January 28, 2021
Frances Collier Bunce
Frances Collier Bunce, 94, of Ocklawaha, Florida passed away January 18, 2021 at her home. She was the wife of the late Broadus Coolidge Bunce who preceded her in 2014. Frances was born in Wade, North Carolina a daughter of the late Roberson Lellon and Nellie (MacMillan) Collier. She worked at a mill, one of many women helping during WWII, then married at the age of 20 and raised six daughters. Since marriage, professionally she worked in several factories, as an LPN nurse and at Belleview Florist, where she loved being around flowers. She was a member of Belleview First Baptist Church and was known most of all for her Christian kind, humble, friendly, loving nature, ready with a laugh at anyone’s jokes and funny stories. Laughter peppered her conversations. She enjoyed life, anticipating the joy of big things and always celebrating the small things. Never complaining, always putting others first, enjoying every moment, being content in whatever circumstances she was in, she was a complete pleasure to be around and a huge example. As a strong Christian, she was a stalwart of influence, always ready with a kind, loving word fraught with Godly wisdom, instruction or advice. She will be sorely missed here on earth but fully embraced in heaven.
Frances is survived by six daughters: Karol Miller, Thomasville, GA; Anita Scroggie (Gene), Belleview, FL; Cathy Yeomans (Mitch) Dothan, AL; Elaine Cloud (Grady), Ocala, FL; Marsha Eaton (Gerald), Orlando, FL, Charlene Michelman, Daytona Beach, FL, 18 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren, four great-great grandchildren, two sisters, and one brother, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Service, for immediate family only, was held on Monday, January 25, 2021 at the Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, 5946 SE Robinson Road, Belleview, FL 34420. Interment was at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL. Memorials may be made to Samaritan’s Purse or the building fund of Belleview Baptist Church.
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Carolyn Clearwater
Carolyn Clearwater of Belleview, FL, was called home to heaven on January 9, 2021.
She was 67.
Carolyn was a New Year baby born to Eugene and Madonna McGuire in Muncie, IN.
She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Steve Clearwater, her oldest son Brad Clearwater and his wife Becky Jacobs, her youngest son Scott Clearwater, her grandson Trevor Blake, her mother Madonna McGuire and her siblings and in-laws Gene McGuire, Terry McGuire, Thurman and Patsy McGuire, Pam and Corey Smolik, and David McGuire.
Carolyn, was a special soul. She was always smiling and laughing. Carolyn did not know a stranger. She always had a welcome and a hug for anyone and everyone.
She actively supported her sons in the FFA and Boy Scouts and in her later years was an active FFA Alumni.
She loved her horses, her dogs, her chickens, gardening and Elvis. Mostly she loved her family and friends.
Her sister said she had a fiesty side and her close friends talk about her true kindness.
Carolyn was truly an angel on earth and will continue to be in heaven.
The family is planning a Celebration of Life ceremony at a future date.
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Deborah Ann Bennett
Deborah Ann Bennett, 65, of Ocala passed away on Monday, January 18, 2021 at Ocala Regional Medical Center. She was born July 31, 1955 the daughter of the late William and Florine Bethune. Debbie was a native of Pensacola, Florida and moved to Ocklawaha in 1965 before moving to the Ocala area. In 1978,
Debbie married her loving husband, Roy, and together the two shared a life of love and happiness. She was a Registered Nurse for over 40 years which she felt was a calling from God. Debbie’s greatest love in life was her family.
Survivors include her loving husband, Roy Bennett; children, Chris (Aerin) Bennett, Sr., Matt (Shannon) Bennett, and Justin Bennett; grandchildren, Chris (Kayla) Bennett, Jr., Kelly (Case) Erwin, Kaitlyn Bennett, Emma Bennett, Nathan Bennett, and Kayla Barnett; great-grandchildren, Kendal, Tripp, and one on the way; cousin, Joan Peek; and sibling-in-laws, Pete Bennett, Linda Williams, Gloria Lewis, and Bonnie Newby; and many other family and friends. Predeceased by her parents.
A graveside service was held at Highland Memorial Park on Sunday, January 24 at 10 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in Debbie’s name. Online condolences may be sent at www.hiers-baxley.com.
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