Audrey Dawn Rawls Hosmer

If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Audrey Dawn Hosmer. She was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to her because she was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around her had whatever they needed. Audrey was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what she meant.

       She was the daughter of Raymond and Pearl Rawls. Audrey was born in Sarasota, Florida and was raised in Sarasota, Lakeland and Miami, Florida. During her childhood she learned to be reliable and respectful. Audrey was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. She found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Audrey's personality throughout her life.

      Though Audrey was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with her family, she was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Audrey was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Audrey worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Audrey was raised with two siblings. She had one older brother, Kenneth and one younger sister, Sylvia. Audrey and her siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

      As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of her experiences, Audrey was always enthusiastic about new adventures. Although she had an exacting nature, Audrey was always tactful. One thing Audrey will certainly be remembered for is that, when she got up in the mornings, she was ready and raring to go. As a young girl, Audrey had a number of interests and was an active child. In her spare time she liked to paint and play the violin. Audrey's memorable achievements included being an artist.

      For Audrey, the school routines were never a problem although she generally preferred variety to structure. She seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And she was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Audrey was also adept at details. Audrey was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. She graduated from Miami Senior High School in 1944. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Her favorite classes in high school were English and Art. The teacher she enjoyed learning from the most was her sixth grade teacher, Mrs. Keels. She will be remembered by her classmates as being a very accomplished artist.

      College can be a challenge, but Audrey appeared to be well equipped to succeed. She had a knack for staying focused and on track no matter what was going on around her. Audrey had the ability to work undisturbed through all of the constant interruptions that are a regular part of college life. Audrey enjoyed using the skills she'd already learned and applying them to new courses. She knew the facts and rarely made factual errors. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in education from the University of Miami. She also pursued graduate school, earning her Master of Education in 1963. Her favorite courses were English and Art. In college she continued to master being an artist.

      There was one thing that all of Audrey's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that she was a talker. She could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Audrey was such a popular person throughout her life. But Audrey was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Audrey was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While she maintained personal standards and her own personal values, Audrey was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Audrey was often the person who would organize events. In fact, Audrey was fairly comfortable playing the role of “host” for just about any occasion. When Audrey made friends, she made true and lasting friendships. While growing up, some of her best friends were Lola Slipy, and Louise Balou. Later in life, she became friends with Marilyn Duclos, Betty and Wade Fisk, Betty and Bill Van Kleeck, Ronald Hosmer and Bonnie Chase.

      Audrey was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call her sentimental and a romantic at heart. Her kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around her. Audrey cared for what others thought and carried that into her marriage. On September 27, 1947 Audrey married Ronald Paul Hosmer at Plymouth Congregation Church in Coconut Grove, Florida. Compassionate and devoted, Audrey worked hard to make her new life partner happy.

      Harmony was important to Audrey and she made every effort to maintain it with her family. Audrey was blessed with three children, one daughter, Ellen and two sons, Ronald, Jr. and Terry. She was also blessed with five grandchildren; Kimberly, David, Jenny, Lisa and Christina. Audrey was always conscious of the feelings others had. She was reasonable and understanding. As a result, Audrey was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. Her secret of success in this area was simple: Audrey would listen before she would act.

      Taking her work seriously came naturally to Audrey, and she expected the same from those around her. Audrey was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. She was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in her good communication skills. Audrey was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Audrey handled well. She could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” Her primary occupation was 4th, 5th and 6th grade teacher. She was employed for 27 years with Miami Dade Public Schools. She brought harmony to her work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for her colleagues.

      A methodical woman, Audrey enjoyed spending time working on her various hobbies. She had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that she could have something to show for her efforts. Her favorite hobbies were painting and taking care of her flowers.

    Her keen interest in things that affected the lives of other people led Audrey to become actively involved in professional and community organizations. Because she was outgoing and worked well with others, Audrey did her fair share of volunteer work. And she wouldn’t shy away from taking the lead on committees or events, either. She was a born list maker and was great at creating and sticking to schedules. In high school, Audrey was a member of the Education and Honors Clubs. In college, Audrey also joined the Education and Honors Clubs. Throughout her later years, she was an active member of the Elkettes.

      Audrey was the kind of person who would readily move into action in order to help others. She was appreciated and respected. She could find value in the opinions of others and was passionate about her own values and beliefs. So it’s little wonder that she was active and highly valued by those in her community. Politically, Audrey was a Democrat.

     Her high moral standards and traditional values served Audrey well with her faith. Religion and faith were important to her. She was a member from 1950-1990 at West Flagler Park Baptist Church, from 1990-1997 at University Baptist Church in Coral Gables, Florida and from 1997-2015 at Grace Baptist Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. During that time, she was involved in Sunday School, Church and Bible studies. She was well respected because she was such an outgoing individual who sought to help in any manner she could.

      A generous and compassionate woman, Audrey accomplished much during her lifetime. Though she never set out to gain individual recognition, Audrey was recognized and given awards for her many and varied efforts throughout her life. Some of her most prestigious awards included Teacher of the Year, Dade County Florida.

      Not only did Audrey enjoy traveling, but she also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. She was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. She rarely tired of going back and revisiting her favorite places. Favorite vacations included trips to Ft. Meyers Beach, Florida.

      Audrey was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. Several of her favorites were Tina, a toy poodle, Kookie, a water spaniel, Bella, a yorkie, her cats, Thomas, Tinker and Ragman, She was best friends with Kookie - 14 years, Tina- 18 years, her cats 14 years and Bella 12 years, and she is still living. Her family was rounded out by her rabbits, Mr. B and Gigi and Blue Boy her Parakeet.

      Since it was easy for Audrey to meet and get to know new people, she quickly made friends, even in retirement. Once she met those new friends, she loved sharing stories and talking about the good old days. Since she was practical and cost effective, Audrey was ready when that day to retire finally came in 1989 in Miami, Florida. Her new life involved relocating to Knoxville, Tennessee to help her son. In retirement, she found new pleasure in painting, traveling, taking care of her flowers and pets and having her grandchildren during the summer. Even in retirement, Audrey stayed in touch with her old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. She was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities that retirement offered her.

      Audrey passed away on December 30, 2015 at home, in the Karns Community of Knoxville, Tennessee. She passed from Cardiac Arrest. She is survived by her husband, Ronald; daughter, Ellen and husband Dave; son, Terry and wife Carol; sister, Sylvia; grandchildren, Kim, David, Jenny, Lisa,and Christina, 10 great- grandchildren and her niece. Services were held at Weaver Funeral Home in Knoxville, Tennessee. Audrey was laid to rest in Woodlawn Cemetery in Miami, Florida.

      Audrey was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever she said something, she meant it. Audrey was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. She was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. She was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember her for most is the fact that she was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life she touched will miss Audrey Dawn Hosmer.