The family of Tito Wintz Terrell, of Wauchula, Florida, regrets to announce her
passing on June 27, 2024, at the age of 85 years. Tito is preceded in death by her
husband, John Emerson Terrell, mother and father, Johannah Meyer, and George E.
Wintz, and sister, Dawn Contney (John Cotney). She is survived by her loving family: son,
John Dane Terrell and wife Charlotte; daughter Tracy Baxter and husband John; and
daughter Claire Cornell and husband W.W.. Tito has seven grandchildren that she loved
dearly and called her Mimi: Wintz Terrell (Ali), the late Daniel Baxter (Alaina), Dana
DuBose (Collin), Hannah Reeves (Parker), Warren Cornell, Will Cornell, and Caroline
Cornell. She has three great-grandchildren: River Terrell, Wyatt Baxter, and James
Reeves.
Tito was born in Miami, Florida on December 26, 1938, to Johannah Meyer and
George E. Wintz. She attended Shadowlawn Elementary and Robert E. Lee Junior High.
She graduated from Edison Senior High in 1957 where she was captain of the cheer
team. She attended the University of Florida in Gainesville for two years and received
her Associates of Arts Degree. During her time at UF, she met her loving late husband,
John, who was a football player for the Gators. While at University of Florida, she was an
active member of her sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha. Tito married the love of her life on
September 5, 1959, and then moved to Tampa, Florida. She then went on to attend the
University of Tampa, earning her Bachelor of Science Degree, before moving on to Ole
Miss where she earned her Master of Arts Degree. In 1970, they moved to Wauchula,
where they quickly became active in the community and First Baptist Church of
Wauchula.
Tito taught in Hillsborough County, and then Hardee County, where she retired
after dedicating 30 years to education. While working for the Hardee County School
Board, Tito served as a classroom teacher and the Resource Director for the Migrant
Child Program. She invested in the community by becoming a Women's Club Officer, a
Wednesday Musical Officer, a Delta Kappa Gamma Officer, and a Hardee County Players
Officer and performer.
Going to the beach to watch a beautiful sunset over the water with her friends
was one of her favorite pastimes. Tito found a way to make everything fun. Her
infectious personality made everyone in the room feel loved and welcomed. Tito was
known as a mentor in the community, and helped many people achieve their full
potential.
Her family was her favorite topic of conversation, and she was always eager to
tell you about them. She was proud of her kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids and was
quick to share her excitement of their latest news. She actively sought ways to support
those she loved through being intentionally present. This could include anything from
sitting front row at a loved ones sporting event to taking time to visit those in need.

Tito was an avid traveler and loved to explore the world. Whether nationally or
internationally, she never missed an opportunity to take a trip and was always up for an
adventure. Her profession as a world history teacher gave her a deep desire and
appreciation for learning and an appreciation for other cultures. Tito's travels took her to
places like Europe, Russia, China, Asia, Central America, and throughout the United
States. She was proud to have instilled the love of travel into her family and was always
thrilled to hear about anyone's travels.
The Memorial Service to celebrate the life of Tito Wintz Terrell was held on
Saturday, June 29, 2024, at First Baptist Church Wauchula at 10:00 AM with a Graveside
Service that followed. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First
Baptist Church of Wauchula or the Hardee County Players.