With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Elizabeth "Missy" Weiner of Tampa, FL.
Here is a glimpse of the life she lived, in her family's own remembrance.
What Elizabeth gave her children, they will give to theirs.
Elizabeth (Missy) Dunbar Weiner, a long-time South Tampa resident, passed away unexpectedly on May 1, 2026. Missy's joy for living and her loving and generous spirit made her a cherished member of our community.
The eldest of three children born to Rose Mary Killeffer Dunbar and James Franklin Dunbar, Missy was raised on Signal Mountain in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Missy attended Girls' Preparatory School in Chattanooga and continued her education at the University of Alabama. During her time at Alabama, she pledged the Nu Beta chapter of the Chi Omega sorority, where she formed lifelong bonds with many of her sisters.
After graduating from the University of Alabama with a degree in Accounting, Missy headed to the Sunshine State. Missy took a position at Raymond James & Associates, where she would meet and eventually marry Alan Weiner, with whom she shared a not-long-enough, yet happy and fulfilling marriage. Missy and Alan were blessed with the births of their daughter, Rebecca, and shortly thereafter, their son, Robert. Missy devoted herself to nurturing her family and creating a warm, secure and loving home for them.
Missy's dedication to others reached far beyond her immediate and extended family. She shared her time and talents with great enthusiasm. Over her forty-two years of living in South Tampa, Missy volunteered extensively, holding pivotal leadership roles in many of the organizations with which she was affiliated.
Before becoming a Sustainer member of the Junior League of Tampa, she served on various Junior League committees and was elected to a term as Corresponding Secretary. In 2004, Missy chaired one of Tampa's premier fundraising events, Karamu, the gala benefitting the Lowry Park Zoo.
Over the years, Missy served the Tampa Garden Club in nearly every capacity-as President, Vice President, Treasurer, Recording Secretary, Earthly Paradise Chair and Rose Circle President. Her exceptional commitment was recognized with the FFGC "Pillar of Pride" award.
Missy was a regular presence at her children's schools, volunteering in numerous capacities at St. Mary's Episcopal Day School, St. Mary's Church and Robinson High School. She served in various officer roles, including as president, on the boards of the St. Mary's Parents' Association, the Robinson High School Foundation, and the Robinson IB Parent Board.
Missy was a faithful and active member of the Beach Park Women's Club, for which she served as their photographer.
In each of her volunteer roles, Missy was known for her focus, dedication and collaborative spirit, qualities that made her a valued presence in every organization she served.
Missy was devoted to creating a warm Jewish home for Robert, Rebecca, and Alan, and she lovingly supported the family's involvement in Congregation Schaarai Zedek and their connection to Judaism.
Beyond her formal involvements, Missy was a member of the same book group for over twenty years, and she enjoyed lasting friendships with neighbors from both Rosemere Road and Villa Rosa.
A lifelong learner, Missy began sailing with her characteristic vigor toward the end of 2021. She sailed with the Dinghy Dames at the Davis Island Yacht Club and the Mainsheet Mamas at the Tampa Yacht & Country Club. Missy held several roles with these groups, including as Captain, Interclub Captain, and Sunfish Captain of the Dinghy Dames; as photographer at the Davis Island Yacht Club, where she created the Women's Photo Gallery; and as the Dinghy Dames' Representative to the Florida Women's Sailing Association. She sailed in the 2025 Women's North American Sunfish Championship in Indiana and was looking forward to a repeat effort this year and in years to come.
A gifted photographer, Missy was rarely without a camera. Through her lens, she chronicled her family's life, preserved many special moments with her friends, and documented countless school, organization, and community events. She enjoyed both portraiture and nature photography, capturing the beauty and memories of the many destinations she visited.
Missy took great pleasure in entertaining friends and family, using her self-taught, yet remarkable culinary talents to bring together those she loved. An avid gardener, Missy designed a personal paradise outside her home, tending to each plant with patience, thoughtfulness, and care. She traveled widely, and between trips, was always looking for the next destination to explore.
Above all, Missy will be remembered for her dedication to her family, her ethic of service to the community, and for her kindness, passion, determination, generosity, and warmth.
Missy was preceded in death by her mother, Rose Mary. She is survived by her beloved husband, Alan, and their children, Rebecca and Robert; her father, Jim; and her mother and father-in-law, Louise and Dick Weiner, whom she loved beyond measure. Missy is also survived by her sister, Cowen Harter (Biff), her brother, Jock Dunbar (Megan), and brothers-in-law David Weiner (Vangie), and Ben Weiner (Maura); her many nieces and nephews, whom she adored: Cate Godin (Tim) and James Harter; Piper and Taylor Dunbar; Desta Bume (Selam) and children, Daniel and Ashilé; Alison Winograd (Ryan) and children, Josephine and Jordan; AJ Weiner; and Jacob and Josh Weiner.
A service honoring Missy's life will be led by Rabbi Birnholz and Rabbi Simon, along with the Reverend John Hier. It will take place on Friday, May 8th at 12 p.m. at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 4311 W. San Miguel Street, Tampa, FL 33629, followed by a reception beginning at 1:00 p.m at Palma Ceia Golf & Country Club, 1601 S. MacDill Avenue, Tampa, FL 33629. The family will be sitting shiva beginning at 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 9th, at the family home, 4513 W. Rosemere Road, Tampa, FL 33609.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Missy's memory to Planned Parenthood (https://www.weareplannedparenthood.org), the Davis Island Youth Sailing Foundation (https://www.diysf.org/donation), or the Tampa Garden Club (https://tampagardenclub.com).
