ST. JOSEPH’S CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION’S ANNUAL

JULY 1–28

Meet Aubrey

When Aubrey was 6, she was diagnosed with stage IV rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare type of cancer. While the St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital medical team treated her cancer, the Child Life Specialists team helped her deal with the anxiety that can come from being in the hospital, using toys and fun activities. They made sure Aubrey felt loved, comfortable and safe. Now, Aubrey delivers toys to other kids in the hospital to help make their stay a little less frightening.

Be a bright light for children like Aubrey during what can be an overwhelming time in their lives. Making a donation during the Christmas in July event is a way to give kids comfort and help them cope while they’re in the hospital.

You can help: StJosephsChristmas.org

Samuel Lloyd Frierson

Samuel Lloyd Frierson, 86, a native of Plant City, Fla., born on Dec. 24, 1936, passed away peacefully at home on June 21, 2023.

He was a devoted and loving husband and family man. He always enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid fisherman often mentoring younger guys after retiring. He began with TECO as a lineman and advanced to Superintendent of Distribution before retiring after 40 years. He maintained a close bond with his many TECO friends. He was a member of Hopewell Baptist Church and the Plant City Planters Class of 1954-where he played football and baseball. He attended Florida State University. He loved watching sports, especially FSU football, with his wife. He had many lifelong friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Timothy Lawson and Willie Belle Frierson and his sister, Dorothy Thornberry. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Sara Beth McLaughlin Frierson; children, Becky Smith (Rick), Mike Frierson (Lori) and Joe Frierson (Angie); fie grandchildren and three great-granddaughters; several close nieces, nephews, and cousins.

His family would like to express appreciation to Dr. Parekh, Watson Clinic Plant City, and LifePath Hospice for compassionate care. Funeral services were held June 28, 2023 at Hopewell Funeral Home, 6005 South County Road 39, Plant City.

In lieu of flwers, memorial contributions may be made to the Florida Baptist Children’s Home at https:// www.fbchomes.org.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Betty Jean Durrance

Betty Jean Durrance, 84, of Plant City, born on Jan. 3, 1939, in Blackshear, Ga., entered into eternal rest on June 20, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Marie Jenkins, 73, of Lithia, born on Sept. 6, 1949, in Plant City, entered into eternal rest on June 21, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Carolyn June Humphrey

Carolyn June Humphrey, born Dec. 31, 1939 in Va., passed away peacefully with family on Thursday, June 22, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

ALL OBITUARIES ARE SUBMITTED AND EDITED BY FAMILIES OR FUNERAL HOMES

Gloria ‘Glo’ Hurt Majors

Gloria “Glo” Hurt Majors, 84, of Lakeland, born on March 27, 1939, in Roanoke, Va., entered into eternal rest on June 23, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Johnny E. Losh

Johnny E. Losh, 78, of Lithia, born on May 26, 1945, in Poplar Bluff, Mo., entered into eternal rest on June 18, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Oral L West

Oral L West, 86, of Plant City, Fla., passed away on Thursday, June 22, 2023.

Oral was born on March 2, 1937.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www. WellsMemorial.com for the West family.

Best Bet

TUESDAY, JULY 4

JULY 4TH CELEBRATION

Coordinated by the Plant City Recreation & Parks Department and the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, the skies above Plant City will once again fill with fireworks this July 4th. The celebration will take place on Tuesday, July 4 at Plant City Stadium, 1810 E. Park Rd. Parking lots will open at 5:30 p.m. and the gates will open at 6 p.m., with several activities available on the stadium’s turf. Family-friendly activities offered will include inflaables, face painting, Corn Hole, tug-o-war and more, in addition to stadium concession stands and various venders inside the stadium and along the perimeter of the field At 9:15 p.m., a spectacular 20-minute Zambelli fieworks display will begin. Admission to the event is free with a parking cost of $5 per car. As it is a cash event, all are advised to bring cash for parking and vendors as no ATMs are available on-site.

FRIDAY, JUNE 30

LAST FRIDAY IN DOWNTOWN

5 to 9 p.m. at 110 N. Collins St. The Last Friday in Downtown Food Truck Rally is held with a new theme each month. There will be live music, an expanded exhibitor market, a bounce house, a scavenger hunt, food trucks and more. The event is family and pet friendly and all are recommended to bring chairs and blankets. June’s theme is The 80’s!

SATURDAY, JULY 1

BLUEGRASS JAM

6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. This is an open invitation for local Bluegrass musicians and fans to come to the Krazy Kup loft and jam, clap hands, stomp feet and enjoy! Krazy Kup holds their Bluegrass JAM on the fist Saturday of every month.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 5

SUPPORT GROUP FOR PARENTS WITH ESTRANGED FAMILY

6:30 to 8 p.m. at 1107 Charlie Griffind. Join other parents who are estranged from their adult children. PEAK (Parents of Estranged Adult Kids) group provides a safe place to listen, share and support others going through the hurt of adult family abandonment. Meetings will include group discussions, self-care and positive inflenced activities to help cope with the situation. PEAK is not appropriate for abusive relationships or mental illness. Meetings are the fist Wednesday of each month at GracePoint Church. For more information, visit www.peaksupportgroup.co

FREE ASSISTANCE FOR MILITARY VETERANS

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Federal, state and local opportunities are constantly changing. If you’ve served any time in the military, retired or non-retention, and would like to review your benefis please take advantage of free assistance at the Bing House Museum, 205 Allen St., every Wednesday. Walk-ins welcomed or call 813-704-5800 to set a specific tim.

SATURDAY, JULY 8

OPEN MIC NIGHT

7 to 8:30 p.m. at 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd.

Open Mic Night is back at Krazy Kup. Join them for a fun night where you get to be the star of the show. Come out, strut your stuff and shw everyone what you’ve got.

FRIDAY, JULY 14

SATURDAY, JULY 15

STRAWBERRY CLASSIC CRUISE-IN

3 to 6:30 p.m. at 102 N. Palmer St. The Plant City Strawberry Classic Cruise-In is back on Saturday, July 15, rain or shine. Cars and trucks of all makes, models and years can register for free starting at 3 p.m. Live music by DJ John Paul Gasca.

CHICKEN DINNER FUNDRAISER

To have your event included in our calendar, visit the calendar section of our website at www.PlantCityObserver.com

The

BEST

Little Whorehouse In Texas

8 p.m. at 101 N Thomas St. In arrangement with Concord Theatricals, Plant City Entertainment presents The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas — a broadway musical originally written by Carol Hall, Larry L. King and Peter Masterson. Plant City Entertainment will hold nine different showings throughout the month of July, with showings at 8 p.m. on July 14, July 15, July 21, July 22, July 28 and July 29 and showings at 2 p.m. on July 16, July 23 and July 30. Admission will cost $23 for adults, $18 for seniors 60+ or students, $16 for members or groups of 10+ and will hold an opening night special with two tickets for $25 on July 14. Tickets are available online with limited tickets available at the door for each performance. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www. plantcityentertainment.com.

12 to 2 p.m. at 1501 N Alexander St. The Plant City Elks Lodge #1727 will be hosting a chicken dinner fundraiser. The afternoon meal will feature barbecued chicken quarters, baked beans, coleslaw and a roll while dessert will be included and provided by the Ladies of the Elks. Attendees are required to be pre-paid and orders can be placed through any local Elks member or by calling the Elks Lodge any day after 4 p.m. at 813-752-2822.