Glenda Arlene Schanbacher

Glenda Arlene Schanbacher, age 83 entered into rest April 23, 2024. She was born November 24, 1940, in Moultrie, Georgia to Berlene and Russell Striplin. She accepted Christ at the Mt. Zion Baptist Church where she grew up. It was there she learned the truths in Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart: and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thine ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” Glenda graduated from Norman Park H.S., Norman Park, Georgia as Salutatorian and studied at a Technical School in Moultrie, which included Bookkeeping, Secretarial Skills, and Office Management. She was married at the Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Norman Park, Ga. August 14, 1960 to John Schanbacher who was stationed at Moody Air Force Base, Valdosta, Ga. Glenda and John left the Air Force in December, 1960 and started their lives together where work opportunities led them. First, Langhorne, Pa where she worked in Philadelphia while John worked at an airport. They left Langhorne in December, 1961 for job opportunities in West Palm Beach, Florida where she was employed at the RCA Plant. Their first child, Terry was born there in November, 1964. In October, 1965, Glenda, John, and daughter Terry left West Palm Beach to pursue opportunities in Titusville, Florida where the Apollo Space Program was ramping up. This was a time of tremendous growth in the area, they became members of the First Baptist Church of Titusville where increased attendance caused the Park Avenue Baptist Church to be built. Glenda and John became Charter Members and participated while living there. While in Titusville, their son, Scott was added to the family in 1969. Due to impending layoffs during the Space Program, the family left Titusville in July, 1971, lived in Atlanta, and back to Titusville until September. 1973 when they moved to Tallahassee. In Tallahassee, Glenda worked the entire time until her retirement from the Florida Board of Regents after a successful career spanning 30 years. More importantly, she was engaged in raising their two children into adulthood. She maintained the household, oversaw the kid’s activities, education, clothing, and the household finances. Her activities at the First Baptist Church for almost 50 years were numerous including Sunday School Teaching, WMU participation, Vacation Bible Schools, Sanctuary Choir, and later, the First Joy Choir. The death of daughter Terry in 2021 was devastating to the whole family especially Glenda. Survivors include her husband John of 63 plus years of marriage; sister Judy Israel (Dan); son Scott (Shannan); grandchildren Rylan, Haven, Brandt, Jenna (Dennis), Holt Jr. (Lauren), Emily (Taylor); great-grandchildren Kinley, Allie Kate, Greer, Jase, Blair, Jaxon, Andi and Everett. Beginning sometime in the late 1980’s, John & Glenda started traveling via RV. Travels took them out west as far as Seattle and several trips to Colorado. Especially enjoyed trips to North Carolina. Visited or drove through all but three of the contiguous states. Many trips were to National Antique Car Shows in the eastern U.S. In addition, several trips were to work on many of the Southern Baptist Convention/First Baptist Church sponsored “Builders for Christ” church building projects mostly in the eastern U.S. In recent times, Glenda developed problems that eventually necessitated residence at Harbor Chase Memory Care where she passed away under Big Bend Hospice care. The staff at both organizations were appreciated for their compassionate care. The family will receive friends Wednesday, May 1st at Bevis Funeral Home from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 2nd at First Baptist Church at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at 12 noon at Tallahassee National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, 108 W. College Ave. Tallahassee, FL 32301 or Big Bend Hospice, 1723 Mahan Center Blvd. Tallahassee, FL 32308. Susie Mozolic of Bevis Funeral Home is assisting the family with their arrangements. (www.bevisfh.com or 850-385-2193)

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Glenda Arlene Schanbacher

November 24, 1940 - April 23, 2024