Obituaries - Lake Wales Daily News

In Loving Memory of Leslie “Bubba” W Dunson Jr

Allison — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 13:34:11 +0000

Leslie “Bubba” W Dunson Jr

Apr 23, 1935 — Sep 7, 2026

Leslie W. Dunson, Jr. was a successful businessman, citrus grower, devoted family man, and a cherished friend everywhere he went, from Polk County to the Abaco islands. He spent countless hours in the orange groves of Polk County, where his love for the land and the citrus industry became an important part of his life and legacy.

Bubba was born in Winter Haven, attended Florida Southern College where he received a degree in Citrus and made life-long friends at Pi Kappa Alpha.

Bubba gave back to his community by sharing his time and talents in service to numerous organizations. Among his civic commitments, he served on the Board of Trustees of Winter Haven Hospital and the Board of Trustees of Polk Community College. He was also a longtime member of Parkland Baptist Church.

Outside of his work and community service, he enjoyed boating, hunting and fishing. More than anything, however, he treasured the time he spent with his family and his many wonderful friends. His generosity, easy friendship, and love for those around him will be remembered by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, L.W. Dunson, Sr. and Eva Plant Dunson; and his first wife, Barbara Jill Berthy Dunson.

He is survived by his loving wife, Kathy Curtis Dunson; son, Les Dunson III and his wife Ginny; daughters, Lisa Dunson and Laura Barben and her husband, John; step-daughter, Katy Pyle and her late husband Will, step-daughter, Stephanie Cox and husband Kyle; beloved grandchildren, Ashley Foster and her husband Will, Emily Mayers and her husband Brantley, Leslie Jack Barben, Mark Barben, Ashleigh Barben, Gary Cox, Tripp Pyle, Austin Pyle, and one great-granddaughter, Jill Foster.

There will be a private family service. A reception celebrating his life will be held at Venue 650, 650 Sixth Street SW, Winter Haven, on Thursday, September 10, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tree Ministries in his memory https://www.treeministries.org/donate.

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In Loving Memory of Lynn Robert Greenfield

carl — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 11:41:06 +0000

Lynn Robert Greenfield, a devoted husband, beloved family member, and respected member of every community he joined, passed away at his residence on August 10, 2026, at the age of 78. Born in Estherville, Iowa, on December 5, 1947, Lynn’s journey through life was marked by hard work, service, dedication to family, and a steadfast commitment to friendship and camaraderie.

Lynn was the cherished son of the late Lawrence and Alverta Greenfield. His life’s path took him from the fields of Iowa to new beginnings and responsibilities elsewhere. Lynn also distinguished himself as a manager at Singer Sewing Machines in Wisconsin, demonstrating both skilled leadership and unwavering reliability. Beyond his professional roles, his time in the Wisconsin National Guard spoke to his sense of duty and service. Music was a vital part of Lynn’s life and spirit; he played the tuba with passion, both as a member of the University of Wisconsin Marching Band, as part of the Army Band, and local polka bands in Wisconsin. He participated and then later managed the Lake Wales Farmers Market from 2013 on. He also found great pride and joy in his work as a citrus farmer, nurturing the land and contributing to his community with patience and care. He grew organic and pesticide free vegetables on 7000 square feet of land that were then sold at the Lake Wales Farmers Market which he later managed and helped expand to this day.

Lynn’s connection to community extended to his role as a member of the Loyal Order of the Wild Shiners of which he was known as a “The Legend”. In 1978, Lynn and his beloved wife, Faye Greenfield, became “snowbirds,” spending their winters escaping Wisconsin’s cold in favor of sunny Lake Wales, Florida. Two years later, in 1980, they made Lake Wales their full-time home, continuing to foster strong bonds and making new memories.

He leaves behind his loving wife, Faye, whose companionship was the cornerstone of his life for the 55 years they were married. Lynn is also survived by his nephews, Kris Seeley and Marc Seeley; and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Alverta Greenfield; as well as his brothers and sisters.

Services will be scheduled at a later date.

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In Loving Memory of Donavon James William Miller, an Infant, of Lake Wales

Maria Iannucci — Sat, 16 May 2026 01:40:58 +0000

May 9, 2026 — May 9, 2026

Lake Wales, Florida

Donavon James William Miller was born and passed away on May 9, 2026, in Lakeland, Florida.

