Lea Nicole Workman

The world has lost a bright light, a truly special and unique person who was a beacon of love, compassion, and joy.

Lea Nicole Workman, aged 45, of St. Petersburg, Florida, passed away on March 26, 2026. Born on April 21, 1980, in Clarksburg, WV, Lea was known for her radiant spirit and compassionate nature.

Lea graduated with a Bachelor's in Arts from Rutgers University-New Brunswick. She focused her early career in social work and music education, and later progressed to financial services and a corporate leadership role in retail. She most recently worked at Progressive Insurance for the National Catastrophe Response Teams.

Beyond her professional life, Lea was deeply committed to animal welfare, volunteering for numerous organizations dedicated to the cause. Her love for all of God's creatures was profound, often caring for animals in need, reflecting her selfless and nurturing spirit. Her life's dream was to open a wildlife refuge.

Lea was dedicated to experiencing the full breadth of life's beauty. Her adventurous spirit led her to travel the world extensively, fueling her love for diverse cultures and experiences. Her insatiable curiosity and keen intellect contributed to her deep passion for music, poetry, art, history, culture, science, and the humanities. Lea's artistic talents were manifold; she was an accomplished poet, visual artist, and crafter, and expressed herself musically as a drummer.

Lea's outgoing personality, quick wit, and infectious laugh made her a true joy to be around. Her vibrant essence and magnetic personality touched everyone who was blessed to know her. She made everyone who met her feel special and loved, and her cheerful exuberance brightened every room.

During her time living in Asbury Park, NJ, Lea came to know Bruce Springsteen, whose song "Leah" was inspired by her. He perhaps best captured Lea's spirit with the lyric, "I wanna find me a world where love's the only sound."

The world will never know another beautiful, gentle, and compassionate soul like Lea. She was an inspiration to all those who loved her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Lea was preceded in death by her grandparents, Charles and Blanche Bennett, and Bill and Mollie Wentz.

Lea is survived by her loving parents, Edward and Vera Workman; siblings Mark (Cherie) Leary, Rodney (Michelle) Leary, Tina (John) Cammarano, Lisa Schultz, John (Marilyn) Utter, and Scott (Sherry) Workman; along with many close nieces, nephews, extended family members, friends, and loved ones who will miss her dearly.

Visitation will be held at Faith Assembly of God Church, 3900 28th Street N., St. Petersburg, FL 33714, on Monday, April 6, from 7 - 9 PM. The funeral service will follow on Tuesday, April 7, at 10 AM. Flowers may be sent to the church or, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Defenders of Wildlife (https://www.defenders.org) or National Wildlife Federation (https://www.nwf.org). Lea's life and legacy will be honored and remembered as a beacon of love, kindness, creativity, and joy.