Eunice Stripling Toms

Eunice Stripling Toms, 93, of Wauchula, passed away on Tuesday, October 8, 2013 in Sebring with family members by her side. Eunice Eugenia Stripling was born in Gray, Houston County, Georgia on August 10, 1920. She was the third of four children born to John Robert Stripling, Sr., and Estelle Greene Stripling. In 1925, her family moved to Hialeah, Florida. The 1926 hurricane that transported Eunice and her mother an entire city block was a harbinger of economic and political tragedy, but in the midst of gathering storms, a good future was on the way. As a University of Miami student, she met a young and handsome aviation cadet at the base of the staircase leading to the grand Ballroom of the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, starting a romance that would last over sixty years. That cadet, Russell David Toms, and she married on August 14, 1942. Over the course of their 58 year marriage, they would move frequently, serve numerous congregations, experience many challenges, and celebrate many joys. With World War II raging, the couple traveled across the country while the newly commissioned Russ taught air navigation at numerous Army Air Corps training installations. After Russ deployed to serve in the Pacific Theater, their family began with the arrival of their first child Eunice Eugenia (Jr.) who was followed by Rosalyn Dale, Russell David, Jr., and Melissa Estelle. After the war, Russ, a University of Miami grad, served for a short time as a civil engineer and then responded to the call to become a Presbyterian minister. A woman of deep faith, Eunice was her husband's partner in ministry in each church served. This journey of faith took them to seminary in Georgia, student pastorates in Alabama, and pastorates in many cities across southeast Florida, before they settled in Wauchula in the early seventies. Russ "retired" from the ministry in 1985 but their ministry continued as they began new churches. Eunice embodied the strength of a "Steel Magnolia", bolstering that strength with her faith, using it to guide her family as it grew, and to help others in tough times. A consummate Bible teacher, many individuals and groups sought her out for her insights, counsel, and instruction. When asked which version or translation of the Bible she would recommend for new believers, she sagely advised, "The one they will read". In addition to teaching, her ministry included tangible help in time of need. An example of this was her response to Hurricane Andrew. She organized the collection of relief supplies, filled a semi truck and arranged for distribution with churches in Miami. Eunice was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Russell David Toms, Sr., her sister, Ann Stripling Boyd, and her brother, John Robert Stripling, Jr. She is survived by her sister, Ruby Stripling Swezy; four children, Rev. Eunice "Junior" McGarrahan (J. Richard), Rosalyn Dale Moore (Robert), Russell David Toms, Jr. (Leslie), and Melissa Estelle Toms (Steven McGowan); twelve grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren; and her weekly prayer group "girls". The world is a better place for having Eunice here with us. She will continue to live in our hearts and memories. Eunice touched many lives in many ways, enriching them with the love of God that she felt and shared. She will continue to nurture our lives from fond memories. The family gives special thanks to the extraordinary care by Good Shepherd Hospice in Sebring. A private service will be held at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida on October 18, 2013, where she will then be interred with her husband. A reception will be held at her home at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, October 17th. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Good Shepherd Hospice, 1110 Hammock Rd., Sebring, FL 33870, or Faith Presbyterian Church, 114 N. 7th Ave., Wauchula, FL 33873.

Eunice Stripling Toms

August 10, 1920 - October 8, 2013