Charlotte Lehnherr

Lehnherr, Charlotte Bernice

99, beloved educator and devoted member of her South Tampa community, passed away peacefully at home on Nov. 3, 2025. Born Feb. 9, 1926, in Birmingham, AL, Charlotte was the daughter of Waymon and Lena Nicholas. She graduated from Fairfield High School in 1944. She earned her B.S. in home economics from Alabama College for Women (now the University of Montevallo) in 1948 and later completed an M.S. degree in supervision and administration at Florida State University.

Charlotte married Lester ("Lenn") Lehnherr on Dec. 27, 1961, in Birmingham at the home of her parents. Though they had no children, the couple shared a long and happy life together filled with faith, friendship, and helping others.

Charlotte served her community as an educator and as a member of her church. She devoted 44 years to teaching sewing and cooking in the Hillsborough County School System. For many years, she also taught the "55 Alive/Mature Driving" course sponsored by the AARP. She was a long-time member of Hyde Park United Methodist Church, where she was honored as "Honorary Member of the Charge Conference" in 2015.

Throughout her career, Charlotte was active in professional and civic organizations including Alpha Delta Kappa (1961–2002), the Association for Career and Technical Education (1998–2017), and the West Hillsborough Retired Educators Association.

Outside of her professional life, Charlotte found joy in exercise classes and social activities at the South Tampa Family YMCA, and she and Lenn loved visiting and taking friends to Busch Gardens. A certified reflexologist, she was known for her caring nature and her deep interest in others-their families, their stories, and their education. One of her favorite sayings, "Let go and Let God," reflected the faith and calm spirit that guided her life.

Charlotte was preceded in death by her parents, Waymon Ivy Nicholas and Lena Mae Nicholas (Mathis), her husband, Lester "Lenn" Louis Lehnherr and her sister, Betty Jean Nicholas.

A memorial service will be held at 2 pm on Sunday, Nov. 9, at Hyde Park United Methodist Church, 500 W. Platt Street, Tampa, FL, 33606. A reception will follow the service. Inurnment will take place in the family gravesite at Valhalla Cemetery, Bessemer, AL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to LifePath Hospice, 12470 Telecom Drive #301, Temple Terrace, FL 33637, or online at http:/chaptersfoundation.com/LifePath. Charlotte Bernice Lehnherr will be remembered for her zest for living, her lifelong dedication to education, her compassion for others, and her unwavering faith.

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