with the Angels, Mommie.
We love you forever honey. Your Baby, Brenda.
PAGE 16-A FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY FRIDAY FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2021