Rebecca "Becca" Corey Linville Carlson

Rebecca Corey Linville Carlson (“Becca”), age 67, passed away peacefully on February 1, 2026, in Winter Park, Florida. She was born on December 26, 1958, in Tampa, Florida—a city that remained close to her heart throughout her life.

Becca grew up in Tampa and attended Most Holy Redeemer Catholic School, Tampa Catholic High School, and King High School (Class of 1976). As a child, she was “always outside and always doing something.” She danced throughout her early years and advanced to pointe in ballet until the age of 16, when she shifted her focus to school athletics. She went on to become a standout athlete, joining King High School’s inaugural women’s volleyball and basketball teams during her junior and senior years. Recreationally, Becca played nearly every sport imaginable with neighborhood friends and even earned first place in her sixth-grade science fair.

During her junior year, Becca was part of King High School’s inaugural girls’ volleyball team, with the King Lions winning the Junior Volleyball Conference Championship. She also played on the school’s inaugural girls’ basketball team and competed in club softball outside of school. In her senior year, Becca continued playing volleyball and basketball and was voted “Most Athletic” by her graduating class.

Becca received a full athletic scholarship to Hillsborough Community College to play volleyball. She was one of six players on HCC’s inaugural volleyball team, which placed fifth nationally in the National Junior College Athletic Association during its first season with a 10–2 record. In the summer following her sophomore year, while playing beach volleyball, Becca was featured on the cover of Volleyball Magazine. That same year, the team placed fifth in the state with a 34–11 record.

After graduating from HCC, Becca continued her education at the University of South Florida, where she completed a double major in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education—an opportunity available to only a small group of students at the time. Throughout her college years and early career, Becca supported herself by working as a lifeguard for the City of Tampa Parks and Recreation Department, a role she held for 11 years.

Becca devoted 33 years to teaching kindergarten at Sheremoni Elementary School and Alexander Elementary School. She shaped countless young minds and deeply believed in the potential of every child. Her love for children and her nurturing spirit remained central to who she was throughout her life.

Sports continued to be an important part of Becca’s life long after her school years. In the early 1980s, she played co-ed beach volleyball, swam laps in city pools, and danced well into adulthood. In retirement, she continued playing basketball and swimming and embraced new activities such as tennis, beach walking, and bicycle riding.

Outside of her career, Becca took great pride in caring for her home and her children. She was always working on a new DIY project, loved cooking, and made sure there was a homemade meal on the table for dinner and every holiday. One of her lifelong dreams was to open a café by the beach. Her home was her sanctuary, and she delighted in decorating it for every season and holiday. An animal lover, Becca always seemed to have a kitten she was caring for.

In retirement, Becca enjoyed spending time at the Town & Country Library Senior Center, where she formed many cherished friendships. She also loved traveling and was often planning her next trip to visit her daughters in Orlando, Florida, and Monterey, California.

Becca’s greatest pride and most cherished accomplishments were her daughters and grandchildren. She was a devoted mother and grandmother whose love formed the foundation of her family. She is survived by her daughters, Brittany Harrell and her husband Michael Harrell, and Summer Carlson and her husband Daniel Noguera; and her beloved grandchildren, Clementine Harrell and Lincoln Noguera. She is also survived by her brothers, Chris Linville and Jaime Linville. She was preceded in death by her parents, Gene and Katherine Linville.

Becca was strong, funny, and resilient. As a single mother, she raised her two daughters with unwavering love, determination, and grace. She had a deep love for the beach, where she found peace and joy, and she adored her cats, who were constant companions throughout her life.

Becca’s legacy lives on in the family she built, the love she gave so freely, and the strength she passed on to her daughters and grandchildren. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Becca’s memory to the American Humane Society.