Patricia Ann Edleman

Patricia Ann Edleman (Smith), 83, passed away on February 12, 2026. Born on August 17, 1943, in Miami, Patricia grew up there and graduated from Hialeah High School, Class of 1961.

Patricia spent most of her life in Lakeland, where she became a respected business leader and community member. As the owner of Ad-Pro Inc. of Polk County for 30 years, she published multiple real estate magazines throughout Florida and built a reputation for integrity and perseverance . She made history as the first female business owner to receive the Scott P. Linder Small Business of the Year Award from the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce.

She was an active member of the Lakeland Association of Realtors and the Polk County Builders Association, later serving as Executive Director of the Builders Association during the final chapter of her career. Her leadership left a lasting impact on the local business community.

Patricia was also a devoted member of Ardella Baptist Church. Her faith was strong and steady, guiding her throughout her life. She had a rare gift for lifting others up, always seeing the good in people and offering kindness without hesitation. Her generosity, encouragement, and unwavering belief in others will be deeply missed.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Helen Burton and Ernest Burton; her former husbands, Jerry L. Norris and Joseph E. Rogers; her devoted husband, William Edleman; and her beloved son, Matthew Parker Rogers.

She is survived by her sisters, Jean Adan; Sue Talley (Bob); Donna Boire (Michael); and Chris Douglass (Terry); her children, Kathy Norris, Stacey Rowell (Mark), and Scott Norris; and her cherished grandchildren, Jerri Dumke and Jonathan Rowell.

Patricia’s legacy is one of strength, faith, leadership, and love. She will be remembered for the lives she touched, the doors she opened for others, and the light she brought into every room.