Elizabeth Freda Daniels Lea Schultz

Elizabeth Freda Daniels Lea Schultz (102) of Bradenton FL passed quickly and peacefully on November 10th, 2024, in Sarasota FL with family by her side. A proud ‘Florida cracker’, Elizabeth was born on April 4th, 1922, in Tampa FL.

She graduated from St. Augustine High School in 1940. As a youth, she wanted to be either a teacher or a nurse. She chose the latter but taught and showed those around her what unconditional love is. Elizabeth attended the Ocala School of Nursing until it closed, then transferred to the Gordon Keller School of Nursing in Tampa FL (present day under the University of South Florida College of Nursing) where she graduated in 1943 as a Registered Nurse. She kept her license active into her 90s, saying, “You never know when they may need me.” Elizabeth’s forever young attitude kept her body and mind strong throughout her life. She was truly one of the best of the ‘greatest generation’.

During WWII, Elizabeth was a Lt. in the Army Nurse Corp., stationed at Finney General Hospital (Thomasville GA), Fort Rucker (Alabama) and deployed overseas to Wales. She returned to America on the Queen Mary with the 82nd Airborne and was honorably discharged in Fayetteville NC, where she began doing private duty nursing. During her civilian nursing career, she also worked at the Sanford Naval Air Station (FL), Orlando Air Force Base (FL), Holloman Air Force Base (NM) and retired from Homestead Air Force Base (FL). Elizabeth was an honorable lifetime member of the American Legion (Kirby Stewart Post 24), VFW at large and is featured at the Military Women’s Memorial in Arlington VA.

A devout Christian, Elizabeth was a Charter Member of Faith United Methodist Church and the Ruth Circle. She loved her family first and foremost. She enjoyed the outdoors, especially working in her yard and making key lime pie and potato salad with love for her family. An intelligent, beautiful and hardworking woman, Elizabeth had a sweet, loving personality, contagious smile, amazing blue eyes and generous heart. To know her is to love her. She will forever live in our hearts.

Elizabeth is survived by her children Jane Lea, Dean Lea, Bernie Schultz and Sheila Rapavi; grandchildren Laura Naramore, Paula Maeker, Vivian L. Schmitt, Brian Lea, Daniel & Trevor Schultz; great-grandchildren Jake & Allison Maeker, Owen Schmitt, Eli Lea, Lily Schultz; spouses/significant others Kim Schultz, Lisa L. Patterson, Mark Maeker and Kellen Schultz; and an expansive extended family.

Elizabeth is preceded in death by her parents Edward ‘Chester’ Sr. and Freda ‘Baby’ Daniels, husbands Harold ‘Ed’ Schultz and Archie D. Lea, Sr., brothers Edward C. Daniels, Jr. and Warren E. Daniels, Sr.

Celebration of Life Service: November 23, 2024, at Faith United Methodist Church (7215 1st Avenue West, Bradenton FL 34209). Officiant: Rev. Marilyn Lewis. Public Viewing at 9:45A with a pastoral program at 10A. Private burial immediately following the service.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Faith United Methodist Church (memo note: Elizabeth Schultz Memorial Fund) in Bradenton FL or the Military Women’s Memorial in Arlington VA. God bless our sweet little matriarch and God bless you.

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. - Matthew 5:7