Barbara Lee Jones

Barbara Lee Jones, age 70, of Orlando, passed away on Wednesday, March 23rd, 2022 at Health Central Hospital in Ocoee.  She was born in Orlando, the daughter of  the late Mae (O'Neil)  and Tom Marshall Griffin and was employed as a hairdresser.

Barbara leaves to cherish her memory, husband Willie Jones of Orlando.

Helen Marie Queen

Helen Marie Queen,  age 80 of Orlando, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother stepped into heaven on Sunday,  March 27, 2022,  She was born in Atlanta, Georgia, the daughter of Elmo and Jessie (Lang) Watkins.  

Helen married Willard Queen on August 19, 1960. She  is survived by her four children, Trina (Squires), Carla (Alford), Clifford and Tommy Queen, brother Ralph Watkins, sister Carolynn Huff., thirteen grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Helen was known for smiling brown eyes, her hospitality and deep love for friendship and family, and her passion for flowers. She was loved by everyone and a Blessing to all who knew her. 

the family will be receiving friends at Dobbs Funeral Home from 9:30 - 10:30a, followed by the funeral service at 10:30a on Saturday, April 2, 2022 with Pastor Dexter Johnson officiating.   Interment will be at  Winter Garden Cemetery.

Nanci Joan Aust

Nanci Joan Aust, 64, of Winter Garden, FL passed away Sunday, March 27th, 2022 in  Clermont, Florida.  She was born in Hamilton Square, New Jersey, the daughter of Joan (Martin) Nowakowski and the late Leroy Nowakowski,  Nanci graduated from Mercer County College with a degree in psychology and a minor in Art.  She moved to Florida in 1981 and was an artist at Hollywood Studios Animation Academy Class.  She retired in December of 2020.   

Nanci leaves to cherish her memory, husband Bruce Aust of Winter Garden; mother Joan Nowakowski of Clermont; son Christopher Aust of Winter Garden; and brother Gerald Nowalowski of New Jersey.

The family will be receiving friends from 6:00 until 8:00 pm on Tuesday, April 5th, 2022 (7:00p wake service) at Dobbs Funeral Home.  The funeral mass will be held at 10:30 am on Wednesday, April 6th, 2022 at St. Andrew Catholic Church.

Ricky Roy Heaton

Ricky Roy Heaton, age 68, of Ocoee, FL was ushered into heaven on Monday, March 21st, 2022.

He served in the United States Navy and was a retired High Voltage Electrician for Reedy Creek Energy Services.  He was a proud brother and member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 606 in Orlando, FL.  Ricky's motto was "God, Family and Country." 

Ricky leaves to cherish his memory, wife Gail (Tripkovich) Heaton of Ocoee; two sons Dustin James Heaton of Orlando, Aaron Paul Heaton of Ocoee; three sisters, Gail Bellow, Jana Heaton, Kristi Heaton, brother Shelby Howell, all of Houston; mother-in-love Joan Duhon; daughter-in-love Jessica Heaton; one grandchild and an extremely large loving extended family.

The viewing will be open to family and friends at 9:00 am, followed by the funeral service at 10:30 am on Monday, March 28th 2022 with military honors at Dobbs Funeral Home in Orlando, FL, with Pastor Ray Lloyd officiating.  Interment will follow the service at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL  Fellowship will follow the burial at the Heaton home.

In addition to flowers for the funeral service, memorial donations can be made to: Central Florida Electrical Apprenticeship Charitable Foundation, 2738 Forsyth Road, Winter Park, FL 32792 or DAV.org (Disabled American Veterans).

James Preston Parker

"Jimmy", to his family and many friends had three loves: Family, Baseball, and Cooking.  These loves became apparent in his childhood, and they remained a significant part of his adulthood.

During his career in the food industry, Jimmy served as a cook, butcher, chef, kitchen manager, and restaurant manager.  He continued his love for baseball as an umpire, with our dad, for many ears.  In his retirement, he joined the Osceola Senior Softball League, making scores of friends during his ten-year playing "career."  This league became a huge part of his later years.  No family event, involving food, ran as smoothly as it did with Jimmy in the kitchen.  He loved big family get togethers and would spend weeks planning every detail.  

Our next big event will be in Jimmy's honor.  A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, May 1, 2022 from 3-6 pm at 3205 LaSalle Avenue, St. Cloud, FL 34772.  It will be outdoors, so dress casually.  Please RSVP to Jackie Parker (407) 616-4323.  We will not have Jimmy to help with the planning, but we know that he will be watching from above and sending down "Suggestions."

Jimmy is survived by his mother, Jackie Parker; son Brad, his wife Jen, their daughter Noelle; brothers, Mike (Colleen), Steve (Robin), Garry (Sheryl) Parker, and sister Donna Parker; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Jaylani Isabel Grace Baeza

June 5, 2018  -  March 12, 2022

Our precious little girl Jaylani Isabel Grace Baeza, beloved daughter of Jorge Baeza and Jacy Reyes; little sister of Juliana Isabel Jada Baeza and Jonathan Jorge Xavier Baeza; grand daughter to Tom and Michelle Rycraft and Jorge and Lupe Baeza.

Jaylani was a sweet and vibrant girl who would light up the room as soon as her presence filled it. She was deeply loved and brought immense joy to those around her.  She loved to dance, her favorite color was purple and her favorite movie was Encanto.

She was so loving and would give the best hugs to anyone that asked. She was the biggest daddy's girl and being the baby of the family, she knew she had us all wrapped around her little finger. She has forever left her imprint in our hearts.

