WILMA JEAN TOMLINSON

Wilma Jean Tomlinson, our sweet mom, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, went home to be with her Lord on Tuesday, November 14 in Davenport, Florida.  
Born at home in College Hill, Florida, she was the daughter of the late William Grice and Anna Mae Talley Grice. She retired from the Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred as well as State Farm in Winter Haven. 
Wilma Jean began school at the one-room schoolhouse in College Hill, west of Bowling Green.  Her class consisted of seven students, 6 girls and a boy, who all shared a special life-long bond. 
During her high school years at Hardee High, she prepared for the working world by taking business classes such as typing and shorthand, in which she excelled.  Upon graduation, Wauchula lawyer John W. Burton, looking to hire a legal secretary, approached the Hardee High business department and inquired about their top student.  He hired their top student, which was Wilma Jean.  She proudly worked for him for 11 years until she started her family and transitioned to a stay-at-home mom. The way in which she obtained that job was the proudest achievement of her working years.  
She belonged to the Church on the Hill in Dundee, where she greatly enjoyed the lessons learned and the fellowship shared in the ladies' Sunday School class. Wilma loved the Lord, her friends, family, and especially her grandchildren.   
She learned to sew at a young age. An accomplished seamstress, she made most of her own clothes as well as those of her children. She enjoyed many types of crafts over the years. She was especially happy to pass on her love of crocheting as well as her love of playing games, such as Phase 10, with her grandchildren. 
She was a lady through and through, with integrity, dignity, and class. She enjoyed traveling when the opportunity arose. She was often quiet, but when she said something funny, it was good! She loved to laugh! 
She is survived by her children, Cindy (Vince) Moellering, and Ray (Jennifer) Tomlinson; grandchildren Shelby (Josh) Duff, Dylan Tomlinson, and Ashley Tomlinson; sister Shirleene Wilkins, and several extended family members. She was predeceased in death by her parents, her brother Ray Grice, sister Fern Crosson, and nephew Ernest Crosson.  
Viewing/visitation will be on Monday, November 20 from11:00-12:00 at Lakeland Funeral Home/Memorial Gardens.  A graveside service is planned for 1:30 at the cemetery of Paynes Creek, Bowling Green, Florida. 

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