Sibyl Bullock Connell, 85 of Plant City, died April 1, 2015.
She was born on her grandparents’ farm in Hastings. She graduated from Mellon High School in Palatka, and received her bachelor’s in education from Florida State University and her master’s from Peabody College. Her teaching career began at the Bardin School in Palatka. She then became a home economics teacher at Brandon High School, moving on to become the dean of girls at Tomlin Junior High. She retired from Hillsborough County Schools in 1984. Mrs. Connell loved traveling, camping, her First Baptist Church family, working at the Florida Strawberry Festival and family gatherings.
She is survived by children, Jody Connell (Judy) and Pam Warnock (Tommy); grandchildren, Joel Connell (Erika), Jana Williams (TJ), Jessica Young (Mike), Trey Warnock and Brooke Warnock; great-grandchildren, Kenley, Ella, Colt, Reid, Janie Grace, Parker and Patti Lyn; sister, Opal Wilkinson (Walter); nieces, Amy Lanning and Amanda Sweat; nephew, Travis Wilkinson (Adrianne); and numerous great-nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by parents, Carson and Nettie Ragin Bullock; her husband of 30 years, Robert Joel “Buck” Connell; and daughter, Patti Connell.
A celebration of life was held April 6, at First Baptist Church of Plant City. Interment at Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Plant City’s Building Fund, and/or LifePath Hospice, Development Dept., 12470 Telecom Drive, Suite 300, Temple Terrace, Florida, 33637. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.
