Alice Tompkins Thalheimer

Thalheimer, Alice Tompkins, 95, of Largo, Florida, passed away to Heaven on October 3, 2025. Alice was born in the nearest hospital to her hometown of Seale, Alabama, in Columbus, Georgia, on August 22, 1930.

Raised by her parents, Thomas Plant Tompkins and Alice Dudley Tompkins, she graduated from Chavala High School, Seale, Alabama, and Huntingdon College, Montgomery, Alabama. She began her teaching career in Panama City, Florida, where she met the love of her life, Alfred George Thalheimer (Al). They were soon married in 1953. Al was serving in the Air Force and, upon discharge in 1954, went to the University of Florida on the GI Bill to earn his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. While there, Alice continued teaching at the then-JJ Finley Elementary School. Alice earned her PHT degree (Pushing Hubby Through) while Al earned his degree.

Upon graduation in 1957, Alice and Al moved to St. Petersburg, Florida, where Al began his career at Honeywell. Alice also changed careers in 1957 to parenthood as she soon had two young children to raise. It was not long before the Thalheimer family moved to Clearwater in 1963.

Alice quickly joined Skycrest United Methodist Church after moving to Clearwater and extended her love to her church family. It was not long after she began her career as a Professional Volunteer.

She was a founding member of the Clearwater Community Woman’s Club, served as President of the Club and received the honor of a certificate from the General Federated Woman’s Club for 25-year membership in 2008. She continued to be an active member for 17 more years. She was a familiar face to many for over 12 years, delivering meals and love to people in need as part of their Meals on Wheels program.

In 1980, she was on the first committee to start the Haven of RCS, Religious Community Services’ (now Hope Villages of America) domestic violence shelter. The first shelter was a trailer, and it has since grown to include many apartments available for transitional housing.

One of her great loves was volunteering for The Rhythmic Arts Project at UPARC (now the Arc Tampa Bay), where she spent three hours weekly connecting with their clients during their rehabilitative drum programs. Her fire, energy, and magnetic personality helped them to progress with the program. Being one of the highlights of her week, she would tell her friends, “We don't make music, but we make wonderful noise."

Alice’s spirituality also led her to volunteer weekly for Morton Plant Hospital’s Pastoral Care program. She would visit with patients, talk with them, and offer prayers.

From her early years volunteering with Skycrest United Methodist Church, Y-Teens, Cub Scouts, PTA, Red Cross driver for the blind, to her recent delivery of birthday balloons to the residents of Elison Pinecrest in Largo, where she lived, Alice led a full life of giving her love to others. As she said many times, “I am the hands and feet of God, what better way to show his love to all than by giving back to the community.”

Al was able to pass his love of golf to Alice, and she continued to golf after his death as a member of the Clearwater Country Club. She also enjoyed playing tennis with Al and their many lifelong friends at the Morningside tennis courts.

She enjoyed traveling with Al, visiting his relatives in Germany, and watching him golf at St. Andrew’s in Scotland. After Al’s death, she continued traveling with her family and friends. After one cruise to Alaska with friends, it was hard to get her back on a boat, but she was easily convinced of the safety of the European river boat cruises and enjoyed two of those with her family.

Alice was pre-deceased by Al in February 1989. She is survived by her son Thomas (Pat) Thalheimer, daughter Katherine Thalheimer, and big sister Tina Crawford. She is also survived by four grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild, as well as many nieces, nephews, and in-laws. Alice will be missed by her many friends, neighbors, and the organizations where she made an impact.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to either Hope Villages of America-The Haven, Skycrest United Methodist Church, or The Arc Tampa Bay Foundation-Drumming program.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Skycrest United Methodist Church, located at 2045 Drew Street, Clearwater, FL 33765, on October 13, 2025, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Family will be present at 1:00 pm before the service.

Alice was a resident of Largo, Florida.