Thursday, March 29, 2012

Santa Martinez


Santa Martinez took her last breath the morning of Wednesday, March 21, 2012. She was born February 24, 1939 in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico and had just celebrated her 73rd birthday. she moved to New York city in the mid 1950's with her mom, Ana Ramirez, where she got married. She and her husband, had five daughters, Elizabeth Bonilla, Ibeth Martinez, Janette Almirall, Annette Martinez, and Elaine Martinez. From them she got to enjoy 15 grandchildren ranging in age from 11 to 33 and 14 great-grandchildren, the oldest just turned fourteen. She loved her sons-in-law and let them know it every chance she got. Her vibrant personality was contagious! Santa never met a stranger. She was always smiling and ready to share. Santa taught her daughters the finer points of being a "lady" by example. A lady was never complete without her lipstick, jewelry, and matching shoes - and they learned those lessons as well as all who know them will confirm. Even in these latter months of illness, while living in a facility, her room was the most colorful and stylishly decorated, so said the facility employees who totally enjoyed her "joie de vivre'. She will be truly missed by all who were blessed to have known her. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, March 31st, 2012 at Dobbs Funeral Home with Pastor Dan Mullins, officiating.









Angel Without A Halo


You are an Angel without a halo, but in my heart I can see it glow

I feel all the love you send my way just so you can brighten my day

It's the little things you say and do, that show the Angel inside of you

Giving so much beyond compare, showing me that you always care

Even without having wings to fly, you are able to lift my spirit high

Taking me from darkness to light, carrying me like and Angel in flight

Protecting my heart from despair; as an angel you are there

You bring messages of God's love just like and angel sent from above

To give peace and comfort within, knowing I can find strength in Him

You are a blessing to me so dear, I know wherever I am you are near,

You don't have a halo or two wings but you give all that an Angel brings

You will always be an Angel of mine, as in my heart you will forever shine

.......Elaine Martinez

Monday, March 26, 2012

Edgar Francis Pouchet



Edgar Francis Pouchet of Orlando, age 75, passed away on Saturday, March 24th, 2012. Edgar was born in Port of Spain, Trinidad the son of Edgar St. John Pouchet and Carmen Codallo. From 1967 until 1969 he lectured music in Trinidad. He moved to Central Florida from California in 1972 and was employed as a musical director for Walt Disney World. He was a member of Sanctuary of Praise Church in Orlando; President of Carnival Association, President of Trinibago Association; Composer of National Steel Orchestra; Ambassador of the Touring Orchestra; Founder of "Gold Posts" Steel Orchestra; Silver Stars Steel Orchestra Arranger and first to compose classical music for a steel orchestra.



He is predeceased by son Maurice Pouchet (1985). Edgar leaves to cherish his memory, wife Yvonne V. (Lopez) Pouchet of Orlando; daughters, Michelle Pouchet of Irvine, California; Frances (Trini) Pena of Orlando; son Andre (Dia) Johann of Cypress, Turkey; brothers Everard (Marlene), Elliot, Edmund (Alison), Elton (Lorraine), Edwin (Christine), Edric (Suzette) Pouchet all of Trinidad; sisters, Yvette (Swelyn) Prima of Trinidad, Heather (Maurice) Brown of Trinidad, Tesa Theresa Pouchet of Orlando, Camille (Michael) Gomez of Trinidad; granddaughters Natalie and Celina Pouchet of Orlando; great grandson Sayvion Pouchet-Sammy of Orlando; 43 nieces and nephews and 16 great nieces and nephews. The family will be receiving friends on from 5:00 until 7:00 pm followed by a service at 7:00 pm on Friday, March 30th, 2012 at Dobbs Funeral Home. Interment will be in Trinidad.

Pedro J. Colon




Pedro J. Colon age 31 of Ocoee passed away on Sunday, March 25th, 2012. Pedro was born in Boston, Massachusetts the son of Adelaida (Alvarado) and Pedro Colon. He moved to Central Florida in 1996. Pedro was employed at a local grocery store and was an avid Orlando Magic Fan. He leaves to cherish his memory, Father Pedro Colon of Boston, Massachusetts; mother and stepfather, Adelaida and Julio Fortunato of Ocoee; two sisters, Lisandra Colon and Adalaida Fortunato, both of Ocoee; and brother Andy Colon of Orlando. The family will be receiving friends from 12:00 - 2:00 pm on Tuesday, March 27, 2012 followed by the funeral service at Dobbs Funeral Home. Interment will be at Winter Garden Cemetery.






