Long time Brandon resident Dorothy "Earlene" Combs, 87, joined our Father in Heaven on Saturday, July 24, 2021, following a period of declining health in recent months.

Earlene was born on September 3, 1933, in Gary, Indiana, to Earl and Dorothy Nussear. The family relocated to Tampa's more suitable climate in 1940 to help alleviate her childhood asthma. In 1952, Earlene graduated from Hillsborough High School where she was a member of the Honor Society. She also acted as the treasurer of Theta Phi Pi — a club to promote interest in the study of the Bible and to encourage the worship of God. She served as news editor for the school paper, "The Red & Black," performed on the dancerette team, and was Vice President of Quill and Scroll. Earlene also served as a cast member in the class productions of "Our Town," "Pirates of Penzance," and the "Terrier Follies."

Earlene began her 75-year love affair with her future husband, Harry Combs, in 1946 as homeroom classmates at Memorial Junior High School. As seniors, they were recognized as Hillsborough High School's "Most Ideal Couple," which they confirmed when they wed six months after graduating on November 29, 1952. Together, Harry and Earlene raised a son, Harry II "Lee" of Brandon, and daughter, Cheryl Combs Smith of Seffner. In turn, Lee and Cheryl would enrich Earlene's life with their devoted spouses, Stan and Karen; four loving grandchildren Lindsay, Haylee, Sam, and Brooke; and three cherished great-grandchildren Thayer, Everly, and Aya. Earlene recently learned of the pending arrival of her fourth great-grandchild due in January.

Earlene was a pioneer in the post-war emergence of women seeking to balance their responsibilities as wives and mothers with stimulating careers of their own. After graduating, and through her family's early years, Earlene worked for General Telephone in Tampa. In 1963, Earlene pursued her love of entertaining and dance by owning and operating a small dance studio in Temple Terrace. Finally, after raising her children into their teenage years, Earlene returned to college and pursued her dream of becoming a teacher, graduating with honors with a B.A. in Education from the University of South Florida in 1970. Upon completion of her internship at Brandon High School, Earlene went on to teach English, Speech, and Journalism at East Bay High School, and later, Bloomingdale High School. She also served as Bloomingdale's forensics team sponsor from 1990-1991. Always a favorite among her students, Earlene retired from the school system in 1992 after 22 years of dedicated service.

In the following years, Earlene continued to nurture her love of education, travel, the arts, and her growing interest in genealogy. She and Harry supported four international students from Germany, France, and Guatemala, which led to enduring, close relationships with her former guests and their families. She actively participated in the education of her grandchildren and continued to encourage their appreciation of music and the theater as a frequent patron of the Straz Center. Earlene also used this time to cultivate her knowledge of her family's genealogy by participating in numerous reunions and outreach events ultimately becoming vice president of the U.S.A. Wulfing Association.  Earlene and Harry also traveled extensively—almost always with family or friends—across the United States, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.

Most notably, Earlene loved Christ and was devoted to deepening her faith and sharing God's love. She was a member of New Hope United Methodist Church for over 56 years, was active in the United Methodist Women, and more recently served in the church's senior Sunday school class. Earlene also supported Meals on Wheels in Brandon for numerous years and was recognized as the organization's "Volunteer of the Year" in 2004.

Earlene was predeceased by her husband and parents, brother Bob Nussear, brother-in-law Morgan Combs, and sister-in-law Jeanne Combs. In addition to her children, Earlene is survived by her brother-in-law Ray Combs of Fort Pierce, and sisters-in-law Dorothy "Dip" Combs of Brandon, Corinne Nussear of Connecticut, and Mary Nall of Fredericksburg, TX. Earlene also leaves behind her longest and most-cherished friend, Shirley Hales, of Tampa.

Although Earlene would tell you her husband Harry set the general course of their lives, it was she who determined the waypoints that kept their journey interesting, and it was she that served as the family's scribe and voice that so often provided the color and texture to our collective memories.

She is well loved.

We loved how she meticulously researched, organized, and recorded life.

We loved how she listened intently and spoke deliberately, and how she could astound you with her wit and candor.

We loved how she clearly knew—and conveyed—what she liked and what she didn't.

We loved the theatrical, Julia Child-like voice she could invoke to rise above the din or add emotion to a point.

We loved how she could nurse a glass of Rosé wine, with ice, for hours.

We loved her vast collection of Angel figurines and how she could tell the story behind each one.

We loved how she loved butterflies and how they seemed to follow her.

And we loved how she made such meaningful use of her days and endeavored to live with purpose.

But mostly, we love how she loved us and how she cherished the time she spent with family and friends.

Although we grieve, we find absolute joy in the certainty she's once again in the arms of her dear husband Harry, surrounded by family and friends, and in the presence of God.  And we all find peace in knowing we will one day join her in Heaven.

Those wishing to share their remembrances are asked to sign the guest book at the link below. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Meals on Wheels, PO Box 6578 Brandon, FL 33508.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE FOR HARRY AND EARLENE COMBS

Saturday, August 28th, 2021
11 o'clock in the morning

New Hope United Methodist Church
213 North Knights Avenue
Brandon, FL 33510

Please join the family for a reception immediately following the service in the church's social hall.

Please join the family for a reception immediately following the service in the church's social hall.