Donavon is survived by his father, Dennis Miller of Lake Wales, and his mother, Mendy Reneea Miller, also of Lake Wales. Donavon’s siblings include his sister, Jordan Miller of Lakeland, and his brothers, Dennis Miller, Jr., and Devon Miller, both of Lake Wales.

A memorial service to honor Donavon’s life was held on May 13, 2026, at Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Lake Wales.

Condolences can be sent to the family at www.marionnelsonfuneralhome.com.

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In Loving Memory of Barbara Jane Sebring, 83, of Lake Wales

Allison — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 12:39:47 +0000

Barbara Jane Sebring, 83, of Lake Wales, Florida, entered into her eternal rest on April 9, 2026, following a brief illness.

She was born January 19, 1943, in Danbury, Connecticut, to the late Robert J. and Dorothy Hughes Reese. She married James R. Sebring in 1962, and spent 45 years building a life and family with him.

The Sebrings resided in Gouldsboro, Pennsylvania, with their four children, where Barbara was an active member of the community. She served in the Gouldsboro Volunteer Women’s Auxiliary, the Gouldsboro Methodist Women, and coordinated the Memorial Day and Independence Day parades.

Barbara moved with her family of six to Lake Wales in 1973, where she continued to serve her community. She was at one time a member of the Lake Wales Women’s Club and logged thousands of hours volunteering for many organizations such as Lake Wales Little League, the Lake Wales Highlander Band Association, Lake Wales Care Center, and the Lake Wales Art Show. She also served the First Methodist Church of Lake Wales and First Presbyterian Church of Lake Wales in various roles. She worked for over 30 years at First United Methodist Preschool as a teacher of 4-year-olds and assistant director. She worked for over 10 years at Hillcrest Elementary School, where she was named Paraprofessional of the Year for Lake Wales Charter Schools. Throughout her life, she gave books to hundreds of children to encourage a love of reading.

Barbara loved the beach, traveling, making homemade cards, curating unique experiences for children at church and in the community, and spending time with her family.

She is survived by her four children: Robert Sebring of Russellville, Arkansas, Terri Sebring of Lake Wales, Todd Sebring of Lake Wales, and Alicia Linder of Lake Wales; daughters-in-law Dawn Sebring and Elizabeth Sebring; son-in-law Jerry Linder; grandchildren Jennifer Snyder and her husband Gavin, Ashley Hebert and her husband Cody, Timothy Mooney and his wife Jessica, Ethan Sebring, and Micah Sebring; great-grandchildren Michael Snyder and Madison Snyder and Evelyn Hebert and Jackson Hebert; and several nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband James R. Sebring, sister Kathy Peters, and brother Jim Reese.

Barbara embraced others with love and acceptance; to her, there were no strangers, only friends she hadn’t met yet.

A memorial service will be held May 17, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church of Lake Wales at 2 p.m. The family will receive guests at a reception following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Lake Wales Care Center or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

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In Loving Memory of Violeta Balmaceda Salud of Lake Wales

Allison — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 17:43:29 +0000

Violeta Balmaceda Salud

March 28, 1946 — April 2, 2026

Lake Wales, Florida

Violeta Balmaceda Salud, 80, of Lake Wales, Florida passed away peacefully on April 2, 2026. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, and friend to so many.

Born on March 28, 1946, in Naga City, Philippines, to Zoilo and Guadalupe (Panelo) Balmaceda, Violeta held a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of the Philippines and a Master of Business Administration from New York University. She founded Violeta B. Salud and Associates and served her community and clients as a financial advisor before retiring in 2025. Violeta also held an Adjunct Faculty position at Warner University, Lake Wales, FL.

After living in New York City, NY, Hartford, CT, and Lakeland, FL, Violeta and her family relocated to Lake Wales, Florida in 1974, where she became a dedicated education and community advocate. Violeta served on and chaired numerous boards, including Prevent Blindness America, Florida State Board of Community Colleges, Holy Spirit Parish Finance Council, Webber International University, Vanguard School, United Way of Polk County, Lake Wales Care Center, Imperial Symphony Guild of Lake Wales, and the Lake Wales Chamber of Commerce. She also served several years on the boards of American Bank and Trust of Polk County, Bank of Central Florida, the City of Lake Wales Employee Pension Board, and the YMCA of Lake Wales.

For her dedication to the community, Violeta received the Lake Wales Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year Award in 1998, the Rotary Club of Lake Wales Paul Harris Fellow Award in 1992, the Polk County School Board National Volunteer Recognition Award in 1990, and the Lake Wales YMCA Distinguished Leadership Award in 1989.

