Rhonda Lee (Jacobi) Trainor

Rhonda Lee Trainor, age 83, passed into eternal rest on Monday, October 21, 2024, at Traditions at Hunter Station.  Born May 7, 1941 in New Albany, she was the daughter of the late Melvin F. and Pearl Lee (Waggoner) Jacobi.  On June 22, 1963, she married the love of her life, the late Norman L. Trainor.

Rhonda began her teaching career at Tampa Bay Technical High School in Tampa in 1965. She was a home economics teacher. In 1975 she became the supervisor of Home Economics in Hillsborough County (the 8th largest school district in the U.S.) Florida. She continued in that position until 2000. During her tenure as supervisor, the home economics program changed its name to Family and Consumer Sciences. Rhonda had over 180 teachers teaching Family and Consumer Science programs in over 20 high schools, 25 middle schools and adult programs. Her responsibilities included recruiting teachers and providing professional training programs for all of her teachers. During those years as supervisor new schools were opened and Rhonda worked with architects to plan the classrooms for her programs. She was also responsible for purchasing equipment and supplies for her programs.

Rhonda was responsible for starting two major Family and Consumer Sciences Career programs in Hillsborough County. She began the Early Childhood program at Leto High School in 1980. Later 5 other schools added the program. Fifteen years later she opened culinary career programs. Several of those high school culinary programs have won national awards. They remain as some of the most successful high school training programs.

The student organization (FCCLA – Family, Career and Community Leaders of America) was an important part of the Family and Consumer Sciences program for Rhonda. She made sure the student advisors and students had the districts support as they prepared for district, state, and national competitions.

Rhonda was well respected and highly regarded as a leader not only in her professional area, but in all technical and career programs. It was not uncommon for principals and district administrators to seek Rhonda’s guidance. She received leadership awards not only at the county level but the state level as well.

In 2000, Rhonda was appointed Director of Career and Technical Education in Hillsborough County. She remained in this position until her retirement in 2003.

She was a member of Idlewild Baptist Church in Lutz, Florida; an alumni member of Zeta Tau Alpha, Indiana State University chapter; an alumni advisor for Zeta Tau Alpha, University of South Florida chapter; a member of Athena International; a member of OLLI: Osher Livelong Learning Institute at University of South Florida; a member of the Zonta Club of Tampa; and a member of Chiselers in Tampa.

Rhonda is survived by her sister, Melva Carter (Mike); her brother, Jim Jacobi (Brenda); 2 nephews: Matthew (Tina) and Mitchell (Jessica); and 7 great-nieces and nephews: Regan, Mason, Avery, Maximus, Maryn, Finley and Gavyn.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 43 years, Norman; and 3 siblings.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 25, at 2:30 p.m. at Hughes-Taylor Funeral Home – Borden Chapel, with Ray Weatherford officiating.  Visitation will be on Friday from 12:30 p.m. until the time of service at the funeral home.  Committal service will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to SouthernCare Hospice (811 Northgate Blvd, #101, New Albany, IN 47150)

www.hughestaylor.net