Jennifer Marie Denlinger

Jennifer Marie Denlinger, 47, a proud native Floridian and decorated chef, passed away on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at her home in Seminole, Fla., surrounded by her loving family. She will be remembered for her extraordinary dedication to culinary education, the countless future chefs she inspired, and the love she shared with her family and friends.

She was born on December 23, 1978, in St. Petersburg, Fla., to Richard Denlinger and Ann Smith. As the eldest of four daughters, she took her role seriously in watching out for her younger sisters. The sisters remained close throughout her life.

Her passion for cooking began in middle school, nurtured by her grandmothers. In high school, she got her first cooking job at the Wine Cellar, a classic French restaurant on the beach. She loved being creative in the kitchen and decided to make culinary arts her career. https://www.floridachef.net/single-post/in-search-of-grandmothers-recipes.

She was trained at the Disney Culinary Academy and worked at the California Grill and Epcot Food and Wine Festival before moving into teaching and later earning a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management, a Master of Education in Curriculum Design, and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership. She spent 14 years teaching at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Orlando and 10 years at Valencia College's Poinciana Campus.

In 2020, the American Culinary Federation named her Chef Educator of the Year, an award unsurprising to many of her former students, who described “Chef D” as an incredible mentor, teacher, and friend. https://news.valenciacollege.edu/this-takes-the-cake-valencia-chef-named-nations-top-culinary-educator/

Jennifer was the longest-serving president of the Central Florida Chapter of the American Culinary Federation. She received bronze and silver stars from the Southeast Bailliage of La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, one of the world's oldest gastronomic societies. She was also recognized by the Academy Brillat-Savarin and promoted to Blue Ribbon with Silver Stripe, a distinction that elevated her to regional leadership within the organization. southeastchaine.org/our-story/

Known as the “Florida Chef,” she was a passionate advocate for Florida farms and all things culinary in the Sunshine State. Through her work promoting Florida's food heritage, Jennifer became widely recognized for celebrating the state's local ingredients, traditions, and unique flavors. She wrote a cookbook inspired by Florida blueberry growers, Berries of My Heart: A Collection of Florida Blueberry, Blackberry and Strawberry Recipes.

Jennifer cherished friendship and fun throughout her life and was always up for a dance party, a day trip, or a card game—in which she was almost impossible to beat. She loved planning family gatherings complete with delicious food, activities, and a theme.

She loved British and Irish culture, had a knack for song lyrics, and possessed a remarkable memory for family history, important dates, and quick facts about 1980s cartoon episodes. She enjoyed walks on the beach, swimming in Florida's rivers and lakes, and creating art with natural objects.

Jennifer is survived by her father, Richard Denlinger; her mother and stepfather, Ann and Steven Smith; her sisters, Elizabeth Denlinger (Scott), Jordan Smith (Brandon), and Adrianne Smith (Brian); and four beloved nieces and nephews, James, Elizabeth Grace, Robert, and Andie. She leaves behind many extended family members, friends, students, and professional colleagues who enriched her life and whom she dearly loved.

As remembered by her professional colleagues:

“We raise a glass to you, Chef. You have hung up your apron and laid your knives to rest. Though your station is empty and the kitchen is quieter without you, your flavors and stories remain. You fed the hungry and brought people together. May you find eternal peace at the grandest table, and may your legacy live on in every recipe you shared.”

Service Information:

Memorial Service

Anona United Methodist Church

13233 Indian Rocks Road, largo, FL 33774

Saturday, July 18th at 2:00 p.m.

Celebration of Life for friends and family

Saturday, July 18th from 4 - 7 p.m.

Please use this link for Jennifer’s tribute page, memory gallery, donation links, and RSVP details: https://www.online-tribute.com/JenniferDenlinger