Rebecca Griffith Vollmer Westbrook

Becky was born on January 12, 1943, in Hagerstown, Maryland. She graduated from North Hagerstown High School and continued her education at Thiel College in Pennsylvania and Emory University, where she earned her master’s degree. During her junior year abroad, Becky had the wonderful opportunity to live and study in Aix-en-Provence, France. The experiences and memories she gathered during that special time remained close to her heart throughout her life, and she delighted in sharing those cherished stories with family and friends.

On April 4, 1972, Becky married John William Westbrook, Jr. She devoted much of her professional life to education, sharing her knowledge and love of learning with generations of students. Her teaching career included Henry W. Grady High School in Atlanta, Georgia, and Forest High School in Ocala, Florida.

While teaching, Becky was afforded the extraordinary opportunity to teach Yolanda King, daughter of beloved civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Through Yolanda, Becky also had the privilege of meeting her mother, Coretta Scott King—an experience that became another treasured chapter in a life filled with remarkable memories.

Becky was a member of Chi Omega Sorority and the Greater Ocala Woman’s Club. Outside of her professional and civic pursuits, she found great joy in cooking, traveling, watching old movies, and reminiscing about the people, places, and experiences that had enriched her life. Her time in France held an especially meaningful place in her heart.

She is survived by her daughter, Margaret Westbrook; her son, John W. Westbrook III; her granddaughter, Sarah Perkins; her sisters, Margot Bryer, Anna Robinson, and Alice Carr; and her brother, Henry F. Vollmer IV, along with extended family, friends, former students, and all whose lives were touched by her warmth, knowledge, and stories.

A funeral service honoring Becky’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 9, 2026, at Forest Lawn.

Becky will be remembered for a life devoted to education, family, friendship, and a lifelong curiosity about the world around her. The memories she so lovingly collected and shared will now become treasured memories for those she leaves behind.

A Committal Service will be held at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens, 5740 South Pine Ave, Ste A, Ocala, FL 34480, US, on October 9, 2026, from 11:00 am to 11:30 am.