Rosa Lee Tomberlin

Mrs. Rosa Lee Tomberlin, of Lake Panasoffkee, Fla., passed away January 15, 2021 at the age of 94. Rosa Lee was born in Tampa, Fla. on August 17, 1926. In high school, Rosa Lee was a star female athlete and was named the City of Tampa's All-State Forward in basketball. After high school, she attended Florida State College for Women where she lettered in multiple sports and was in the first graduating class of Florida State University in 1948. After college, she began her teaching career at Citrus High School in Inverness, Fla. before moving to Sumter County. She then taught at Wildwood High School, followed by Coleman School, before her long career as a physical education teacher and coach at South Sumter High School. After her retirement, Rosa Lee was elected as the first female school board member in Sumter County. She was a past president of the Sumter County Retired Educators Association. She also served as president of FSU's Emeritus Alumni Association and was awarded the prestigious Circle of Gold as recognition for her achievements and service to the University. She was a long-time member of the United Methodist Church of Lake Panasoffkee. She is preceded in death by her parents Mabel and H. Oscar Whitney and her brother James Davis. Rosa Lee is survived by her husband Edgar W. Tomberlin, son Warren Tomberlin, daughter Lucy Metz (Doug); four grandchildren: Katie Davis (Justin), Kelli Caputo (Shawn), Alex Tomberlin and Athena Tomberlin; three great-grandchildren: Owen Gray, Amelia Davis and Eli Davis; as well as honorary sons Cecil Hurst and Michael Atherton. She also left behind many loved nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, and former students. A memorial service to celebrate the life of Rosa Lee Tomberlin will be held on Saturday, April 17th at 10:00 a.m. at South Sumter High School's football stadium in Bushnell, Fla. Please dress in casual attire and bring an umbrella for shade or in case of rain. Social distancing and masks are strongly encouraged. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sumter Schools Enhancement Foundation in her name. (2680 West CR 476 Bushnell, FL 33513) A memorial scholarship in her honor will be awarded to future academic scholar athletes for generations to come with this endowment. Arrangements are being handled by Beyers Funeral Home and Crematory - Purcell Chapel, 114 W. Noble Ave., Bushnell, FL Interment will be at Florida National Cemetery.

Rosa Lee Tomberlin

August 17, 1926 - January 15, 2021