Plant City resident Marsha Passmore has been recognized by her community for her personal and community service achievements in Hillsborough County, and has been inducted into the Hillsborough County Women’s Hall of Fame Class of 2024.
The recognition was established in 2011 to honor and celebrate the outstanding achievements of women in the community who have made significant contributions in areas such as business, education, philanthropy, the military and public service to improve the lives of Hillsborough County residents. Each year, new honorees join the ranks of other exceptional women for their leadership and social services. Passmore attended a luncheon and induction ceremony March 20 at Shanna and Bryan Glazer JCC in Tampa.
As most of us in Plant City know, Passmore has dedicated her life to service, most notably working with the Business & Professional Women’s Club and serving on the city commission for six years, winning her first election by only two votes (she won by many more votes when running for her second term). Her name is synonymous with community service, non-profits, political influence and building relationships that bridge gaps to improve the quality of life in her hometown and beyond, especially championing the cause for the rights of women in the workplace.
She has served on many local charity boards, including the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, the United Food Bank of Plant City, Unity in the Community, the Arts Council of Plant City, the City of Plant City’s Historic Resources Board, Plant City Lion’s Club and too many more to list. If it’s a service organization in Plant City, chances are, Passmore has volunteered her time and talent to help it achieve success.
Anyone who has stood near Passmore while watching a parade march past her downtown home, knows how much she is loved and adored as parade participants toss her stacks of beads, walk over to give her a big hug or snap a quick selfie with the selfless community servant. Locally, she was recognized in 2011 as Plant City’s Citizen of the Year and in 2020 she was selected as the first Woman of Distinction by Aspire Plant City.
After the induction ceremony, Passmore expressed her gratitude on being inducted into the Women’s Hall of Fame. “I am so very honored to be receiving this recognition, and thankful that God uses me in service to my community,” said Passmore. “It is such a privilege to serve Hillsborough County.”
Alex Sink, the first female Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for the state of Florida, was also inducted into the Hillsborough County Women’s Hall of Fame Class of 2024. Passmore and Sink join inductees from prior years, including the first woman mayor of Plant City Sadye Gibbs Martin (2011), philanthropist and community leader Carol D. Morsani (2017), the first director of Hillsborough County’s Head Start program Ann Porter (2018) and the first female surgeon in Hillsborough County Sylvia Campbell, M.D. (2018).
Passmore’s sister, Dodie White, attended the ceremony and couldn’t be prouder of her big sister. “I think it’s so deserving and truly an honor for Marsha and for Plant City,” she said.
A complete list of inductees can be found online at hcflgov.net/whof.