Page 34 - Florida Sentinel 4-3-20

Funerals/Memoriam
FAMILY NOTICE
MR. JOHN MCMILLAN, JR.
Mr. John McMillan, Jr., was born to the late John McMillan, Sr. and Clementine Smith McMillan Moore in Tampa, Florida.
The youngest of three chil- dren, John (Jr.) was the only male child. He was full of life, often ac- ting as an advocate for people whom he felt he could help make a difference or felt were being abu- sed. He would often donate money. He was a good person, never having met a stranger.
Affectionately known as Jr., he attended St. Peter Claver Catholic School and continued his educa- tion at a local public school and graduated. He played on the foot- ball team as well as being involved in other school club activities
He was a father to twins, La- taurus (Rock) and Latoya (Kitty) Williams. He worked and develo- ped proficient skills at a bakery where he retired as a bakery asso- ciate. His pastimes were spent with family, sports (football and baseball), reading, and water sports.
Per his lifetime partner, Sherry Ford, he had a great sense of humor and was very kind. She further stated “he was the love of her life; we had a special cha- risma.”
John McMillan, Jr. is preceded in death by: his parents, John McMillan, Sr. and Clementine Smith McMillan Moore and brot- her-in-law, Ronald Vern Bellware.
He leaves behind: his signifi- cant other, Sherry Ford; children Latarus and Latoya Williams, grandchildren, Blair Williams, Ja- vier Williams, Faith Williams, Harmony Williams and Carmela Williams; his sister, Margie McMi- llan Bellware; sister, Shirley Anne McMillan; step-sister, Joyce Marie Harris; nephew, Justin Bellware (fiancée, Caitlin Gallio; neice Brit- taney (Ronnell) Curtis; like-a- mom, family friend, Evelyn Stevenson; like-a-brother, family friend, Juan Betancourt; a host of wonderful friends and devoted fa- mily in Tampa, FL, Savannah, GA, Columbia, GA, Shreveport, LA; Miami, FL, and Brooklyn, NY.
Also, Maleck Hospice, Tampa, Florida; TGH Hospice and all me- dical personnel and staff that con- tributed to his care. To the National Association of Black Nur- ses, for resolutions, Tampa Metro; and National Council of Negro Women, for condolences.
John McMillan, Jr.’s private (COVID-19 compliance) Memorial Funeral Mass was held on March 26, 2020, at St. Peter Claver Cat- holic Church, 1203 N. Nebraska Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33602, Father Theo Weir officiating.
In lieu of flowers, please, “# I got screened” after your screening (prostate cancer screening).
WILSON
MRS. ALVA MARGARET RIVERS
A Private Celebration Service will be heldf or Mrs. Alva Margaret Rivers.
Alva Margaret Rivers was born on May 17, 1918 to Thomas and Li- llian Pouchie in Calabash Bight, Roatan, Honduras in Central Ame- rica. With only a month and a half shy of her 102nd birthday, she transitioned into her Heavenly home on March 29, 2020.
In October 1949, she married Leonard Orwin Rivers. Her hus- band was a Merchant Seaman and through his travels fell in love with the United States. He brought his young bride and their adoptive daughter, Peggie, to Tampa, Flo- rida during the early 1950s, where they settled and made a happy life together. She lived a life dedicated to service in her home, in the church and in her community. She was known for her comforting hugs and wise counsel. While she eventually grew accustomed to the ways of America and enjoyed living in the United States, she chose to honor her country of origin and re- main a citizen of Honduras while maintaining a status of Residency in the U. S.
She was a dedicated homema- ker, volunteer in church and the community, a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother, sister and sister-in-law, aunt and friend to many. She was adopted by many who called her mom or grandma. Her embrace and warm smile welcomed strangers and ac- quaintances alike. She had many names; she was Mom, Mummie, Mama, Avoo, Aunt Al, Aunt Alva,
MaNal, Grandma, Auntie, Mrs. Ri- vers, Sis. Rivers and simply Alva. These endearment are particularly important because she once repor- ted that she wanted lots and lots of children, but had to settle for only one birth child, but the Lord saw fit to wedge her into the hearts of a host of children who adopted her.
Her favorite place to be in these later years was the Senior Center in Rancho Cucamonga, CA where she was greeted by all, loved by many, cared and guarded over to ensure no harm came to her. She was their most senior attendee and she excitedly looked forward each week-day morning to getting on the bus with her party crew to enjoy her Senior Center days. Du- ring most conversations, she found a way to talk about “the Center” as she fondly called the Senior Cen- ter.
Alva grew up surrounded by the crystal blue waters and simple life on the Isla de la Bahia (the Bay Islands), Roatan, Honduras in Ca- labash Bight. She was the last of eight children to depart this life. She was the 2nd youngest to Tom and Lillian Pouchie.
All her siblings preceded her in departing this life: (Jessie, Nettie, Robert, Ira, Melbourne, Evans, and Lillian).
In her later years she reported that it was hard being left behind, so we can only imagine the Grand Reuniontaking place in Heaven.
She leaves behind to celebrate her life: her daughter, Alva Ruth Stewart (Zack); a niece/daughter, Peggie Lenore Fredricks (Marco); grandchildren, Zack, III, Tamarah, and Corey (Melissa); Florence Fre- dricks, Edith Williams (Carlos), Marco Fredricks, Jr. (Tuesday), and Sybil Tucker; nieces, Sandra and Silbia Sevilla, Mazie, Marga- ret, and Pearl Ann Pouchie; nep- hews, Mitchell Sevilla, Roland (Rebecca) and Noel Pouchie; and a host of cousins, and friends.
There will be a viewing on Fri- day, April 3, 2020, at Wilson Fune- ral Home, 3000 N. 29th Street, Tampa, Florida, from 3-8 p. m. In lieu of the current restrictions from the CDC, we are asking that you use the visitation as an oppor- tunity to pay your final respects. For your convenience and safety, we have extended our visitation hours.
“A Wilson Service” www.wilson-funeralhome.com
PRECIOUS MEMORIES
NATHANIEL R. O’NEAL, III B.K.A. MR. YOGI 3-22-1971 to 4-2-2003
Well, my Mr. Yogi, what an anniversary for you. I really hate this happening to you. We miss and love you so much. May God bless your Spirit.
May you fly high, Baby, and your case will come to a complete con- viction, trust me. I can’t help but express my feelings on how I feel ‘cause that’s how important you are to me and your immediate family.
We miss you so much, our hearts are still bleeding for the truth to come out. God will make that possible. I pray God bless us with that, Angel.
So fly high, Boo, and stay with us always and your son, Tanno, B.K.A., Foe, is the reason I just keep on pushing harder and harder. And I will never give up!
So, R.I.P. and S.I.P., R.I.H., our Mr. Yogi. We love and dearly miss you.
From, your big sister; T. O.; your brother, A. C.; and the rest of your family.
PAGE 22-A FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020