Edith Ulaine Sapp

Born on October 22, 1951, in Kissimmee, Florida, Edith’s life was marked by her unwavering commitment to doing the right thing and her determination to achieve her goals.

Diagnosed with Mycobacterium Avium Complex (MAC) lung disease in 2017, she tenaciously followed her treatment program, but her compromised immune system left her vulnerable to attack. While fully vaccinated, she was unable to fight off exposure to Covid 19.

Edith’s early years were spent in Central Florida, where she excelled academically and graduated as an honor student from Cocoa High School in Rockledge, FL in 1969. Her passion for learning led her to Florida State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Language Education in 1973. Although she never taught German in a public-school setting, Edith worked as an educator at Union Correctional Institution. There she taught basic education classes for several years and was among the first women permitted to work inside the fence.

Seeking new challenges, Edith returned to school and earned her Master of Business Administration from the University of North Florida in 1982. She then embarked on a distinguished career with the Florida Department of Revenue. Starting as Tax Auditor 1, Edith’s dedication and expertise propelled her through the ranks. Over the course of 35 years of state service, she held numerous leadership roles, including Senior Audit Group Supervisor at the Jacksonville DOR office, Tax Law Specialist, and Tallahassee Central Service Center Manager. Her career culminated with her retirement as Senior Revenue Administrator on July 1, 2012. Throughout her professional journey, Edith was known for her strong personality and steadfast commitment to excellence.

Edith’s devotion extended beyond her career into every aspect of her life. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Donald V. Sapp; her daughter, Lora E. Sugg (Mack); granddaughter, Jasmyn Belcher (Edwin Cordero); and great-grandson, Royce of Jacksonville; grandsons, Denver Elam of Florence, Alabama, and Dalton Elam of Pensacola, Florida; and brother, Robert Grace (Gail) of Wells, New York.

She was predeceased by her father, Robert C. Grace (1959); mother, Mary Lois Reynolds; stepfather, Jim Reynolds; and sister, Linda Zamora.

A woman of many interests and talents, Edith was a dedicated women’s first base softball player in until an ACL injury brought her playing days to a close. Her love for the outdoors was evident in her passion for gardening and landscaping and her desire to spend as much time outside as possible. She enjoyed riding her Catrike recumbent tricycle locally and on many bike trails around the state. She had a great love of reading and often immersed herself in mysteries and thrillers.

In 2003, Edith and Donald began a new chapter with the purchase of their first RV travel trailer—a journey that would later see them graduate to a 43-foot diesel pusher coach. Together they explored state parks across Florida, Georgia, and Alabama; hiked woodland trails; visited art museums and historic sites; rode on many dedicated bike trails; and enjoyed arboretums and gardens. Special treats were butterfly gardens like Gainesville’s Butterfly Rainforest at the Museum of Natural History. Whether along the Gulf or Atlantic shores or nestled within a state park’s tranquility, Edith cherished discovering new places and experiences.

Those who knew Edith remember her as someone who balanced seriousness with laughter, someone who took life’s responsibilities to heart but also appreciated its joys. Her legacy is one of strength, integrity, and perseverance.

May Edith’s memory bring comfort to all who knew and loved her.