Sharon F. Tarkington

Sharon F. Tarkington, age 72, passed away on Monday, April 8, 2013. Sharon received both her Bachelor's and Masters Degrees at Arkansas Tech University and taught Mathematics and Spanish for 21 years in Arkansas and Florida. She retired in 2004 from Osceola County Public Schools.

Sharon was a tremendously successful educator who taught at 4 different high schools and 2 middle schools, as well as the University of Central Florida and Valencia Community College. She received the American Educators Award from the National Education Association, as well as the Walt Disney Dreamers and Doers Award in 1994 and the Presidential Teachers Award in 1998. She taught more than 5,000 students and inspired many to significant achievements at the highest levels of academic and professional careers. She was a visionary educator who brought learning to life and was at the forefront of pioneering efforts that brought computers and technology to practical use in the 21st Century classroom.

Sharon was a member of the Pentecostal Church in DeLand, and is survived by her beloved husband of 32 years, Robert Tarkington; 3 sons, Edward, Eric and Matt Sermon; 1 sister, Sheila (Larry) Hoyer; 5 grandchildren, Aaron, Jordan, Seth, Temple and Shiloh. Sharon was pre-deceased by her infant son, Elton Sermon, Jr.

The family is holding a Life Celebration Service on Friday, April 12, 2013 at 1:00 pm at Gemini Springs Park, 37 Dirksen Drive, DeBary, FL 32713.

Arrangements were entrusted to Deltona Memorial Funeral Home, 1295 Saxon Blvd., Orange City, Florida 32763, 386-775-4260..