[Florida]
http://mysanfordherald.com
Martha S. Yancey, a longtime Sanford activist involved in numerous community organizations and civic boards, died Sunday. She was 90.
Mrs. Yancey was active in many community endeavors, working with the city's Scenic Improvement Board, Citizens Advisory Board, Greater Sanford Regional Chamber of Commerce, Sanford Museum, Sanford Historical Society, Seminole County Schools' Student Museum, Woman's Club of Sanford, and the former Helen Stairs Theater.
"Martha truly was a 'goodwill ambassador' for Sanford and a champion for parks and playgrounds in our city," said interim City Manager Tom George.
She attended the 2009 reopening of Park on Park with new playground equipment to replace the wooden equipment that had been there for two decades. She and Judy Wimbish of Sanford were instrumental more than 20 years ago in raising $78,000 with the help of garden and women's clubs and the chamber to construct the playground.
During the reopening, Mrs. Yancey said: "Our children are our best assets and we want to start them off good and let them know we love them."
Mrs. Yancey and her late husband, Ned, both lived in Sanford in their younger years and graduated from Seminole High School. They lived away from Sanford while he served in the Air Force, worked for the post office 15 years in Starke, and then joined the Bureau of Federal Prisons in Atlanta.
Mrs. Yancey ran a dress shop in Starke and worked as a cosmetics consultant in Atlanta with 22 states in her region.
They moved back to Sanford after their retirements in 1975 and immersed themselves in community service. Her husband served as a city commissioner, and in 1983 the chamber of commerce honored the couple with its annual award for outstanding service to the community.
"Martha was quite the trouper doing everything and anything possible to help further Sanford's cause," said Sara Jacobson of Sanford. "At one time or another, she served on most committees and boards that had anything to do with advancing Sanford."
Another friend, Beverly Baird Boothe, said "Martha joined many ladies of the town embracing projects.For years, one could enter the lobby [at the Helen Stairs Theater] and see Martha colorfully dressed, greeting each with her Southern charm. With her continuous laughter and joy, she could light up any room."
George said Mrs. Yancey's achievements and contributions will be officially recognized at Monday's city commission meeting.
"She was caring, one-of-a-kind in a good way, and was tenacious when she set her mind on accomplishing something, usually to benefit others," he said.
She was born Oct. 11, 1921, in Pelham, Ga., to Joseph P. Stevens and Eda Ruth Stevens.
She is survived by: son, Allen Yancey of Sanford; daughter, Peggy Huggins of Snellville; granddaughter Marti Hamilton; great grandchildren, Austin, Zachary, Makayla and Makenize Hamilton; grandson, Randy Huggins of Atlanta; grandson, Chris Yancey and two great-grandsons; granddaughter, Riann Yancey of Snellville; sister, Peggy Teten of Sanford; nephews, George and Alan Mansfield of Sanford, and Sonny West of Edgewater.
A graveside service will be held at 3 p.m. today at Evergreen Cemetery.
Brisson Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
http://mysanfordherald.com
Martha S. Yancey, a longtime Sanford activist involved in numerous community organizations and civic boards, died Sunday. She was 90.
Mrs. Yancey was active in many community endeavors, working with the city's Scenic Improvement Board, Citizens Advisory Board, Greater Sanford Regional Chamber of Commerce, Sanford Museum, Sanford Historical Society, Seminole County Schools' Student Museum, Woman's Club of Sanford, and the former Helen Stairs Theater.
"Martha truly was a 'goodwill ambassador' for Sanford and a champion for parks and playgrounds in our city," said interim City Manager Tom George.
She attended the 2009 reopening of Park on Park with new playground equipment to replace the wooden equipment that had been there for two decades. She and Judy Wimbish of Sanford were instrumental more than 20 years ago in raising $78,000 with the help of garden and women's clubs and the chamber to construct the playground.
During the reopening, Mrs. Yancey said: "Our children are our best assets and we want to start them off good and let them know we love them."
