Obituaries - Laura Bryant, Maria Granados Canales, Delia Blance, Stephen Whidden

Laura Bell Bryant was born on December 6, 1940, in Pine Island, Florida, to Wilson Langley (Bill) Bryant and Hattie Louise Williams Bryant. Bill was a commercial fisherman at Pine Island and Lake Okeechobee in Moore Haven, where the family eventually settled permanently. 

Laura was the eighth of nine children. She embraced Glades County wholeheartedly and it was there she met the love of her life, Orville Daniels. Together, they built a life during Moore Haven's heyday. Over the years, many children came to know her as "Mom," or more affectionately, "Grandma." 

 Laura Daniels entered the arms of Jesus on January 8, 2026. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Hattie Bryant, sister Louise Williams, brothers, WL, Elmer, Leo, Gordon, Tommy, and Billy Bryant, husband OJ Daniels, sons Mickey and Roy Daniels, and a great-grandson, Victor Gillerson. 

Laura is survived by her sister Annie Pearl (Joe) Espinosa, sons, Langley (Anita) and Kevin (Sue), daughter Andria (James), daughter-in-law Sande Daniels, grandchildren Paula (Peggy) Nelson, Michael Nelson, Scott (Christina) Nelson, Brian (Melissa) Daniels, Amanda (Dan) Martin, Shannon Daniels, Melanie Daniels, Rachel Gillerson, Mandy Parks, Melissa Bryant, Cecil (Jennifer) Bryant, DL (Alexis) Bryant, Raven Lester, Cheyanne (Connor) Waters and Hunter (Chelsea) Dolan.

 She is also survived by 26 great-grandchildren, including 3 she raised as her daughters, Jayla, Lillie, and Morgan. She had 11 great great grandchildren. Laura also leaves behind heartbroken nieces and nephews, sisters-in-law, numerous brothers and sisters in Christ, and lifelong friends. She will be missed. 

Laura will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her deep love of family, and the many generations she cherished, trusting in the promise of eternal life. 

 Celebration of Laura's life will be held Saturday, January 17,2026 at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Moore Haven. Laura will be laid to rest next to her husband, Orville in Ortona Cemetery following the celebration of life service.

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With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of Maria E. Granados Canales, who left us on January 9, 2026, at her home in West Palm Beach, Florida. Born on September 2, 1947, in El Salvador, 

Maria lived a life filled with devotion, kindness, and unwavering loyalty to her family and friends. 

Maria is survived by her beloved children: Maria Dolores Granados, Rafael A. Ramirez Granados, Santos Granados, Jose N. Granados, Luis A. Granados, Ann C. Granados, and Jose B. Granados. She was a cherished grandmother to twenty-five grandchildren and a proud great-grandmother to eight great-grandchildren. 

Her deep ties of love extended to her two brothers and many extended family members who will carry her memory in their hearts. Known for her generosity and nurturing spirit, Maria's influence touched everyone around her. Her home was a sanctuary of warmth, always welcoming to those in need. Friends and family will remember her laughter and the boundless love she shared throughout her life. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at St. Margaret Catholic Church. Before the service, there will be a visitation on Tuesday evening, January 20, 2026, from 6-8 pm at Akin-Davis Funeral Home in Clewiston. 

Following the Mass, Maria will be laid to rest in Ridgelawn Cemetery. 

In this time of mourning, we extend our deepest condolences to all who knew and loved Maria. Her presence will be profoundly missed, but the legacy of love she leaves behind will forever inspire those fortunate enough to have shared in her life.

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Delia Blanche (nee Agent) Welch, age 72 of LaBelle, Florida, joined her loving husband on January 11, 2026 at her home with her loving family around her.

Blanche as she was known was born on March 12, 1952 in Louisburg, Tennessee to the late William Frank and Elizabeth Lucy Harris Agent. She married Frederick Lee Welch, he preceded her in death on December 18, 2025. 

Blanche was a caring, loving person who was always caring for other people. She worked as a Registered Nurse for many years. She along with her husband enjoyed fishing, being out on the water in boats, traveling to and visiting family and making friends.

Blanche leaves fond memories with her children, Ginger Martinez, Teresa Elliott, Tammy Hendricks, Bubba O'Connor, along with grandchildren, Edward Phalen, Anna Coello, Shayne Tajon, DeeDee Machado, Freddy Hendricks and Tyler Hendricks and two great grandchildren, Leonardo and Iris.

Cremation rites will be accorded at a later date by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle Chapel.

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On January 11, 2026, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, Stephen Oliver Whidden, went to be with the Lord at 3:26 p.m. while a patient at Gulf Coast Medical Center in Fort Myers, Florida.

Stephen was bon on November 26, 1942, in Wauchula, Florida, to the late Griffin Milton and the late Ressie Mae Terrell Whidden. Stephen marred Peggy A. Strickland. Stephen worked for many years as an engineer and inspector for the Florida Department of Transportation. Stephen enjoyed fishing, spending time with family and friends. He was a honest caring man who could make a friend anywhere he traveled. He leaves a legacy with all of his family who will miss him dearly.

Stephen leaves fond memories with his loving wife, Peggy A. Whidden, his children; Christopher Wesley Whidden and his wife Kari Whidden, his daughter, Teresa Ann Corbitt, his brother, Lance "Bubba" Whidden, along with his adoring grandchildren, James Matthew Barfield, Emma Raye Barfield, Amber Hamrick, Chance Taylor, great grandchildren, James David Barfield and James Liam Barfield, along with many nieces, nephews and other extended family members.

Stephen was also preceded in death by his brother, Lane Whidden, his grandson James Adam Barfield in 2013.

Cremation rites will be accorded at a later date by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle Chapel.