Aspire Plant City Honors
Marsha Passmore as Inaugural Woman of Distinction By Jennifer Jordan
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n November 4, Aspire Plant City held its First Annual Woman of Distinction program, honoring Marsha Passmore for her involvement in the community, dedication to volunteering, and exceptional leadership skills that have inspired and empowered fellow women. The Woman of Distinction honors a woman in the community who has been a role model and/or mentor to other women and girls, exhibits leadership skills, and advocates for positive social change, and with everything Passmore has done in her lifetime for Plant City, the award made its way into the right hands first. Living in Plant City her whole life, Passmore is a retired General Motor’s Accountant after 22 years and has a degree in marketing and human resources management. She has participated in several civic organizations, including being Chairman of the Board for three years with Unity in the Community, President of the Arts Council of Plant City, Past President and current board member of the United Food Bank, and Vice President of the Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum board. She served on the Plant City Historic Association, is a member of the Plant City Chamber of Commerce, is the co-chairman for the Strawberry Festival Queen Exhibit, a Strawberry Festival ambassador, a Plant City Photo Archives trustee, and a member of the South Florida Baptist Hospital’s Diamonds and Denim committee. She also involves herself in the Plant City Christmas Parade, Bruton Memorial Library Foundation, and First United Methodist Church. Even with all those organizations and more keeping her busy, Passmore still managed to serve for six years as City Commissioner, and in 2011, her devotion to Plant City earned her the title of Citizen of the Year.
“I am so honored, and I don’t know how they selected me because there are so many worthy women in Plant City,” said Passmore, humbled to be the organization’s inaugural honoree. “ I don’t do anything for an award, I just do it because I think it’s the right thing to do.” Upon receiving her award, she also gave a special thanks to her late father, stating, “My father is the reason why I always like to see the good in people, he’s the reason I always try to do the right thing.” The event was hosted by Wishing Well Barn, with sponsors including but not limited to, Southern Hospitality, On-Site Accounting, Universal Insurance Plant City and State Farm. Lunch was catered by Second Plate Catering and music performed by Casey Stidham. Special guest speakers included Lisa Rhodes, Sophia Hyde, Mary Heysek, Maggie Carlisle and Marsha’s sister, Dodie White. Each spoke on their personal experiences working with and knowing Marsha as a hardworking, radiant, humble woman with a servant’s heart and a love for God and her community. With all of Marsha Passmore’s achievements, awards, and honors, earning Aspire Plant City’s First Annual Woman of Distinction award is not only appropriate, but also proof that she has worked hard in her life and community, and has earned her place in Plant City history forever. “My goal is to make Plant City the best place ever to live and continue to improve our wonderful community,” said Passmore. “It’s so simple to smile and be thankful and kind.”
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