Pauline A. Van Buskirk

02/26/1924 - 01/22/2026

Pauline A. Humphries Van Buskirk of Tampa, Florida, went to be with her Lord on Thursday, January 22, 2026. She would have been 102 years old on February 26, 2026.

Pauline was a woman of deep faith, quiet strength, and enduring grace whose life spanned more than a century and touched countless hearts along the way.

She is survived by four children, William Humphries III (Catherine), Paula Humphries Britten (Leonard, deceased), Bonnie Humphries Wallace (Jim), all of Tampa, and Michael Humphries (Judy) of North Carolina. Pauline leaves behind six grandchildren - Matthew Britten (Jessica), Todd Britten (Meg), Nicholas Britten (Larisa), Eric Humphries (Xin), Jason Humphries (Suzi, deceased), and Sean Wallace (Sarah), as well as eleven great-grandchildren.

Pauline was born in Elberton, Georgia, the daughter of the late Walton Lester Anderson and Macy Burton Anderson, and was one of eleven children. She is survived by a sister, Ann Anderson Brown of Georgia, and a brother, Pete Anderson, of South Carolina. Pauline was preceded in death by eight siblings - Alfred, Oscar, Lavera, Jack, Betty, Buster, Gene, and Andy, as well as several sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, and nephews. She is survived by one sister-in-law, Iris, and numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, William F. Humphries Jr, with whom she had her four children, her second husband Lt. Col. Robert Van Buskirk, and her loving partner of recent years, Joe Smagowicz.

Pauline had been a proud resident of Tampa since 1951, where she built a life centered around family, community, and simple joys. She had many interests over the years including gardening (she was well known for her remarkable green thumb), dancing, golf, and reading. Pauline found great fulfillment in giving back, and volunteered with Meals on Wheels in Tampa for may years, quietly serving others with kindness and compassion.

Above all, Pauline cherished time with her family and took great pride in watching generations grow around her. Her long life was a testament to resilience, love, and grace, and she will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Celebration of Pauline's life will be held at Garden of Memories, 4207 East Lake Dr., Tampa, FL, on Tuesday, January 27th. Visitation with family will be at 1:00pm followed by service at 2:00pm. Burial will follow at Garden of Memories, 4207 East Lake Dr., Tampa FL.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Lifepath Hospice, 12470 Telecom Dr Suite 400, Temple Terrace, FL 33637.