Mrs. Yancey and her late husband, Ned, both lived in Sanford in their younger years and graduated from Seminole High School. They lived away from Sanford while he served in the Air Force, worked for the post office 15 years in Starke, and then joined the Bureau of Federal Prisons in Atlanta.
Mrs. Yancey ran a dress shop in Starke and worked as a cosmetics consultant in Atlanta with 22 states in her region.
They moved back to Sanford after their retirements in 1975 and immersed themselves in community service. Her husband served as a city commissioner, and in 1983 the chamber of commerce honored the couple with its annual award for outstanding service to the community.
"Martha was quite the trouper doing everything and anything possible to help further Sanford's cause," said Sara Jacobson of Sanford. "At one time or another, she served on most committees and boards that had anything to do with advancing Sanford."
Another friend, Beverly Baird Boothe, said "Martha joined many ladies of the town embracing projects.For years, one could enter the lobby [at the Helen Stairs Theater] and see Martha colorfully dressed, greeting each with her Southern charm. With her continuous laughter and joy, she could light up any room."
George said Mrs. Yancey's achievements and contributions will be officially recognized at Monday's city commission meeting.
"She was caring, one-of-a-kind in a good way, and was tenacious when she set her mind on accomplishing something, usually to benefit others," he said.
She was born Oct. 11, 1921, in Pelham, Ga., to Joseph P. Stevens and Eda Ruth Stevens.
She is survived by: son, Allen Yancey of Sanford; daughter, Peggy Huggins of Snellville; granddaughter Marti Hamilton; great grandchildren, Austin, Zachary, Makayla and Makenize Hamilton; grandson, Randy Huggins of Atlanta; grandson, Chris Yancey and two great-grandsons; granddaughter, Riann Yancey of Snellville; sister, Peggy Teten of Sanford; nephews, George and Alan Mansfield of Sanford, and Sonny West of Edgewater.
A graveside service will be held at 3 p.m. today at Evergreen Cemetery.
Brisson Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
[Florida]
http://mysanfordherald.com
Martha S. Yancey, a longtime Sanford activist involved in numerous community organizations and civic boards, died Sunday. She was 90.
Mrs. Yancey was active in many community endeavors, working with the city's Scenic Improvement Board, Citizens Advisory Board, Greater Sanford Regional Chamber of Commerce, Sanford Museum, Sanford Historical Society, Seminole County Schools' Student Museum, Woman's Club of Sanford, and the former Helen Stairs Theater.
"Martha truly was a 'goodwill ambassador' for Sanford and a champion for parks and playgrounds in our city," said interim City Manager Tom George.
She attended the 2009 reopening of Park on Park with new playground equipment to replace the wooden equipment that had been there for two decades. She and Judy Wimbish of Sanford were instrumental more than 20 years ago in raising $78,000 with the help of garden and women's clubs and the chamber to construct the playground.
During the reopening, Mrs. Yancey said: "Our children are our best assets and we want to start them off good and let them know we love them."
Mrs. Yancey and her late husband, Ned, both lived in Sanford in their younger years and graduated from Seminole High School. They lived away from Sanford while he served in the Air Force, worked for the post office 15 years in Starke, and then joined the Bureau of Federal Prisons in Atlanta.
Mrs. Yancey ran a dress shop in Starke and worked as a cosmetics consultant in Atlanta with 22 states in her region.
They moved back to Sanford after their retirements in 1975 and immersed themselves in community service. Her husband served as a city commissioner, and in 1983 the chamber of commerce honored the couple with its annual award for outstanding service to the community.
"Martha was quite the trouper doing everything and anything possible to help further Sanford's cause," said Sara Jacobson of Sanford. "At one time or another, she served on most committees and boards that had anything to do with advancing Sanford."
Another friend, Beverly Baird Boothe, said "Martha joined many ladies of the town embracing projects.For years, one could enter the lobby [at the Helen Stairs Theater] and see Martha colorfully dressed, greeting each with her Southern charm. With her continuous laughter and joy, she could light up any room."
