Rachel Rene Gunter

RACHEL RENE PAUL GUNTER, 41, unexpectedly departed her earthly home to go to her heavenly home on Thursday, July 20, 2017.She was born to Richard Lee Paul and Penny Tomlinson Paul Green in Casper, Wyoming, on July 16, 1976. At the age of two, she returned to Lakeland with her mother and lived in Polk County for the rest of her life. She graduated from Gause Career Development Center in 1995.She married her high school sweetheart on July 7, 1995 and just celebrated their 22nd anniversary. Her first son, Daniel (DJ) was born April 13, 1997. On March 30, 2000, her second son, Trever, was born. She was a stay-at-home mother for several years working as a volunteer at their schools, chaperoning field trips, and attending every one of their shows and award presentations.When she went back to work, she started at Watson Clinic in Radiology checking in patients. About 10 years after graduating from high school and after raising two sons, she decided to go to college and enrolled at Keiser University earning her Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Criminal Justice while working full time. She graduated from Keiser on June 8, 2012. After she graduated, she worked at the Sheriff’s Office 911 Call Center in Winter Haven. She left after two years and went back to Watson Clinic working in Physical Therapy checking in patients.We will remember her for her friendliness, helpfulness, and caring attitude. Once a friend, you were always Rachel’s friend. She had numerous friends from elementary school (students, faculty, and neighbors) all the way through high school and her career. Her family always came first and she was so proud of Daniel, DJ and Trever. She struggled to get through elementary and high school due to a learning disability, but she graduated from high school third in her class and then went on to obtain two college degrees.All of her grandparents, Ennis and Betty Tomlinson, Arnold Paul and Betty Paul Henderson; her father-in-law and mother-in-law James and Dell Gunter; and her stepfather Leon (Lee) Green Jr. predecease her. Rachel is survived by her devoted husband of 22 years, Daniel Leon Gunter, Sr., two sons, Daniel (DJ) Leon Gunter, Jr. (Pam and granddaughter, Serenity Idell due in late November), and Trever Leon Gunter, all of Polk City; mother Penny Tomlinson Green and sister Jennifer Ann Green of Lakeland; father Richard Lee Paul; and three uncles, Mark Tomlinson, Bob Tomlinson (Kim), and Dale Thompson (Jonè) of Lakeland; two aunts Cindy Lee (Jack) of Lakeland and Sandy Paul Hall of Winter Haven; brother-in-law Jimmy Gunter (Tammy) of Ft. Meade; two sisters-in-law Cathy Gunter, Theresa Hall, and Angie Hansen (Rob). Also mourning her passing is two great uncles and numerous cousins in Florida, Georgia, and Michigan.Heaven has gained a new angel, but we have our memories to sustain us until we see her again.Family will receive friends Monday, July 24, 2017 from 6 to 8 pm at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home in Bartow. Funeral service will be held Tuesday, July 25, 2017, at 10:00 am at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home with Pastor Clark Ryman officiating. Interment will be held at Oak Hill Burial Park in Lakeland, FL. Condolences to family at www.whiddenmcleanfuneralhome.com