- Date Of Death: April 3, 2020
- State: Florida
Ms. Leola “Lee” Shellman, a retired Educator of Tampa passed away Friday, April 3, 2020.
Leola “Lee” Shellman, affectionately known as Lee, was a native and lifelong resident of Tampa, FL. She was born to the late Arthur B. Soarrey and Delodis T. Williams. Leola attended the local schools of Hillsborough County and was a graduate of Howard W. Blake High School, Class of 1960.
Leola had an aspiration for educating children and began her trek to teach by attending Gibbs Junior College, St. Pete, FL and migrated to Bethune-Cookman College (University), Daytona Beach, FL, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree.
She taught in the school systems of Virginia, Pasco County, and at various schools in Hillsborough County, including, Clair Mel, MacDonald, Phillip Shore and Franklin where her specialty was teaching Math and Science. Along with teaching she served on the Executive Board of the CTA, the Elementary & Exceptional Education Screening Committee, and was an active participant in the Mentor/Protégé Program and the State FTP-NEA Legislative Committee. Lee retired from Hillsborough County Schools after serving over 40 years. Her passion for educating children made a difference in the lives of many students.
She was preceded in death by: her parents, Arthur B. Soarrey and Delodis T. Soarrey, and sisters, Shirley A. Grimsley and Vicky S. Powell.
Lee leaves to cherish her memories: her daughter, Alicia Shellman; son, Arthur Shellman, Jr. of Tampa; grandchildren, Donte “Obie” Allen, Jerel Cotney, and Jakobe Cotney; great-grandson, Kyrie Davis; sisters, Essie M. Coleman and Catherine Soarrey; nephews, Calvin E. Coleman, Jr. (Denise), Gregory K. Soarrey (Sheila), Sam H.
