Tessie Peros

 

        Tess Peros (a.k.a. “Tessie”, a.k.a. “Anastasia”, a.k.a. “Why are you asking me so many questions?”), 83, of Altamonte Springs, Florida, passed away peacefully at home in her sleep on Tuesday, July 26th, 2022.  Her dazzling blue eyes opened for the first time on October 23rd, 1938, the youngest of three children - and the only daughter - born in New York City to John and Stavritsa Ayvas, both Greeks, driven out of their native Turkey during the Greek and Armenian genocide.

        Tess graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School in Brooklyn, alongside singer-songwriter Neil Sedaka.  She wanted to continue her education to become a kindergarten teacher, but was discouraged by a well-intentioned, but sadly “old world” mother, who repeated the thankfully retired mantra: “What man will ever want you if you have an education?!” 

        And so, she began working a Manhattan music industry office job at famed 1650 Broadway - at which she excelled.  Soon after, at a Greek dance in Brooklyn in 1957, 19-year-old Tess was asked for her phone number by a 24-year-old Greek immigrant rascal named George Peros.  Tess said No.  But when George flashed the same insistent smile and Greek dancing moves at a second dance, she said yes.

        Tess and George were married on September 27th, 1959, had three sons, Michael, John, and Steven (who all sport “George” as their middle name), and in 1968 moved from Brooklyn to North Babylon, New York, where they raised their young family in working class Long Island.

        Tess, an indisputably world class cook of all things Greek, aided George as he founded “GP Painting and Decorating” (later re-christened, “George’s Painting & Decorating”).  Tess became an active member of Babylon’s Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and its Ladies Philoptochos, and alongside George was instrumental in the tireless fundraising that allowed the church to grow from its humble beginnings in a tiny former synagogue to breaking ground on what is today a glorious cathedral in West Babylon.

        As her children grew, Tess worked as a beautician for many years, first in a salon, then privately at her home, and then as a bookkeeper.  But it wasn’t until after “retirement” that she decided to take another stab at what her mom had shot down: working with kindergarten children.  She answered an ad to be a Teacher’s Aid and was hired, enjoying her work more than she ever had in her life. 

Tess is survived by her sons, Michael (Barbara), John (Jim), and Steven (Deana), as well as niece Stephanie, nephews John, Teddy, and Gregory, grand dogs, lots of extended family, and her most precious and loyal Misty.  A viewing and Celebration of Life will be held at Dobbs Funeral Home, 430 N. Kirkman Rd, Orlando, FL 32811, on Sunday, July 31st, from 6pm to 8pm.  Colors and laughter are encouraged.  Funeral services will be held at Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 129 N Halifax Ave, Daytona Beach, FL 32118 on August 1st at 11:30am.

        In lieu of flowers, contributions in Tess’s name would be appreciated to Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in West Babylon, NY, or Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Daytona Beach, FL, or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.  The family would also greatly appreciate an online condolence, with any story or anecdote you wish to share, by visiting this link: http://dobbsobituaires.blogspot.com/2022/07/tess-peros-a.html?m=1

William "Billy" Gundersen

        William “Billy” Gundersen, a resident of Poughkeepsie, NY, passed away at the age of 74 on July 24, 2022 in Clermont, FL. Billy was born on June 10, 1948 to Lucille and William Gundersen in The Bronx, NY. He entered the workforce while in school at the age of sixteen, at a deli, to help support his mother and father, who was a combat wounded veteran of WWII. Billy graduated from Evander Childs High School in The Bronx. Afterwards, he went on to attend Fordham University for one year, then went on to work for NY Tel. He continued to help support his parents but was quickly drafted into the U.S. Army and served one tour in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged shortly after. During his time in Vietnam, still being the generous man he is, Billy sent almost all the money he made back home to his parents. After he returned home from Vietnam, he took some time to pursue his love of travel where he visited several states and countries. Billy went on to work for phone companies in the CWA union for almost 30 years. Being the hard-working provider, he then went on to work for another 14 years as a Conductor for Metro North Railroad and retired at the age of 70. 

