Page 38 - Florida Sentinel 12-31-21

Crime
Burglar Who Stole Christmas Presents Identified
Sun Has Set On Tampa’s Popular Hair Stylist, Iconic Fashionista
On December 20th, an un- known man entered a Lake- land home. Once inside, he stole presents and other items from the home in the Crystal Lake Avenue.
The suspect gained entry to the home by kicking in the front door sometime after 7:30 a. m. He is said to have ransacked the home and stole wrapped presents for two little girls.
Sheriff Grady Judd
said to ensure that the two little girls had presents, the
ties and Toys for Tots pro- vided gifts for the children.
Detectives continued their investigation and have identified the suspect as 28- year-old Raheim Jamaar Johnson, aka “City.” A warrant has been issued for his arrest.
Heartland Crime Stop- pers is offering a cash reward of up to $2,500. Anyone with information about Johnson or his whereabouts may be eligible and can remain anonymous.
The sun set on the life of Tampa’s iconic fashionista, Leanora Hankerson Brady, on Wednesday, De- cember 22. Born August 26, 1929, she was 92 years old.
The Samson, Alabama na- tive was taken to Lakeland by her parents, Estella and Thomas Hankerson, who later moved their family to Tampa in 1943. Lenora en- rolled in, then later graduated from Middleton High School in 1947.
Leanora’s death is the final chapter of Tampa’s Best Dressed annual competition, held during the decade of the 1960s. Brady was feted as a haute couture model through- out those campaigns.
She was a longtime member of Tyer Temple United Methodist Church. Fellow wor- shipers recall that her presence at the services was considered a weekly distraction. The entire sanctuary of worshipers turned toward the doorway when she entered, strutting down the aisle in her fashion-forward en- sembles, complemented by color-coordinated hats and gloves.
Leanora worked as a hair stylist in Tampa’s Black Busi-
MRS. LENORA HANKERSON BRADY
ness Net- work, Cen- tral Avenue. When Cen- tral busi- nesses were displaced by Urban Re- newal, she opened The Pink Palace Hair Salon on
RAHEIM JOHNSON
Polk County Sheriff’s Chari-
Florida Avenue.
One of Leanora’s greatest
delights was to fellowship with high school classmates, Central Park neighbors, church mem- bers, and acquaintances at her 90th birthday celebration. Pos- ing in a form-fitting floor- length gown, Leanora responded to applause, and ab- sorbed well wishes and warm embraces as she strolled through the crowd with a royal wave in the Fellowship Hall of Tampa’s 34th Street Church of God.
She is survived by her son, John Rodriguez, and daugh- ter, Cynthia Brady.
Aikens Funeral Home has been entrusted with final arrangements. (Article by Jeraldine Williams, Es- quire)
Man Says Drugs Wrapped Around Penis ‘Not His’
Police arrested two men after the driver of the vehicle was in was stopped in Clear- water for driving with no headlights at 4 a.m. on De- cember 18th. The men were arrested by Pinellas County Sheriff’s deputies.
Pinellas County Sher- iff’s deputies said the driver was arrested for DUI and pos- session of marijuana. His name was not released by po- lice.
Patrick Florence, 34, was in the passenger’s seat of the car. Authorities searched
under Florence’s seat. The deputies then searched Flo- rence. During the search, the deputies found drugs “wrapped around his penis” in two plastic baggies, police said in the report.
Florence is alleged to have “stated the package wrapped around his penis was not his,” the deputy wrote in the report.
He was arrested and charged with four felonies, in- cluding possession of cocaine, meth, ammunition and a firearm.
Well-Known Gospel Quartet Singer Passes
PATRICK FLORENCE
the vehicle and found a gun
A well-known Gospel Quar- tet Singer, Mr. John C. Jacob, passed away on Satur- day, December 18, 2021, at the age of 89 years old. He was well known for his great baritone singing voice.
Mr. Jacob, originally from Edison, Georgia, came to Tampa, Florida over 60 years ago. He had a passion for singing God’s praises. While in Georgia, he was the manager of the Five Brothers Gospel Singers. After moving to Tampa, he became the manager of The Jacob Brothers.
Mr. Jacob had a love for family. With the support of his devoted wife, Mrs. Christine Jacob, he organized a group with his three children called “The Jacob Family Singers.” They traveled for many years singing unto the Lord. He loved singing and having fellowship with his im- mediate as well as his extended family.
Mr. Jacob was also known for his good Georgia barbecue. He owned two restaurants in the 1960’s and 1970’s. People came to his establishments and
enjoyed good food and a nice atmosphere. After closing the restau- rants, he had his own busi- ness doing lawn care. From there, Mr. Jacob
Police Search For Bank Robbery Suspect
MR. JOHN C. JACOB
Local
The St. Petersburg Police Department is currently searching for a bank robbery suspect. The robbery took place last Monday at the Re- gions Bank, 3399 66th Street, N.
The man reportedly en- tered the bank around 3:50 p. m. Once inside, he passed the teller a note demanding money. He fled the bank on foot with an undisclosed amount of money.
Police said the man im- plied he had a weapon, but never showed one.
He is described as 6 feet
BANK ROBBER
moved on to work with the Hillsborough County School System where he retired.
Mr. Jacob touched many lives throughout his years of singing. One of his mottos was, “Always keep God first in what- ever you do.” He lived a life modeling this motto and the Word of God that he read faith- fully. He was truly a faithful servant of God. He was loved by many and will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his loving and faithful wife of over 60 years, Mrs. Christine Jacob, his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
Wilson Funeral Home will be in charge of arrangements.
tall, with brown hair and scratches on his face.
Detectives are asking the public to help identify the
suspect. If anyone has infor- mation, call the St. Peters- burg Police Dept. or text SPPD plus their tip to TIP411.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2021 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY FRIDAY PAGE 23-A