From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Cecil Allen King, 93, Rockledge
September 2, 1931 – March 25, 2025
Cecil Allen King, of Rockledge, FL, passed away on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at the age of 93. He was the cherished husband of Zena “Marilyn” King, and the beloved son of the late Juanita and Charles Cecil King. Cecil was a devoted father to Karen King (Ron DeBry) and Kent (Nadean) King, and an adoring grandfather to James (Marissa) King, Kyle DeBry, Meagan King, Matthew DeBry, and Nicholas King. He was also a loving great-grandfather to Grayson, Dawson, Hudson, and Harrison King.
Cecil proudly served his country as a member of the US Army Corps of Engineers during the Korean War. After his military service, he dedicated 30 years to teaching elementary and junior high school students, with 24 of those years spent at Holman School in the Ferguson-Florissant School District. He was an active member of the Cornerstone Christian Church in Vero Beach, FL. Cecil found great joy in his roles as a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He loved sharing meals with friends and family and was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals. Cecil will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date (date and time to be announced).
From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Marjorie Ziemba Surprenant, 81, Fort Pierce
July 27, 1943 – March 25, 2025
Marjorie was the daughter of the late Adam Ziemba and Mary (Scanlon) Ziemba. She was born in Lowell, MA, and raised in Dracut, MA, before making Fort Pierce, FL, her home for the last 25 years. She passed away peacefully at Treasure Coast Hospice with her family by her side.
How do you put 81 years of life into an obituary?
Mom was full of life—energetic, loving, independent, and at times complicated—but she always lived on her own terms, especially at the end.
Grammy cherished her grandsons, Adam and Zachary, who she lovingly coined The Sunshine Boys. They brought her endless joy, and she never missed a chance to cheer them on at their games, concerts, and life events. For 18 years straight, they shared a special Christmas party together, which the three of them looked forward to every year. New Christmas pajamas, golf cart rides through the neighborhood to see the lights, and just being together—it was a tradition like no other.
She cherished her Friday dates with Ray, and he cherished them with her. Every week, she’d turn to him and say, “Let’s go have some fun!” Those days always turned into an adventure—driving through nearby towns, shopping, sightseeing, and finding a good place to eat. She loved those simple, spontaneous moments.
Some of my earliest memories are of my mom playing the accordion, filling the house with polka music. She had been playing since she was a little girl, and when she played, you could see the joy in her face and the rhythm in her body. Music was her happy place.
Mom had a sharp mind and a quick set of hands. She worked as an administrative assistant throughout her career, starting at Raytheon, then moving into education administration, the legal field, and finally the arts at Merrimack Repertory Theater. No matter the industry, she was known for her speed, efficiency, and ability to keep things running smoothly. I’d call her at work and hear the keys flying—225 words per minute, she’d say. And to this day, I still find her notepads filled with shorthand that no one but her could decipher.
She loved cooking, playing cribbage, and card game nights, playing the slots, and shopping. She took pride in setting a beautiful table, not just with dishes and silverware, but with thoughtful touches that made every gathering feel special. She was the absolute best at getting stains out of clothes and the only person I knew who truly enjoyed ironing—Ray will surely miss the perfectly pressed pleats in his shorts.
Some of my favorite moments with her in recent years were spent traveling—a road trip to Graceland, seeing it through her eyes as she told the story, once again, of catching Elvis’s scarf at one of his last concerts in Providence, RI. To this day, she never stopped talking about it. A road trip to Charleston, exploring the city and being chauffeured around Folly Beach by The Sunshine Boys in a golf cart, laughing the entire way and holding on for dear life.
She cared for my sister, Darlene, for months before she passed away from cancer. It was one of the most selfless things she ever did.
She is survived by her loving husband of 33 years, Raymond Surprenant; her daughter, Kimberlee Menchel (Roberts); her grandsons, Adam and Zachary Menchel; her goddaughter and niece, Lori Bissonette (Ziemba); her lifelong best friends, Mary Boisvert and Lisa Chin; and her sister-in-law, Kay Ziemba. She was predeceased by her brother, Robert Ziemba, and her daughter, Darlene Roberts.