Billy met Donna Graf in July of 1982 when they started talking and never stopped. Billy loved talking to Donna almost as much as he loved her, so much so that on their first date they closed a restaurant talking to each other. He was so captivated by her that they only realized the restaurant was closed because they were vacuuming around them. Billy went on to marry Donna on July 23, 1983, at St. Christopher’s Church in Red Hook, NY. While living in Lake Peekskill, NY they had two children, and then a third in Poughkeepsie, NY. Billy’s favorite thing to do in his free time was spend it with his family and going on travel dates to casinos and horse races with Donna. 

Billy is survived by his wife Donna Gundersen and three children, Jennifer Orifici, Billy Gundersen, Christopher Gundersen, his two grandchildren Lucille and Caden Orifici, his son in-law David Orifici, his two sisters Charlotte Tarantino and Debbie Gundersen and his little buddy Mickey the wiener dog. 

Services will be held at 1:30 PM on July 28th at the Family Church Chapel in Windermere. Teaching Pastor Nick Goelz will officiate the services, and a reception will follow for family and close friends. Memorial services can also be viewed at a link to be provided after funeral services. Professional services will be handled by Dobbs Funeral Home in Orlando, FL. Billy was loved by all that met him and we miss him immensely.

Allen Charles Layton

Allen Charles Layton passed away peacefully in his home in Orlando, FL on July 22, 2022. He was born in Detroit, MI, on August 2, 1939, the son of Dr. Charles Layton and Antoinette Layton.. He grew up in Miami and attended S. Broward High School. Al Layton received his initial degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Miami. He then transitioned to major in physics and received his MS in Physics. 

After graduation, he joined Auburn University where he taught physics and did research in electro optics including the interaction of light with surfaces. He accepted an opportunity to join Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control (the heritage Martin Marietta Orlando Aerospace) where he focused on laser development and infrared sensors including thermal night vision systems. This work led to the development of several of the Lockheed Martin’s iconic products that are in use around the world.

He served on four NATO Industry Advisory Committees and has been granted multiple patents and awards including Corporate Inventor of the Year and induction into the Inventors Hall of Fame. His assignments have taken him to numerous foreign countries including Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and the Far East.

His work has been published in juried journals and many other publications. His final assignment prior to retirement was as Chief Scientist for Sensor Systems. 

His hobbies include photography and image processing, wood working in his home shop and travel to interesting places around the world. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Dr. Sarah Layton.

The family will be receiving friends on Tuesday, August 2, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at Dobbs Funeral Home.  Interment will follow the service at Dr. Phillips Cemetery.

 

Jenese Haskell Warren

Jenese Warren, 93, of Windermere, peacefully passed away on July 15, 2022 surrounded by loved ones in Apopka.   Jenese was born on April 29, 1929 in Manassa, CO. She was the oldest daughter of Green Dwight Haskell and Lena Richardson Haskell. She went to high school in Monte Vista, CO where she met the love of her life while working as a soda jerk at the local drug store. Jenese married Roy Lloyd Warren on August 10, 1947 in her parents' Monte Vista home. They had 2 beautiful children and moved to Hereford, TX to help with the family farm. In 1961, they moved to Boynton Beach, FL and ran a successful propane business. They then relocated the business to Orlando, Florida where they stayed and built a wonderful life together. 

Jenese worked in the family business and was a dedicated homemaker. She loved her husband and children, and spent her life making sure that they were healthy, happy, and loved. She never forgot her family roots back in the west and was deeply devoted to her parents and siblings and often went back to visit. Jenese loved people and cultivated many cherished lifelong friendships. She also loved the gospel of Jesus Christ, and was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints all her life.

Jenese is preceded in death by her husband, Roy Lloyd Warren and is survived by her daughter, Melanie Ambs (Clark) and her son, Lloyd Dean Warren (Gayle); as well her grandchildren: Candace Ashby, Steffanie Gillrie, Christopher Warren, Brian Taylor, Lianne Barr, Carolann Wedlund, Paul Ambs, Clark (Buddy) Ambs, AnaJenese Flores, Lanie Gillespie, and their respective spouses. She is also survived by 26 beloved great grandchildren and by her two sisters, Carolee Larsen and Lujean Smith. 

 The family will be receiving friends at 8:30 am on Saturday, July 30th, 2022 followed by the funeral service at 10:00 am at The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across from the Orlando Temple at 3001 S Apopka Vineland Rd, Orlando, FL 32835.  