Violeta was a faithful member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Lake Wales. She loved to travel the world and embraced her role as Lola to her six grandchildren. She found great joy celebrating birthdays and graduations; attending music, dance, and theater performances; and watching their soccer games, swim meets, and gymnastics meets.

Violeta is survived by her husband of 55 years, Eusebio; daughter, Aileen (Matthew); sons Christopher (Solimar) and Jonathan (Rachel); grandchildren Olivia (Isaiah), Julia, Audrey, Jocelyn, Alexander, and Lucy; cousins, nieces, and nephews and their families. She is preceded in death by her parents and her beloved son, Irwin.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, April 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 644 9th Street, Lake Wales, Florida. The family will receive visitors from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. prior to the Funeral Mass in the Chapel at Holy Spirit Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to consider a memorial donation in Violeta’s name to Bok Tower Gardens online at www.boktowergardens.com/donate, by phone at 863-734-1213, or by mail:

Bok Tower Gardens, Inc.

Philanthropy and Membership

1151 Tower Boulevard

Lake Wales, FL 33863

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In Loving Memory of Marcia N. Alley, 81, of Lakeland

Maria Iannucci — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 17:08:03 +0000

Marcia Nicodemus Alley never let a phone call go to voicemail. She never left the house without earrings and lipstick—even during the pandemic, when she wore lipstick under her mask, because standards are standards. She started every phone call with, “Are you sitting down?” and ended every visit with, “I love you, I love you, I love you!”

She died on March 6, 2026, at the age of 81, in Lakeland, Florida, the town she had made immeasurably better simply by living in it.

Born on February 26, 1945, in Tampa, Florida, Marcia grew up in Lakeland on Mississippi Avenue. Her father, William Clair Nicodemus, was a jeweler, a true artist who designed and handcrafted fine jewelry. Her mother, Thelma Frances Marsh Nicodemus, was a brilliant seamstress and cook who never met a stranger. Marcia inherited it all: the artistry, the hospitality, and the refusal to let anyone feel like an outsider.

At twelve, she met a fourteen-year-old preacher’s kid named Paul F. Alley at First United Methodist Church while playing games in the fellowship center. They married in 1965 and stayed married for fifty-six years. While Paul rose to become the Undersheriff of Polk County—the man people called when they were in trouble—Marcia was the one they called when they were sick, lonely, or just in need of care. Paul and Marcia were individually remarkable, but together they were a force.

They kissed in front of their children, hosted a massive annual dinner that brought the entire neighborhood to one table, and spent every Saturday night for more than twenty-five years at the church, hanging flags, decorating the altar, and cutting communion bread for the 9:30 contemporary service they helped found. Paul preceded her in death, and one imagines he has already organized things on the other side, though she has undoubtedly already begun rearranging them.

When Marcia was only three years old, she received a doctor’s kit and immediately decided she’d be a nurse. She went straight from high school to nursing school and spent most of her career as a nurse at the Watson Clinic, working for Dr. Albert King and Dr. Wallace Coyner.

Her faith was not decorative. She once said, “I was born into the church and I’ll go out through that church,” and she meant it literally. But Marcia’s Christianity was less about scripture and more about showing up. When she learned that women in a Tanzanian village needed sewing machines to start businesses, Marcia organized the collection and shipment of four hundred of them. When Ivelisse De La Fe, a young college student from Cuba with no family in the States, moved to Lakeland to attend Florida Southern College, Marcia rallied a crew and filled Ivelisse’s new place with furnishings, personal touches and all the warmth of home. When a young couple in the congregation wanted to get married but couldn’t afford a reception, Marcia threw one and hand-addressed every invitation. When she got wind that members of the local gay community were turned away from other churches, Marcia picked up the phone and said, “Come to my church and sit with me.” That was her theology in practice: unconditional love.

She decorated the house for every season. She set what her family called “the most beautiful table in the land” (think colorful Fiestaware, pressed linen napkins, brass candle holders, and a centerpiece so lavish you couldn’t see the person sitting across from you, but you wouldn’t dare touch it), and threw themed dinner parties for no occasion at all. There was always an overflowing snack basket filled with Rice Krispie Treats, Fig Newtons, Oreos, blueberry Belvitas, granola bars, and peanut butter crackers for anyone who walked through the door. She fed every bird, every stray cat, every neighborhood dog because no living thing that came to Marcia’s door left hungry. She remembered friends’ surgeries, graduations, bar mitzvahs, confirmations, and years in remission. Always the first one to call on your birthday, Marcia sang “Happy Birthday” with such performance-level passion you’d hang up feeling like a star. She never reminded anyone of miles she’d driven, cookies she’d baked, or money she’d donated.

