Heather Jean Rumbley

Heather Jean Rumbley, 40, of Lakeland, Florida, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2023, after a year-long battle with Uterine Cancer. She was born in Lakeland, FL, on July 18, 1983, to Dale Rumbley and Rhonda Howard Smith and was their youngest daughter. Heather’s short 40 years were filled with laughter, tears, joy, triumphs, failures, excitement, challenges, and love. She worked in the food service industry and her first job, during high school, was at Taco Bell. During her time at “The Bell”, Heather moved all the way up to management and met many wonderful people who became great friends to her. After transitioning out of Taco Bell, Heather stayed in food service and worked at the Walmart distribution center and, most recently, for Publix in their employee cafeteria. Her passion was helping and serving others. Heather was a tender-hearted person who was truly introverted and shy, even though she worked in the service industry. Anyone who met her would say she was the sweetest and didn’t have a mean bone in her body. Her favorite place to be was cozied up in her favorite comfy spot watching a good movie. Heather loved Halloween and Christmas. Making cookies every year during the holidays is something she looked forward to and scheduled with her big sister. She was a dedicated daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend who had a great sense of humor. She enjoyed spending her time with friends, going to concerts, visiting theme parks, taking selfies with Makenna, listening to music, and watching movies. Heather LOVED her puppies too! She had a few dogs over the years, but Pugs were her absolute favorite! Heather’s absence will be felt by many. If you were a part of her life, you knew she cared about you because she loved you with her whole heart. She entered Heaven and was greeted by her Mamaw, Papaw, Nanny, Granddaddy and some of her beloved puppies. Her time here on Earth was short, but she is now relieved and cured of that horrid disease called cancer because God is the ultimate Healer! She is survived by many loving family members and friends. Her parents are Dale Rumbley, Rhonda Smith & Jackie Smith. Her sisters are Jennifer (Michael) Davis, who she called Sissy her whole life, and Tiffany Rumbley. Heather was the proud aunt to Riley, Conner, & Makenna and best friends with Lakeisha Byrd, who she loved like a sister and Lakeisha’s daughter Destiny who was her “adopted” other niece. Heather also has many cousins, friends, aunts, uncles, and co-workers, all of whom she loved and cherished. A Celebration of Life gathering will be held at the Kathleen Lions Club on Saturday, November 4, at 11:30 AM. All are welcome to this casual gathering as we reminisce and celebrate Heather Jean! “So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.” John 16:22

Heather Jean Rumbley

July 18, 1983 - October 6, 2023