Through her marriage to Ray, she is also survived by his children, Sharon, Sheila, and Johnny, along with their families.
To her extended family and friends, as Mom would say, “It’s not goodbye—it’s farewell for now.”
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Treasure Coast Hospice to benefit St. Lucie Hospice House. Contributions can be sent to:
Treasure Coast Hospice Foundation, 1201 SE Indian Street, Stuart, FL 34997 or online at Treasure Coast Hospice Donation Page.
From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Constance “Connie” Ann Lent, 89, Vero Beach
August 2, 1935 – March 29, 2025
Constance “Connie” Ann Lent, 89, of Vero Beach, Florida, passed away on Saturday, March 29, 2025 surrounded by loved ones. She was born on August 2, 1935 in Bedford, Indiana to L. Dale Wray and Lois Franklin Wray.
Connie was known for her dedication to teaching the young children of our country. She worked as an educator in the Indiana School system for many years, making a lasting impact in her field and community.
Beyond work, Connie enjoyed her relationship with her church family and the impact that The First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach has had on her life. She especially cherished the time with family and friends.
Her survivors include her son Mark Perkins, and his wife Julie, of Mount Dora, Florida, a granddaughter Maggie, and a brother Charles Wray of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Connie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Leonard Lent.
A service to honor and celebrate the life of Constance Ann Lent will be held at The First Presbyterian Church at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimers/Dementia Association in her memory.
Connie, mom, will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the hearts of those who loved her.
From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Mary Turner, 89, Vero Beach
October 11, 1935 – March 28, 2025
Mary Turner, 89, of Vero Beach went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, March 28, 2025. She was born October 11, 1935 in Lorain, Ohio and was blessed with a life full of love, faith, and devotion.
She was married to the love of her life, Ralph E. Turner, for 55 wonderful years, building a home filled with warmth, kindness, and endless memories. As a devoted homemaker, she poured her heart into her family, creating a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished traditions.
Family was the heart of her world, and nothing brought her more happiness than caring for and nurturing her children and grandchildren. She was a mother and grandmother who gave selflessly and loved unconditionally. Her faith was another cornerstone of her life and she lived each day as a testament to God’s grace. She found joy in reading the bible, praying for others, and sharing God’s love with everyone she met. Her love and wisdom will continue to guide those she leaves behind.
She is survived by her sons, Greg (Pauline) Turner of Leeds, Maine; Gary (Lory) Turner of Fort Pierce; daughters, Sharon Turner of Kenton, Ohio; Cindy (Chris) Aprandini of Cocoa; Eileen Gill of Palm Bay; Kim (Greg) Sims of Vero Beach; eleven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She is now reunited in heaven with her husband, Ralph; her father, Andrew; her mother, Mary; her brothers Pete, Harold, Frank, Nick, and John; and sister, Ann.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Grand Villa of Palm Bay. Though her stay was short, Mary truly loved her time there, surrounded by kindness, laughter, and smiles. Your compassionate care and warmth brought her great joy, and we are forever grateful for the love and support that you showed her. Her life was a beautiful reflection of God’s love, and though she is no longer with us, her spirit and faith will continue to inspire us all. Services: Visitation will be held from 1-3 PM on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 at Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home. A graveside service at Crestlawn cemetery will follow. The family asks for donations to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org) or Go Red for Women (www.goredforwomen.org) in lieu of flowers. Isaiah 40:31 “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles.”
From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Betty Ann Monroe, 97, Vero Beach
July 16, 1927 – March 31, 2025
Betty Ann Monroe went to be with the Lord on March 31, 2025. Betty Ann was born in Missouri on July 16, 1927, and moved to Vero Beach when her brother was stationed at the local Naval Base. Betty Ann was preceded in death by her son Earl Scott Monroe, Jr. and is survived by her son Michael (Cheryl), three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Betty Ann was a charter member of Christ by the Sea Methodist Church where she worked many years as the church secretary. Throughout the years, Betty Ann developed a variety of friendships and impacted many people through church, sorority, volunteering, and being a good friend.
Services are pending.
The Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home in Vero Beach is entrusted with arrangements.
