James Edward Crosby
James Edward Crosby, 69, died Jan. 12 in Baton Rouge, La. He was a native of New Orleans.
A funeral Mass was held in New Orleans.
Mr. Crosby is survived by mother Mary Ellen Crosby Brigtsen; son Christopher James of Franklin, Tenn.; daughter Michelle Renee and husband Todd Downs of Anna Maria Island; and grandson Jack. He also is survived by siblings John Michael, Mary C. Reynolds, and Kay Laird.
William Hamilton Fleet
William Hamilton Fleet, 84, of Bradenton, died Jan. 6. He was born April 12, 1926, in Englewood, N.J.
After graduating from Tenafly High School in New Jersey, Mr. Fleet joined the U.S. Army Air Corps and served overseas with the Third Photo Reconnaisance Squadron in Guam.
After the war, he attended Fairleigh Dickinson University and graduated in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration.
He worked for the New York Daily News in advertising sales 1950-1957, at which time he joined Cresmer Woodward OMara and Ormsbee, newspaper representatives. During his time with CWO&O, he worked eight years in Philadelphia, returning to the New York office to become financial sales manager, before retiring in 1988.
A memorial service was held Jan. 15 at Roser Memorial Community Church in Anna Maria. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association.
Mr. Fleet is survived by his wife of 57 years, Frances Howell; sons William H. Jr. and wife Karin and David; grandchildren Emerson Gray, Marcus, Joy Frances, Elizabeth and Cady; and sister Joan Fleet DeNicola of Melbourne, Fla.
Audrey Joan Fletcher
Audrey Joan Fletcher, 84, of Lauderdale Lakes and formerly of Holmes Beach, died Jan. 8. She was born July 23, 1926, in Morristown, N.J. She was married to Col. Westwood H. Fletcher Jr., who served Manatee County on the board of commissioners.
The Fletchers moved to Holmes Beach in 1973. Mrs. Fletcher joined her daughter in Tamarac in 2006. She loved the beach, her family and friends.
Services were Jan. 13 at Shannon Funeral Home, Westview Chapel. She was to be buried at Florida National Cemetery, 6502 102nd, Bushnell. Donations may be made to the American Heart Association or the National Diabetes Association. Condolences for the family may be made at www.shannonfuneralhomes.com. Shannon Funeral Home, Westview Chapel in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Fletcher is survived by son Westwood III and daughters Joan and Lynda Ray; four grandchildren; five great grandchildren; a step-sister and step-brother.
Bette D. Gilford
Bette D. Gilford, 84, of Bradenton Beach and formerly of Waterford, Mich., died Jan. 9.
Mrs. Gilford retired from General Motors Co. and relocated to Anna Maria Island, where she enjoyed the beach and perfected her golf game.
A memorial service was held Jan. 16 at the Lewis E. Wint & Son Funeral Home, Clarkston, Mich. Memorials may be made to Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch or Mote Marine Laboratory. Condolences may be made online at www.wintfuneralhome.com.
Mrs. Gilford is survived by sons Mark and wife Lisa of Bradenton Beach, Matthew and wife Debbie of Ortonville and Daniel and wife Linda of Davisburg; grandchildren Aaron, Ryan, Jonathan, Daniel, Grant and Alex; four great-grandchildren; and sister Patricia Watson of Clarkston.
Frances Jane Tibbits
Frances Jane Tibbits, 72, of Bradenton Beach and Mears, Mich., died Jan. 10.
A celebration of life was held Jan. 14 at the Runaway Bay condominium clubhouse in Bradenton Beach.
Mrs. Tibbits is survived by husband Donald; daughters Tamera Zahner and Terilyn; son Timothy; sisters Mary Ellen Miller and Agnes Guilford; and three grandchildren.
Myrtle Thomas Walters
Myrtle Thomas Walters, age 88, of Fernandina Beach, died Jan. 13 in Lakeland. She was orn in Yulee, Fla.
The family left Fernandina in 1969 and moved to Mulberry. The family retired to Holmes Beach, in 1977, where Mrs. Walters was active in the Roser Memorial Community Church.
Mrs. Walters lived with her daughter and son-in-law in Auburndale, Fla., for the past seven years.
A service was held Jan. 16. Condolences may be made at www.oxleyheard.com.
Mrs. Walters is survived by son David E. Sr. and wife Jamie of Marion, N.C.; three daughters, Kathleen Hassell of Charlottesville, Va., Elaine Townley of Auburndale and Marlene W. Moody of Duette, Fla.; brother Jim Thomas of Fernandina Beach; 10 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren; a great-great grandchild and countless nieces and nephews.