George said Mrs. Yancey's achievements and contributions will be officially recognized at Monday's city commission meeting.
"She was caring, one-of-a-kind in a good way, and was tenacious when she set her mind on accomplishing something, usually to benefit others," he said.
She was born Oct. 11, 1921, in Pelham, Ga., to Joseph P. Stevens and Eda Ruth Stevens.
She is survived by: son, Allen Yancey of Sanford; daughter, Peggy Huggins of Snellville; granddaughter Marti Hamilton; great grandchildren, Austin, Zachary, Makayla and Makenize Hamilton; grandson, Randy Huggins of Atlanta; grandson, Chris Yancey and two great-grandsons; granddaughter, Riann Yancey of Snellville; sister, Peggy Teten of Sanford; nephews, George and Alan Mansfield of Sanford, and Sonny West of Edgewater.
A graveside service will be held at 3 p.m. today at Evergreen Cemetery.
Brisson Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
http://mysanfordherald.com
Martha S. Yancey, a longtime Sanford activist involved in numerous community organizations and civic boards, died Sunday. She was 90.
Mrs. Yancey was active in many community endeavors, working with the city's Scenic Improvement Board, Citizens Advisory Board, Greater Sanford Regional Chamber of Commerce, Sanford Museum, Sanford Historical Society, Seminole County Schools' Student Museum, Woman's Club of Sanford, and the former Helen Stairs Theater.
"Martha truly was a 'goodwill ambassador' for Sanford and a champion for parks and playgrounds in our city," said interim City Manager Tom George.
She attended the 2009 reopening of Park on Park with new playground equipment to replace the wooden equipment that had been there for two decades. She and Judy Wimbish of Sanford were instrumental more than 20 years ago in raising $78,000 with the help of garden and women's clubs and the chamber to construct the playground.
During the reopening, Mrs. Yancey said: "Our children are our best assets and we want to start them off good and let them know we love them."
Mrs. Yancey and her late husband, Ned, both lived in Sanford in their younger years and graduated from Seminole High School. They lived away from Sanford while he served in the Air Force, worked for the post office 15 years in Starke, and then joined the Bureau of Federal Prisons in Atlanta.
Mrs. Yancey ran a dress shop in Starke and worked as a cosmetics consultant in Atlanta with 22 states in her region.
They moved back to Sanford after their retirements in 1975 and immersed themselves in community service. Her husband served as a city commissioner, and in 1983 the chamber of commerce honored the couple with its annual award for outstanding service to the community.
"Martha was quite the trouper doing everything and anything possible to help further Sanford's cause," said Sara Jacobson of Sanford. "At one time or another, she served on most committees and boards that had anything to do with advancing Sanford."
Another friend, Beverly Baird Boothe, said "Martha joined many ladies of the town embracing projects.For years, one could enter the lobby [at the Helen Stairs Theater] and see Martha colorfully dressed, greeting each with her Southern charm. With her continuous laughter and joy, she could light up any room."
George said Mrs. Yancey's achievements and contributions will be officially recognized at Monday's city commission meeting.
"She was caring, one-of-a-kind in a good way, and was tenacious when she set her mind on accomplishing something, usually to benefit others," he said.
She was born Oct. 11, 1921, in Pelham, Ga., to Joseph P. Stevens and Eda Ruth Stevens.
She is survived by: son, Allen Yancey of Sanford; daughter, Peggy Huggins of Snellville; granddaughter Marti Hamilton; great grandchildren, Austin, Zachary, Makayla and Makenize Hamilton; grandson, Randy Huggins of Atlanta; grandson, Chris Yancey and two great-grandsons; granddaughter, Riann Yancey of Snellville; sister, Peggy Teten of Sanford; nephews, George and Alan Mansfield of Sanford, and Sonny West of Edgewater.
A graveside service will be held at 3 p.m. today at Evergreen Cemetery.
Brisson Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
