Plant City Observer

OBITUARIES 11.15.12

Laura R. Heffelfinger, Mae E. Shurling, Anna E. Taylor, Mary Fariday Willis, Cenova Swilley Witherspoon


Laura R. Heffelfinger

Laura R. Heffelfinger, 90, died Nov. 10, at the Health Care Center of Plant City.

She was born June 29, 1922, in Allentown, Pa., to Lewis and Elsie (Peter) Loch. She was married to Charles H. Heffelfinger, deceased.

Mrs. Heffelfinger was a recording clerk for Rodale Press for more than 26 years.

She is survived by one daughter, Sandra Sheridan (Phil); two sons, Charles Heffelfinger (Ruby), and Dennis Heffelfinger (Linda); six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren.


Mae E. Shurling

Mae E. Shurling, 85, died Nov. 7, at Grace Manor, in Lakeland.

She was born in Detroit, Mich., on Sept. 23, 1927, to James and Clara Arye (Guffey) Elder. She was a teacher and taught for several years in the Polk County school system and 14 years at Polk School Opportunity Center.

She is survived by one son, James N. Shurling, of Plant City; and two daughters, Rebecca J. Fager, of Naples, and Mary S. Banniza, of Winter Haven; two grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

A service was Nov. 12, at Wells Memorial & Event Center. Burial will be at Springhead Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Anchor House Ministries, P.O. Box 625, Auburndale, FL 33823, or Florida Baptist Children’s Home, P.O. Box 8190, Lakeland, FL 33802.

Condolences may be offered at wellsmemorial.com.

Anna E. Taylor

Anna E. Taylor, 83, of Plant City, died Nov. 4.

She was preceded in death by husband, Albert Lee Taylor; and brother, William Foehrkolb.

She is survived by a loving family.

Expressions of condolence may be made at hopewellfuneral.com.


Mary Fariday Willis

Mary Fariday Willis, 93, died Nov. 7.

She was born June 23, 1919, to Robert and Jessie Foster in Pattonsburg, Mo.

She began dancing at 8 years old and worked as a professional choreographer, dancer, teacher, singer and actor. She served as choreographer for many musicals, including “The Sound of Music,” “The Music Man,” “South Pacific,” “Gypsy” and many more.

She performed numerous roles on and off Broadway.

She taught dance for more than 70 years during her lifetime to more than 14,000 students.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Jessie Foster; father, Robert Foster; and her two husbands, Frank Fariday and Dick Willis.

She is survived by her only son, Lynn Chase; grandsons Terry Chase and Chris Chase; and a great-grandson, Ian Chase.

A memorial service will be at 6 p.m. Nov. 17, at Trinity Christian Center, 4416 E. C.R. 540A, Lakeland, FL 33813.

The family has asked that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Good Shepherd Hospice, 115 S. Missouri Ave., No. 500, Lakeland, FL 33815

Online condolences may be made at haughtfuneralhome.com.

Cenova Swilley Witherspoon

Cenova Swilley Witherspoon, 94, died Nov. 9, at Lakeland Regional Medical Center.

She was born in Valdosta, Ga., on July 6, 1918, to Will and Zellie (Corbett) Swilley.

She is survived by two sons, William Witherspoon (Mary), Larry Witherspoon (Julie); two daughters, Louise Brock-Pugh (Charles), Judy Bratcher (Richard); nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; one great–great-grandchild; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by two husbands, Chester Witherspoon and Sam Wilkins; and one son, Steven Ardell.

Funeral services were Nov. 13, at Memorial Park Cemetery, Plant City.

Memorials can be made to the choice of the donor.vzlom2014.ru

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