Carla Savage | Sharing science

Carla Lorine Savage passed away February 6, 2025, at age 51. Born in Winter Haven in 1973 to parents Sharon Slane Ledbetter and Marshall Ledbetter Sr., she grew up exploring Central Florida with her siblings, Christina, Marshall Jr., and Arlen (her twin). She attended Auburndale High School and Polk Community College. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology and Science Education from Kennesaw State University. She later attended the University of West Florida, where she obtained a Master's degree in Educational Leadership.

As a science teacher for over fourteen years, she helped countless students understand the world, inspiring many to pursue careers in the STEM fields. She primarily taught chemistry at the Honors and AP levels, serving as a role model for lifelong learning, challenging students to reach their potentials, and never compromising her educational integrity.

Read more about Carla Savage in the full obituary.

Carla served as board member of Green Horizon Land Trust, and her fellow board member shared admiration for her caring and thoughtful approach to all she endeavored.

Carla brought such a calm, warm, and insightful energy to Green Horizon Land Trust’s Board. She was passionate about land conservation and was all in with making our annual dinners a success so that we could endure in our mission. Her love for her family and her students ran deep, and I always enjoyed hearing stories about her grandkids and her time in the classroom. Carla was one of a kind, and I will miss her dearly.
— Kristen Nowak, President, Green Horizon Land Trust Board of Directors

I regret that I did not have time enough to get to know Carla well. I was, however, immediately impressed by her enthusiasm, joie de vivre, energy, and general common sense.
— Michael Raiden, Green Horizon Land Trust Director

Carla was always kind and thoughtful in our dealings, and I enjoyed working with her. I especially enjoyed the first retreat we participated in together in 2023.
— Jim Studiale, Green Horizon Land Trust Director

Carla led others through quiet introspection and exploration. She clearly enjoyed nature, gardening for wildlife with Florida native plants. Always a student, even when teaching (as the BEST teachers are), she was open to learning new things and eager to help everyone around her achieve new levels of understanding. I will miss her quiet, unassuming way and always be thankful for her friendship. Godspeed, Carla.
— Rachelle Selser, Executive Director, Green Horizon Land Trust

When I imagine a kind and loving person who gives of themselves to others freely, I think of Carla. She had an intellectual curiosity without being competitive. She shared freely of her knowledge and her time for others and for causes she believed in. Her creativity came out in her photography, gardening and her baking. I always was excited when she would bake cookies from her grandmother’s recipe and bring them to the Green Horizon Land Trust meetings. They were always healthy and delicious. We would share recipes. The world needs more people as kind as Carla. We will miss her smile and her gentle soul.
— David Price, President, Bok Tower Garden