Elizabeth Greer Pfleger

Elizabeth “Beth” Greer Pfleger, 58, of Lakeland passed away Monday, May 19, at her home. She was born to Carl and Carol Higginbotham in Chicago, Illinois on March 22nd, 1967, and adopted by Louis and Veronica Ward 10 days later. The family moved to Lakeland, Fl in August of 1978.

Beth graduated from Lakeland High School in 1986 and went on to Attend Florida State University where she graduated with a bachelor’s in criminal justice in 1991 and a Bachelor’s in Secondary English Education in 1994. There she was a member of the Chief’s Marching Band playing trumpet.

She worked for the Department of Children Services as a Public Assistance Specialist from 1994-1998 before finding her true calling as an educator. She proudly served Polk County Schools for 27 years.

Beth met her husband Keat Pfleger in 1995 and married on December 17, 1998. Elizabeth gave birth to her only child Katherine in 1999.

She was a proud member of the Hollingsworth Winds where she played the trumpet. She was a lifetime member of Girl Scouts and enjoyed being a troop leader along with her husband for many years. She enjoyed reading and Pokémon Go and treasured her two pugs, Loco and Oliver.

Beth is survived by her daughter Katherine (Jacob) Smith, stepson Solomon (Gabriella) Price, brothers Keith (Cathy) Higginbotham, and Steven Duce. She is preceded in death by her husband, Keat Pfleger, and parents Carl, Carol, Veronica, and Louis.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 22, 2025, from 5-7 pm at Heath Funeral Chapel, 328 S. Ingraham Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33801. Funeral mass on Friday, May 23, 2025, at 10 am at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 210 W. Lemon Street, Lakeland, FL 33815.