Saturday, March 24, 2012

Patricia June Burleson



Patricia June Burleson (nee Wellington) was born on June 16, 1925 in Lafayette, Indiana. Her parents were George Gilbert, better known as "GG" Wellington and Gertrude Wellington, who were already the proud parents of three boys. Patricia was the youngest of the four children and was admittedly spoiled by her older brothers. She loved all her brothers but was closest throughout her life with her next youngest brother Richard "Dick" Wellington. Their relationship would continue the rest of their lives until Dick's untimely passing. Patricia grew up in Lafayette, Indiana where her father worked at Purdue University. Her mother was her role model as a mother and parent, caring for her children and husband. Patricia was a child of the Great Depression and often told stories about her mother "never turning away anyone who came to our house asking for food". "Times were hard" she'd often say, but her parents and family persevered. In the late 1930's, a young man from Indianapolis decided to attend the great university known for engineering. Purdue University, where "GG" Wellington worked and became fast friends with a young Robert Burleson, an aspiring engineer. In due time, GG asked Robert "Bob" to visit his home where Robert met Patricia. They dated for a short time before the beginning of World War II. Robert enlisted in World War II and became a pilot in the Army Air Corps. Patricia and Robert maintained contact by writing each other throughout the four years of the war. Patricia worked during the war as a PBX operator (or telephone operator) during this time, something at which she became very proficient and later said that she enjoyed very much.



After the war, the couple continued their relationship that had been interrupted by "The Great War" and were married on August 28, 1945. Her husband graduated from Purdue University in June 1946 and they were very much ready to start their long lives together. After their wedding, they moved to Salt Lake City, Utah to work in a business that Patricia's brothers started and Robert was the engineer of the business. It was on August 16, 1948 that their first son, Dave (David Lee) was born. Robert worked at the business while Patricia raised their newborn son. They stayed in Utah until 1950 when they moved back to Indianapolis where their second born, a daughter, Shirley (Shirley Ann) was born on November 7, 1951. Robert continued to work as an engineer while Patricia was a traditional mother, caring for her family and husband. They were a very traditional family for the time and Patricia happily worked at her job of mother and homemaker. She and her husband kept their roles of father as provider for the family financially and after work and Patricia was the caretaker of everything involved with the home. In 1954 Patricia became pregnant with a third child, but unfortunately had a miscarriage. It was a very difficult time for Patricia, but she persevered with her life.



Her husband started working for a company where he would work for many years and Patricia and Robert moved to Morrow, Ohio. On July 23, 1957 their third born child, Richard (Richard Donald) was born. With three children, Patricia and Robert felt that their family was complete and they became the parents that every child would want. They spent time in their children's activities and Patricia was always there for anything her children needed. When they needed reassurance, she provided it. When they needed guidance, she was there. When they needed help with anything in their lives, Patricia was always there to help in any way she could. Patricia sacrificed so her family could have things and she went without. Many times Patricia would make one of her fantastic dinners and would make sure her husband children were fed first, and then she would eat. It didn't go unnoticed that she would have less food than others on occasion and she would say that she wasn't hungry, but she had taken less for herself so others could have more. Patricia's children could come home from playing outside and she would patch up any wound, cut or abrasion along with the occasional broken bone would be taken care of. When they were sick, she cared for them and nurtured them back to health. Patrica had two rules for staying home from school: 1) a temperature or 2) actively vomiting. Absent either of those two conditions, the children were expected to go school.



It was well known that Patricia loved her children. From her first born grandchild, Adam Burleson, through all of her eight grandchildren, Rikki and Kelly Burleson, Robert, Tricia, Craig, and Dana Mackey, and Michael Burleson, she cared for and helped raised almost all of them. At the very least, she loved them all. Patricia always wanted what was best for her children, and it was the same for her grandchildren. She was always there whether physically or emotionally for all her grandchildren. "They are my life" she would often say, displaying her care for children no matter how old she got. She always asked her children how her grandchildren were doing. As Patricia and her husband were in their 70's, they moved to Orlando where two of their children were living and her husband's brother was living at the time. They lived with their daughter Shirley when her husband Robert passed on October 3, 2001. He is buried here in the Florida National Cemetery where Patricia joined him on March 16th, 2012. There isn't enough that can be said about Patricia as a mother and grandmother. She lived her life with her husband for her children and grandchildren. She was loved by friends she made over the years.

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Waverly Lee Baskerville, Jr.