Her hugs were genuine, constricting, and long enough to take the wind out of you. Her wit was precise—real comic timing that could level a room. As a grandmother to Cole, Reese, and Owen—the great loves of her life—she was legendary for her “anything goes” policy and once gave her three-year-old grandson a stapler. When his mother protested, Marcia said, “Oh, Cole just loves office supplies!” She assured her kids that the grandchildren could “burn the house down” as long as they were having fun.

She adored her two children, Paulie and Lindsey, fiercely, and if you asked her, she’d tell you she loved their spouses, Amy and Lee, even more. She claimed every one of her children’s friends as her own. Her daughter, a performer, shared the screen with her in three seasons of a web series called On the Patio and viewers quickly realized Marcia was the real star. Marcia, Marcia, Marcia. Of course, when Lindsey embarrassed her with stories onstage in her one-woman show, Marcia could be heard in the lobby afterward telling anyone who’d listen, with magnificent resignation, “I tried! I tried, and I failed!”

In sadness or happiness, Marcia advised the same: Sit a while with someone you love, preferably over a Diet Coke; set a beautiful table, even on a Tuesday; and leave the porch light on for whoever might need that welcome sign. So we’ll keep the guest beds made to precision with mitered corners, the snack basket full, and the thank-you notes written (promptly), just the way she taught us. And for now, we’ll imagine her picking up the phone with a smile and saying, “I was just sitting here waiting for you to call.”

Marcia is survived by her son, Paul F. Alley Jr. (Amy), and grandsons, Cole and Reese of Lakeland; her daughter, Lindsey Alley Turvey (Lee), and grandson, Owen of Princeton, NJ; her sister, Vicki Moulden (Herman); her cousin, Susan Marsh Willis (Dr. Waite Willis); and cousin, Jim Marsh (Annette). She also leaves behind her sisters-in-law, Jo Alley Sumara (Jim), and Linda Alley, along with a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and admirers. She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul F. Alley Sr.; her parents, William and Thelma Nicodemus; her in-laws, Rev. Raymond and Dorothy Alley; and her siblings-in-law, Raymond Alley Jr. and Ann Lee Alley Earnshaw.

On Monday, April 13, 2026 at 9:30 a.m., a celebration of her fabulous life will be held at her beloved First United Methodist Church of Lakeland. Let’s not wear black. Marcia (who always smelled like Chanel No. 5) lived in color, and she’d want her celebration to be bright and beautiful. Statement jewelry is a must.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Think Big for Kids Marcia Alley Nursing Scholarship.

https://thinkbigforkids.harnessgiving.org/campaigns/20714

The post In Loving Memory of Marcia N. Alley, 81, of Lakeland first appeared on Lake Wales Daily News.

In Loving Memory of Mary Perez Perryman

Allison — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 19:12:12 +0000

Mary Perez Perryman

August 25, 1955 — March 11, 2026

Lake Wales, Florida

Mary Perez Perryman, born on August 25, 1955 in Los Fresnos, Texas, passed away on March 11, 2026 in Lake Wales, Florida. She will be remembered graciously by her family and friends for her warm and welcoming personality as well as her contagious smile and her love of her community. Mary spent many years working as a waitress in several local restaurants. She was a proud member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church, finding solace and connection in her faith.

Mary cherished spending time with her family, fishing, shopping downtown with her sisters, and working in her yard. She also enjoyed sketching, music, dancing, and most of all singing karaoke, which brought her pure joy. She was the kindest, and most nurturing person you could ever meet.

She leaves behind her daughter, Raquel Perryman and husband James Baynard of Chiefland, Florida; her siblings, Isidra Niño, Irma Perez, Rosa Bailey, Angela Peña Guadalupe Perez Jr. all of Lake Wales and Joe Perez of Texas.

Mary also took immense joy and her grandchildren. Levi, Cheyenne and Julie.

