Mary Carmela Sgrillo, age 94, of Lakeland Florida, peacefully slipped away on April 15, 2024 at 11:20 am after battling Parkinson’s and dementia. Her final days were spent surrounded by her family. She was born on September 11, 1929, in Watertown, Connecticut to the late Maria Michele (Mililo) and Pasquale Bartone. She spent her early years in Thomaston, Connecticut and relocated to Lakeland, Florida with her husband and six children in 1971. Mary’s greatest joy was taking care of her...

Helen Blanche Whalen May 11, 1936 - April 14, 2024 Helen, 87, of Lakeland, FL passed peacefully at Lakeland Regional Hospital on April 14,2024 with her daughters by her side. Helen was born in Springfield, MA where she lived until she married the love of her life Robert [Bob] Whalen on Dec 15, 1953. They were married for 62 years and resided in CT for most of their life and they had 4 daughters; Donna Whalen of Middletown CT, Wendy and her husband Paul Adamowicz of Lakeland FL, Linda...

Edward Melvin "Bee" Murphy, II, passed away on April 13, 2024. Services will be held at Lakeland Funeral Home on Monday, April 22, 2024. Visitation from 10 AM - 11 AM, service at 11 AM. Edward Melvin (Bee) Murphy II passed away on April 13, 2024. He was born in Lakeland, Florida on February 26, 1943 to Edward M. Murphy and Jimmie Lee Touchton Murphy. He graduated from Lakeland High School in 1962. He married Linda K. Nail in 1964. He began his 40 year railroading career in 1963 with...

Ellen (Lipiec) Worsham passed away peacefully in the early hours of April 10, 2024, lovingly surrounded by family in Lakeland, Fl after a long and full life. She was 90 years of age. Ellen was born in September 1933 to Peter and Rose Lipiec in Erie, Pennsylvania. In 1952, after high school, Ellen enlisted in the Navy, serving as a corpsman, and was honorably discharged in 1954. It was during that time, she met and married her husband of 49 years, Robert L. Worsham, who predeceased her in...

Katherine “Kathy” Augusta Symons passed away peacefully on April 7, 2024. Kathy was born on April 15, 1948, in Brunswick, Georgia to Wilfred and Myrtice Symons. Along with older sister, Patricia, “Patsy”, the family moved to Lakeland Florida when Kathy was young. Kathy attended Lakeland schools and graduated in 1966 from Lakeland High School. She then graduated from Palm Beach State College with her Associate of Science degree in Dental Hygiene in 1968. She continued in the...

Charles Robert Ford, 69,  passed away on April, 6 at Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center.  He was the husband of Lori.  They shared 46 years of marriage together. Born in Lakeland, Fl. He was the son of Robert and Leah Ford. He graduated from Lakeland High School  and Polk Community College with an Associates Degree in Computer Science He enjoyed fishing and gardening. He will be remembered for his willingness to help others when the occasion arose.  He was also loved for his...

Charles A. Edwards, 58, of Lakeland, passed away on April 5, 2024. He was born in Lakeland, FL on November 25, 1965, to the late Charles and Sandra Edwards. Charles worked for Polk County Fire Department for 8 years before joining the Lakeland Police Department. He worked LPD for 12 years. For the last 14 years, Charles has been working as a blender for Coca-Cola. Charles was an avid hunter and enjoyed the outdoors. He is survived by his beloved Tina Allen; son, Jesse Edwards; sister,...

Carmela R. Panara (née Perfetto), age 94, of Orchard Park, NY, died with her family at her side April 2, 2024 in Lakeland FL. Mrs. Panara has lived in Lakeland since 2004. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ned E. Panara, who passed in 2006. She is survived by sons John M. (Darlene) of Orchard Park, Dr. Ned J. (Patti), and daughter Susan (Robert) Martin of Lakeland FL; grandchildren Rob, Suzanne, Christina, Ashley, Ned and Joe, and 11 great-grandchildren. Carmela learned her love...

Sara Lee (Reid) Williams, 70 years old, of Green Cove Springs, Florida passed away on Monday, April 1, 2024 in Lakeland, Florida. She was born to the late Charles M. Reid and Carrie E. Reid on January 2, 1954 in Henderson, Kentucky. She graduated from Rex Mundi High School in Evansville, Indiana. She was married to Harold Douglas Williams for 51 years. Sara was a stay at home mom during her younger years, however, once her kids were grown, she loved to travel with her husband. Sometimes...

Edna Ann (Johnston) Burkey, age 89, passed away on Easter, March 31, 2024, in Lakeland, Florida. She was the widow of John D. Burkey. They shared 62 years of marriage together prior to John’s passing. Born in Chicago, Illinois, Edna was the daughter of Edward and Edna (Kreft) Johnston. She graduated from Taft High School in Chicago, Illinois and attended St. Paul Bible College (now known as Crown College) in St. Bonifacius, Minnesota. During her lifetime, she worked at St. Paul...