Waverly Lee Baskerville, Jr. age 64 passed away on March 13, 2012. Waverly Lee Baskerville, Jr. was born in South Hill, Virginia, where he lived until age seven, when he and his family moved to Newark, New Jersey. He was the eldest of four children, all boys! He accepted the Lord and for years was a member of Mt. Olivet Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey. Waverly went to Fredonia State University in New York, where he met and married Ruth Cheatham months later. Through their union, one child, Alicia, was born while they were still in college. Waverly and Ruth enjoyed each other’s company during forty-four years of marriage. Waverly earned a Bachelor of Science and Masters in Business Administration, working thirty years for top investment banking firms on Wall Street. He became First Vice President of Salomon Brothers, Inc. He served ten years on the Board of Education in Orange, New Jersey, and was President the year his daughter, Alicia graduated from high school. He was an officer in the Southern Acres Home Owners Association here in Windermere. Waverly was an avid collector of cars and African-American memorabilia, particularly Buffalo Soldiers and Black pilots. His mother, Lydia Baskerville and brother, James Sherman Baskerville preceded him in death. Waverly is survived by his wife, Ruth Baskerville, his daughter, Alicia Lankford, son-in-law, Bruce Lankford, father, Waverly Baskerville, Sr., brothers Larry Baskerville and Phillip (Angela) Baskerville, grandchildren, Bruce, Jalyn, Kennedy and Avery Lankford, along with a host of nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends. A memorial service will be held at his home, 13449 Southern Way, Windermere FL 34786, on Sunday, March 18, 2012 at 2:00 PM with Bishop Richard B. Lankford, Sr., Officiating from the Atlanta International Christian Praise Center - Atlanta, Georgia.

“Darling, Forever”
Dr. Ruth L. Baskerville
March 18, 2012
I saw this handsome, skinny soccer player walk across the college campus, and immediately fell in love. I heard those bells and whistles people talk of, and I knew I had to have this man for my lifetime partner. We married while still in college, had baby Alicia, left college with two diplomas and no milk for our baby. My father gave us a family Bible, in which he wrote that we were “The Happiness Kids” because we were so in love and so happy. Our home décor went from black lights and hanging beads between rooms, to a water bed with mirrors on the canopy, to the delicate balance between my love of silver and china, and Waverly’s love of Black pilots and cowboys, and enough leather horses to fill a small stable. While looking at family pictures to choose the best for a memorial collage, I saw that he had the Afro look to the bald look, wore the bathing suit and barbecue shorts to the black-tie tuxedo. We had a full life. Our first apartment contained less than a dozen pieces of furniture, and Waverly came home with a picture of a red Corvette, which he taped to the empty wall. I called him a “dreamer,” saying we would never have such wealth, but he had the determination and work ethic to make me a dreamer, too. Along our journey, he insisted that we reach back and mentor young people seeking a better life. He was as generous to family and friends as he was to himself. He took quiet pleasure in seeing others happy and productive. Many people knew that Waverly was a private, cautious man who was married to an adventurous woman. Few knew that the reason I soared before learning how to work my wings was that I always had Waverly to catch me. He was a strong taskmaster, pushing my career forward when I preferred to stay in my comfort zone. But each time I followed his lead, I did more, I had more, I WAS more. When we married at nineteen years old, I was uncertain of our future. Waverly wasn’t. Recently, I told him how exciting my life had been these past forty-four years because he kept things fresh and full of surprise. He responded by saying that I added the forty-four years of suspense we shared. Waverly was my life partner, my friend, my lover, my mentor. I can’t imagine sleeping in the bed without him or eating a meal without having light conversation with him. I retired last spring, and we had the gift of time together, day and night, for almost a year. God needed him before I was ready to give him up, so I accept God’s will. He used to sign the cards he gave me with “Darling, Forever,” so I’ll end my tribute to the most remarkable man I’ll ever know, with, “Waverly, Dear, You’ll be proud watching me continue to soar, this time reading the manual for wing spans and remembering the lessons you taught me. I’ll be fine until we meet again. Your Darling, Forever, Ruthie.”