Pallbearers are Brian Taylor, Paul Ambs, Buddy Ambs, Christopher Warren, Adam Barr, Steve Wedlund, Will Flores, Jake Gillespie, and Adam Gillrie.

Interment will follow the funeral service at Winter Garden Cemetery.

Rihanna K'shema Campbell

Rihanna K'shema Campbell age 16 of Orlando passed away on June 26, 2022. She was born in Jamaica on the 30th of June 2006 to Nickalous Campbell and Tanechia Campbell. She was a bright and vibrant young lady full of life with a beautiful smile that will captivate you. 

She was beloved by a host of people. Rihanna leaves to cherish her memory, Father Nickalous Campbell, Mother Tanechia Campbell,  Sisters Ashley Campbell, and Nickola Campbell, Brother Javlyn Campbell, Grandparents Albert Campbell, Barbara Sewell and Paulette Blissett, Aunts Sophia Campbell, Christal Morris, Peach Treasure, and Okaylia Campbell, Uncles Garfield Bennett, Tryone Bennett, Dwane Smith, Christoper Morris, Close Cousins Garfield Bennett and Richardo Campbell and host of friends and family members.

The family will receiving friends at Dobbs Funeral Home on Friday, July 8th, 2022 from 6 until 8 pm.  The funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 9, 2022, at 11:00 am at Love for Souls Ministries located at 630 Emeralda Dr. Hidden Plaza Suite 105, Orlando FL, 32808.                             

 

Annie Mae Woodson

Annie Mae Woodson, age 85, of Orlando, FL passed peacefully from this life on Sunday, June 26^th, 2022 surrounded and supported by her loving family.  She was born on March 28^th, 1937 , in Yazoo City Mississippi, the daughter of the late Jacob and Ida Jane Steward.  In the early 1950’s Annie along with her parents and brother relocated to Saginaw Michigan.  Saginaw Michigan would be where she began her family.  She dedicated over 20 years of service to General Motors, and became a pillar within her community by serving others.  After retiring from General Motors, Annie took a visit to Orlando Florida and fell in love.  Upon her return from Orlando, Annie decided it was time for her to relocate.  In 1991, after raising her two daughters, Annie, moved to Orlando where she lived the remainder of her life.

Annie loved the Lord and dedicated her life to Christ at an early age. Annie faithfully began her days by dedicating her first waking hours to reading her Bible and spending time with her Lord and Savior.  She was a faithful member at Church at the Cross.  She was also a member of Friends Forever life group.

Annie loved all sports and made sure to stay up to date with the statistics for both football and basketball.  Annie was an absolute fan of the Orlando Magic from 1992 – 1996, mainly due to one of her favorite players Shaquille O’Neal.  In addition to being a huge fan of Shaquille O’Neal, Annie enjoyed watching Lebron James and admired his talents on the court.  Aside from watching sports, Annie enjoyed shopping, cooking, spending time and having fun with her family.  She enjoyed being a tour guide to her relatives and friends when they traveled to Orlando.  To know her was to truly love her.  She was full of wisdom and knowledge.  You would always know where you stood with her, she was unapologetically herself.

Annie leaves to cherish her memory two daughters, Patricia Steward and Carolyn (Lloyd) Riley.  Three grandchildren, Cortney Stewart, Torrey (Misako) Buckley, Jasmine (Michael) Thomas and five great-grandchildren, Courtney Rayana Stewart, T’Corey and Ryan Buckley, and Kai and Nova Thomas; brother Donald Brandon and sister Vickie Johnson.

Annie leaves many cherished relatives Walter and Barbara Davis, Roy Brown, Alan Brown Jr, Bernice Jones, Susanne Brown, Lula Reid, and Delores Washington.  Special friends Ms. Betty Richards and Mrs. Linda Wilhoit.

Annie is preceded in death by her parents Jacob and Ida Jane Steward, her brother Jacob Steward and sister Diane Brandon.

Special thanks to the doctors and nurses at ORMC North.  A special thank you to E.J. on 10 North.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, July 8^th, 2022, starting with visitation at 10:00 am followed by the 11:00 am service at Dobbs Funeral Home, located at 430 N. Kirkman Road, Orlando 32811 with Pastor Dexter Johnson officiating.  Interment will be at Orlando Memorial Gardens, 5264  Ingram Road, Apopka, Florida 32703.