ETHEL LEE AKINS

Ethel Lee Akins, 96, of Sanford, passed away June 15, 2010 at Healthcare and Rehabilitation of Sanford.

She was born in Timmonsville, S.C. and lived in Sanford for 10 years. She worked as a farm helper and was also a member of Hands for the Needy and Morning Glory Missionary Baptist Church.

She is survived by her daughter, Vernell McGill of Sanford; goddaughters, Josephine Barriner and Mary Delores Buckner, both of Sanford; sister, Vera Mae Gilchrist of Rochester, N.Y.; two grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Wilson-Eichelberger Mortuary in Sanford. Funeral services will be held Saturday at Morning Glory Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Pastor Jimmie L. Blake officiating.

Wilson-Eichelberger Mortuary, Sanford, is in charge of all arrangements.

HUGH GARY HOLLAR

Hugh Gary Hollar, 59, passed away June 20, 2010 at the MD Anderson Hospital in Orlando. Hugh was born in Newton, N.C. in 1950 to Hugh E. and Coleen Hollar. He had many hobbies and interests but among them were yard work, flowers, collecting antiques and loved animals. Hugh was a foreman for the family concrete business called Riddell Concrete.

Hugh is survived by his companion, John Tenney, Sanford; mother, Coleen Riddell, Mt. Dora; brothers, Steve (Jean) Hollar, Apopka and Todd (LaGena) Hollar, Apopka; step-sister, Stephanie Tenney; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, Hugh Emery Hollar and a brother Bryan Hollar.

A gathering will be held on Saturday from 3 to 4 p.m. A Celebration of Hugh’s life will be held following the gathering at 4 p.m. on Saturday.

Gramkow Funeral Home, Sanford, is in charge of all arrangements.

BESSIE OVIEDA MANN

Bessie Ovieda Mann, 90, of Osteen passed away June 19, 2010 peacefully at her residence.

Bessie was born in Baxley, Ga. on March 21, 1920, the daughter of the late

William Jesse and Hester Vernie (Johnson) Medders. She first moved to Bunnell, then to Sanford and then to Osteen five years ago.

She was a waitress who enjoyed sewing, crafting and helping others, especially her neighbors. She also loved volunteering her time at the church, but her biggest love was her family.

Bessie was predeceased by a son, John Eugene Buckner and her husband, Roy Mann.

She is survived by her children; Edward Buckner of Bunnell, and Evelyn Nettles of Osteen; eight grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held today from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Brisson Funeral Home in Sanford. A Graveside Service will be held at Espanola Cemetery, Bunnell, at 11 a.m. on Thursday.

Brisson Funeral Home, Sanford, is in charge of all arrangements.

ROBERT LEE ROBINSON

Elder Robert Lee Robinson, “Skeet”, 70, of Sanford, passed away June 19, 2010 at Central Florida Regional Hospital in Sanford.

He was born March 26, 1940 in Lakeland. He was a member of True Holiness Deliverance Tabernacle, Sanford, Co-Pastor of True Holiness Deliverance Tabernacle, Jacksonville, retired Recreational Supervisor for the City of Sanford, Westside Recreation Center, Sanford, Florida, after over 30 years and a veteran of the United States Army.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Elder Belinda V. Robinson; children, Robert L. Robinson, Jr., Coppelia Williams (Willie), Robyn Barnett, Lashanda Mayhew, Michelle Robinson-St. Fleur (Widade), and Robert E. Robinson; sister, Juanita Ranger; brothers, James Platt and Kelvin Robinson (Cynthia); mother-in-law, Ethel Robinson; 8 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. at True Holiness Deliverance Tabernacle in Sanford. A Homegoing Celebration will be held Saturday at noon at Calvary Temple of Praise in Sanford.

Sunrise Funeral Home, Sanford, is in charge of all arrangements.

IKEEM RUFFIN

Ikeem Ruffin, 17, of Sanford, passed away June 15, 2010 in Sanford.

He was born in Sanford and was a student at Seminole High School. He was also on the Usher Board at Faith Ministry Worship Center.

He is survived by his father, Louis Ruffin of Sanford; mother, Teresa Ruffin of Sanford; brothers, Lewis Ruffin, Jr. of Avon Park, Johnathan Ruffin of Jacksonville, and Adrian Ruffin, Calvin Ruffin and Willie Knight, all of Sanford; sisters, Shida and Daniel Ruffin, both of Sanford, LaShondolyn Ruffin, Victoria Ruffin Blakley, Tonya Hall and Rosa Rice, all of DeLand; maternal grandparents, Carlos and Verna Centeno, both of Sanford; and great-grandmother, Havannah Boston of Sanford.

Visitation will be held Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Wilson-Eichelberger Mortuary of Sanford. Funeral services will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at Spirit of Truth Worship Ministries with Pastor Rico Sharpe officiating.

Wilson-Eichelberger Mortuary, Sanford, is in charge of all arrangements.

ALBERTINA

DENOFRE RUSSI

Albertina Denofre Russi, 96, of Sanford, passed away June 19, 2010.

She was born March 14, 1914 in Negaunee, Mich. to Frank and Louise Denofre. She was a resident of Sanford since 1931. Through the years she was employed as a bookkeeper and secretary for Farella Manufacturing, Sanford Manufacturing, Stemper Realty and Insurance Agency, and for many years she worked for Joe Gazil Food Stores.

She was the beloved matriarch of the Russi family. Her first priorities were to God and family. She instilled loyalty to family and a strong work ethic in her children. She was an active member of All Souls Catholic church and after her retirement she was

bookkeeper for the Christian Sharing Center. She was an avid reader, enjoyed crossword puzzles, was interested in the political process and always exercised her right to vote. She was well known for her Italian cooking and loved Italian music. She traveled to Europe and visited the Vatican with her son Tony and his wife Betty. She always had time for her grandchildren and took great pride in her children's and grandchildren's accomplishments.

She was predeceased by her husband Joseph Anthony Russi and her daughter Rose Marie Tucker.

She is survived by her children Tony Russi (Betty) of Heathrow, David (Edra) of Sanford, John (Margie) of Tallahassee, Joe (Jean Ann) of Lake Mary, Ronnie (Brenda) of DeBary, Henry (Karen) of DeLeon Springs, and Cecelia Russi (Jerry) Bryant of Sanford. She is also survived by 20 grandchildren and many great-grand children.

Funeral services will be held today at 10 a.m. at the Historic All Souls Catholic Church at 9th Street and Oak Avenue with internment at All Souls Cemetery.

Brisson Funeral Home, Sanford, is in charge of all arrangements.

JOHN WESLEY

John Wesley, 74, of Sanford, passed away June 16, 2010 at Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center of Sanford.

He was born June 7, 1936 in Enterprise. He was a laborer in the Construction Industry for many years.

He is survived by his sons, John Wesley, Jr. (Benita), Anthony Wesley (Dorothy), and Michael Wesley; sister, Dorothy Lawrence; aunt, Aretha Wesley; sisters-in-law, Emma Lee Mack and Mable Wesley; 5 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 11 a.m. at Mt. Sinai Baptist Church, Inc. in Sanford, with Reverend Anthony Miller, officiating. Visitation will be held Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Sunrise Funeral Home Chapel, Sanford.

Sunrise Funeral Home, Sanford, is in charge of all arrangements.