Nikolas Richard Hoover



Nikolas Richard Hoover, age 15 of Ocoee, Florida passed away suddenly on Wednesday ,March 14th, 2012. Nikolas was born in Orlando, Florid aon November 20th, 1996, the son of Ruby Jean (Proffitt) and Kenneth Scott Hoover. He was a member of St. Andrew Catholic Church in Orlando. Nikolas leaves to cherish his memory, sister Syanne Haddock of Lake Panasofkee, Florida; two brothers Jarrett Scott Hoover of Ocoee, Tyler Lee Haddock of Conetoe, North Carolina; paternal grandmother Patricia Gail Hoover of Clermont; maternal grandparents Debra and Sammy Gay of Lake Panasofkee, Florida. The family will be receiving friends on Monday, March 19th, 2012 from 5 - 8 pm at Dobbs Funeral Home. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Andrew Catholic Church, Orlando Florida at 11:30 am on Tuesday, March 20th, 2012 with Father Ben officiating.

Monday, March 12, 2012

Betty C. Westerman



Betty C. Westerman, age 81 of Orlando, passed away on Sunday, March 11th, 2012 at her residence. Betty was born in Richmond, Virginia the daughter of the late Thelma (Kennedy) and Ed Lipe. She was employed as a medical assistant in a physicians office and a member of St. Paul Presbyterian Church. Betty leaves to cherish her memory two daughters, Carolyn Barber, Connie Hayes both of Orlando; two sons, John Westerman, Jr. of Orlando, Tim Westerman of Christmas, Florida; 12 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Public visitation will be held from 10 to 11 am on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 followed by the funeral service at Dobbs Funeral Home. Interment will be at Highland Memory Gardens.

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Laura Rodriguez McLendon



Laura Rodriguez McLendon, age 65 of Daytona Beach, Florida passed away on Wednesday, March 7th, 2012 in Orlando. Laura was born in Bronx, New York the daughter of Ramon and Vega Rodriguez. She moved to Central Florida from New York in 1961 and was employed as a nurse. Laura leaves to cherish her memory, husband Harry McLendon of Daytona Beach; sons Joseph Hunter of Daytona Beach, Neil Hunter of Orlando; brother Jose Rodriguez of New York; grandsons Shomari Romni of North Carolina, Joseph Hunter of Troy, Alabama; granddaughter Jarvae Zackery of Atlanta, Georgia. The family will be receiving friends from 2:00 - 3:00 pm at Dobbs Funeral Home on Monday, March 12th, 2012 followed by the service at 3:00 pm with Pastor Thomas Hensley officiating.

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Isabel Rita Clasen

Isabel Rita Clasen, a resident of Orlando, Florida since February of 2009 and formerly of Elysian Valley, California, passed away on March 10th, 2012. She was born in St. Cloud, Minnesota on December 1, 1919. Isabel and her husband of 58 years , the late Leonard Clasen, moved to the Elysian Valley in Los Angeles California in 1942. The are preceded in death by their son, Gerald Clasen, and are survived by their children, Richard Clasen of Seattle, Washington; Kathleen Peppard of Galt, California; Charlene Brookfield of Orlando, Florida; Barbara Owen of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Dennis Clasen of Tujunga, California; Clifford Clasen of Big Bear, California; sister Dorothy Agnew of San Diego, California; 34 grandchildren, and even more great and great-great grandchildren. She was a member of St. Andrew Catholic Church in Orlando, Florida; and prior to that she was a member of St. Ann Catholic Church in Los Angeles, California, where she served as President of The Altar and Rosary Society, along with many other activities through the years. Isabel was a den mother with the Cub Scouts, actively involved with the Elysian Valley Community, and celebrated her 60th Anniversary as a Avon Representative in July of 2011. The funeral mass celebrating Isabel's life will be at 10:00 am on Tuesday, March 13th, 2012 at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Orlando, Florida followed by a graveside service at Resurrection Cemetery in Los Angeles, California on Thursday, March 15th, 2012 at 2:00 p.m.

Friday, March 2, 2012

Nang Ngo

Nang Ngo, age 64 of Polk City, Florida passed away Thursday, March 1st, 2012 in Winter Garden, Florida. Nang was born in Phu Yen, Viet Nam the son of the late Ket (Vo) and Xuong Ngo. He was employed in the hotel industry. Nang leaves to cherish his memory wife Dang Le of Orlando; two daughters Tan Ngo and Tam Ngo both of Orlando; four sons Anh Ngo of Viet Nam, Bao Ngo, Thai Ngo, Thang Ngoall of Orlando; sister Sieng Ngo of Viet Nam and 14 grandhcildren. the family will be receiving friends on Monday, March 5th from 4:00 - 8:00 pm and Tuesday, March 6th, 2012 from 9:00a - 12:30 pm at Dobbs Funeral Home followed by the cremation at Metro Crematory in Ocoee at 1:00 pm.