A memorial service was held at 12:00 pm on Saturday, March 19th, 2022 at First Baptist Church of Orlando.

Dan Frank Middleton

Dan Frank Middleton, 91 of Orlando passed away peacefully on March 14th.  Dan was born on September 3, 1930 to Frank and Florence Middleton.  Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Dan attended Miami University, Oxford, Ohio; Ohio State University and later received four diplomas from Aetna Insurance Correspondence Course.  He earned the Professional Insurance designation of Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter in 1963 and was awarded the Insurance Institute of America’s Risk Management diploma in 1967.  He was member of the Insurance Board of Columbus and was director of the Columbus Chapter of the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters. Dan was the Vice President of Atkinson-Dauksch Agencies, prior to it be becoming Coroon & Black, retiring at age 60.  Dan worked again as the Executive Director at a/e ProNet, a professional liability insurance organization for architects and engineers, a professional liability insurance organization for architects and engineers.  What started out as a small non-profit organization grew into a globally recognized and respected group.  Dan worked again until he retired again at age 80. 

Work wasn’t Dan’s only passion, he enjoyed being involved in the church, helping people and of course collecting antique Jaguar cars.  The other passion was his involvement at St. Luke’s Methodist Church and helping people.  Dan became involved in the Stephen’s Ministry and became a leader in the organization.  He was known for his prayers.  His words came so naturally and had such grace.  He touched a lot of people during his time in the program.

When word got around among the homeless that Dan came to the Post Office regularly, Dan would give them clothing, new shoes, food and sometimes money.  He was always finding ways to help those who were less fortunate than himself.  He knew that God had blessed him and wanted to share that with others.   

 The passion for cars was one that he shared with his son Tim.  They traveled all over for car shows and winning numerous trophies for his cars.  Dan was even president of the Jaguar Club of Central Ohio and the Jaguar Club of Florida.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Marilyn and children Tim Middleton (Orlando) and Suzanne Middleton (Charlotte) as well as sister Nancey Vickers. 

The funeral service will be at the chapel at Orlando Lutheran Towers (300 E. Church Street, 18^th Floor) on Monday, March 21, 2022 at 3:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial donation to the following. Orlando Lutheran Towers Foundation, 300 E. Church Street, Orlando, FL 32801 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org

Anita Simone Taylor

Anita Simone Taylor, age 61, of Orlando, passed away Wednesday, February 23rd, 2022 at AdventHealth Orlando,  She was born in Sedalia, MO on January 3, 1961 to Morris and Winter Williams.  As a "military brat", she lived in many locations including; Kansas City, MO, England, Florida, Altus, OK, and Cleveland, OH.  Afterward, she spent time in Binghamton, NY and Tacoma, WA then resided in Orlando.

She graduated from Warrensville Heights High School in 1979. Anita loved graphic arts and being with her grandchildren, Quiana, Isaiah, Twins Jermain and Jeremia and Elyjah.

Anita was preceded in death by her father Morris, brothers Morris Jr., and Roland Williams; her daughter Yaezelle and son Jeremy.  She leaves to cherish her memory mother Winterly Williams; husband Donald Taylor; brother Vincent and his wife Esther Williams and her loving grandchildren.

She will be deeply missed by those who loved her and fondly remembered by those who were blessed to know her.  

The family will be receiving friends on Saturday, March 12, 2022 from 12:00p until 1:00p, followed by the funeral service at 1p at Dobbs Funeral Home with Pastor Willie C. Barnes of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church of Eatonville, FL officiating.

Diana Howard

 Diana Howard, age 65, of Orlando, passed away Monday, February 21st, 2022.  She was born in Taylorville, Illinois, the daughter of the late Maria (Ricco)  and Roy  Monterastelli.  She was employed as a property manager and is survived by her son Chris Howard of Orlando.

Calling hours will be held at 10:00a, followed by a funeral mass at 11:00a on Thursday, March 3, 2022 at Holy Family Catholic Church with Deacon Spencer Silvers officiating.   Interment will follow the service at Dr. Phillips Cemetery.

Mary Lou Griffin

March 7, 1931 – February 27, 2022

Mary Lou Griffin, loving wife to Robert W. (“Bob”) Griffin, Jr., and mother to four girls, died as she lived, stubbornly and tenaciously after almost reaching her 91^st birthday.

Mary Lou was born in Salt Lick, Kentucky, and started out life as the oldest of five siblings (Stewart, Delma, Roger and Betty). She learned early to take charge and juggle multiple situations, always keeping her eye on the ball most likely to fall. She met her husband Bob in New York while they were both working for the airlines.  They married and transferred to Orlando, Florida in the mid-1950s to support the rapidly growing airline industry in Central Florida.

After numerous attempts to have a child, Mary Lou and Bob adopted Debra in 1962, and despite the doctor’s repeated surprise, had three more children over the next three years, Patricia, Robin and Eva.

Mary Lou loved her family, friends and God.   She was predeceased by her husband Bob and her daughter, Debra Banks, she is survived by daughters Patricia Stokes (Robert) of Altoona, Robin Griffin of Fremont, CA, Eva Tukdarian (Thomas) of Orlando; siblings Delma Perrine, Betty Balogh and Roger Lyons (Joy) as well as five grandsons (Tres Banks, Chris Tukdarian, Robert Tukdarian, Connor Stokes and Jon Lindsey) as well many nieces and nephews.

A graveside funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM Saturday, March 12 at Glen Haven Memorial Park, Winter Park, FL.