Mary is reunited in heaven with her husband James Perryman and son Lee Alexander, along with her parents, Guadalupe Perez Sr. and Estefana Tovar, and siblings Sabino Perez Sr., Bonafacio Perez, Delfino Perez Sr., Felicita Verduzco and Maria Niño. Her spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

A visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Lake Wales. A funeral mass will be held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, March 19, 2026.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Mary Perez Perryman, please visit our flower store.

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In Loving Memory of Ruth Gilman

Allison — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 12:58:43 +0000

Ruth Gilman

May 19, 1925 — March 8, 2026

Lake Wales, Florida

Ruth A. Gilman

Early in the morning on Sunday, March 8, 2026 Ruth Gilman went to be with her Lord. It is a blessing she passed on this Sabbath because as a lifelong Christian, she worshipped with joy.

Ruth lead a life of dedication to her family, friends and her profession as a successful photographer who leaves a legacy of her photos in Lake Wales.

The only daughter born to George and Helen Gilman, she had three brothers. George, Russell and John, all deceased, she joins them now at 100 years old. She leaves several nieces and nephews and many friends.

Most of us knew Ruth as the photographer for The Lake Wales News from 1962-1973, then for her portraits and weddings, and later her Gilman Recall was a fun addition.

Living in the home her parents built, she remained independent for 46 years after her mother’s death. She was an avid gardener, won golf tournaments, played tennis and walked her neighborhood nearly every day.

Ruth was always curious about learning new things and mastering new skills.

A private graveside service is planned at a later date. Donations in Ruth’s memory can be made to the Care Center as she delivered Meals on Wheels for 25 years.

Her niece, Pamela Turner, would like to thank Just Like Home of Lake Wales and Cornerstone Hospice for their tender care along with several special friends, Susan, Margaret and Gail. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.marionnelsonfuneralhome.com.

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In Loving Memory of Martha Jean McCall Coleman, former clerk at Mayers Jewelers, of Lake Wales

Maria Iannucci — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 21:30:21 +0000

Martha Jean McCall Coleman, a beloved resident of Lake Wales, Florida, passed away on February 2, 2026, at AdventHealth Lake Wales. Born on October 7, 1939, in Lake Wales, she lived her entire life in this community.

Martha graduated from Lake Wales High School in 1957 where she was a drummer in the band. She went on to have a successful career as an Operations Manager for the American Bank and a clerk at Mayers Jewelers. She was known for her dedication and hard work in her professional life.

Martha was a member of the First Christian Church, where she found joy and community among her friends. She had a deep love for the ocean, relishing every moment spent at the beach. In addition to her passion for the water, Martha enjoyed dancing, specifically clogging. She took pleasure in nature, particularly her beloved oak trees. In her younger years, she loved to water ski and roller-skate. Martha cherished time with her family and always made a point to express her love, especially for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Martha was preceded in death by her parents, George and Maude McCall; sisters, Hazel Estes and Sylvia “Mickey” Wedlock Webb; brothers, George Henry McCall and Douglas “Skeeter” Hunter McCall; and her great-grandchild, Jamin Coleman. She is survived by her devoted husband of 68 years, Avery Coleman; her daughters, Pamela Jean Coleman of Bartow and Nancy Kay Coleman of Denver, Colorado; her son, Steven Avery Coleman of Lake Wales; her grandchildren, Ira Coleman, Chris Coleman, Simeon Coleman, Gene Coleman, Keiton Jones, and Keith Jones; and her great-grandchildren, Brae Coleman, Elijah Jones, Jayden Jones, Aaliyah Winchell-Jones, Jayce Jaxon Jones, Averi Marie Jones, Maliyah Rain Jones, Aleena Coleman, Amaya Coleman, Ellie Coleman, and Kaylee Coleman.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at Marion Nelson Funeral Home Lake Wales, beginning at 6:00 PM. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.marionnelsonfuneralhome.com.

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In Loving Memory of James Ward of Lake Wales

Allison — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 17:25:00 +0000

Obituary for James Ward

James Ward, a resident of Lake Wales, Florida passed away Monday, January 5th 2026. He was 72 years old.

He worked for Hunt Brothers Citrus for 53 years.

He is preceded in death by his wife Linda. He is survived by his 3 children, Timothy Ward (Nicole), Chris Ward (Angie) and Jennie Moore (Darrell) and his grandchildren, Justin Ward, Caleb Ward, Breanna Futrell, Hannah Ward, Lindy Ward and Savanna Ward.

He loved working on his house and spending time with his family.

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