- Date Of Birth: January 14, 1929
- Date Of Death: January 8, 2014
- State: Florida
Arlene Thomas Lawver, 84
Teacher
Lakeland – Arlene Thomas Lawver, 84, went home to be with the Lord Wednesday, January 8, 2014, as a result of complications of dementia.
Mrs. Lawver was born January 14, 1929 in Corning, NY. She graduated from Northside High School in Corning in 1946. Later that year, she went to work for Ingersoll Rand in Painted Post, NY, where she served as a draftsman until 1948. In 1948, Mrs. Lawver moved to Lakeland to attend Florida Southern College, where she also taught tennis. She graduated in 1952. In that same year, she was listed in the Who’s Who of American Universities and Colleges. She graduated from the University of Mississippi in 1970 with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology.
Mrs. Lawver began her teaching career in 1952, teaching Math, Science and Psychology at Clearwater High School until 1953. She taught Physical Education, Math and English at Lakeland Junior High School and Southwest Junior High School from 1953 to 1970. Mrs. Lawver served as a guidance counselor and school psychologist at Southwest Junior High School from 1970-1985. She assisted with the Florida State Drug Program of Central Florida for 8 years. Mrs. Lawver served the Polk County school system for 32 years.
She taught swimming and life saving for the Polk County school system and the City of Lakeland from 1957-1966. She taught archery for the Lakeland Scouts Campfire Girls and the Christian Methodist Camp in Leesburg, FL. She served as Girl Scout Troop Leader with 2 different troops from 1952-1970. From 1953-1970, Mrs. Lawver was registered as a certified referee for High School and College girls basketball. From 1954-1962, she served as the director for the Optimist Baton Corps, which had 128 members from ages 4 to 18 years. She also directed 17 drummers for the Men’s Optimist Club of Lakeland. Mrs. Lawver also called square dances for the Buttons and Bows of Lakeland.
Mrs. Lawver married Lester Lawver in 1998. Together, they travelled Montana, Ohio, Indiana, New York, Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Canyon in their motorhome. They made their home between Lakeland and Lanark Village in the Panhandle.
Mrs. Lawver is survived by her beloved husband of 15 years, Lester Lawver; step daughters, Sandra Music, Edna Russell, Robin Taylor and her husband, Tim and Renee Shiver and her husband, Art; sisters, Phyllis Sproule and her husband, Richard and Beverly Geyer and her husband, Jim; and numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.
Mrs.
