Page 10 - Florida Sentinel 2-25-22

Features
Celebrated ‘Change Agent’ Chloe Coney Honored With Legacy Wall
Retired County Community Worker Dies At 94
BY MONIQUE STAMPS Sentinel Staff Writer
Chloe Coney has lived her life as a leader, community servant, and groundbreaker. The Tampa native has influ- enced Tampa in multiple ways and has lovingly been known as “the hat lady” for her collection of beautiful hats that she wears.
On February 18, 2022,
a legacy wall was revealed
to the public in a ceremony honoring Coney’s service
to the community. The
event took place at the Corporation to Develop Tampa, Inc. (CDC) of East Tampa.
Mrs. Coney started the CDC to stop the devastating poverty, influx of drugs, and the decline of home ownership in East Tampa.
The dedication drew many dignitaries, as well as citizens from around Tampa. Con- gresswoman Kathy Castor, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, Tampa Police Chief Mary O’Connor, City Council Chairman Orlando Gudes, and leaders of Tampa City government were all there to congratulate Mrs. Coney on such a prestigious occasion.
Mrs. Coney’s role in race relations and fighting injustice was noted by several speak- ers, as well as her faith, love of God, and courage.
Mrs. Coney’s first foray into being a “change agent” was at age 13, when she de- cided to integrate Hillsborough County schools with two other students in 1963.
Mrs. Coney went on to become the first Black woman to be hired as a Probation/Parole officer in Hillsborough County.
After having a vision to revitalize East Tampa, she founded the CDC of Tampa, Inc. in 1992. The CDC provided job training for a number of residents, and increased homeown-
ership in East Tampa. After retiring as CEO of the CDC of Tampa, Mrs. Coney was the District Director for Congressional District 14 in Cong. Castor’s
office.
Her son Ernest M.
Coney, Jr. is now the CEO of the CDC.
Tampa historian, Er- sula Odom created the Legacy Wall for Mrs. Coney. She has created similar walls for community leaders, such as Mr. C. Blythe Andrews, Jr.
Odom worked on the wall for more than six months and says that the legacy wall captures Mrs. Coney’s love for the community, and she used her skills to recreate Coney’s life using her skills and talents.
Before the unveiling, several speakers lauded Mrs. Coney’s dedication to Tampa and her ability to motivate others.
Mayor Jane Castor noted the partner- ship between Mrs. Coney and Tampa Police Department to rid Tampa streets of drugs. The appreciation of the police department was on full display as several high-ranking police offi- cers attended. Ret. Major Rocky Ratliff, Asst. Chief Lee Bercaw, Asst. Chief Ruben “Butch” Delgado, and Chief Mary O’Connor were there to support Mrs. Coney.
"How blessed we are that she is a daughter of Tampa," Rep. Castor said to the gathering. "Thank God we were blessed with Chloe's gift. She is a true blessing to the community."
"I’m just grateful to be alive to see my legacy wall up here," Mrs. Coney told the group.”
"Someone’s got to do it, so why not me? That has always been my attitude," Coney said. "Just do it."
Communities of
CHLOE CONEY
... Community Leader
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
For more than 30 years, Mrs. Mattie Telfair worked at the West Tampa Neighborhood Service Center. She worked as an Intake Specialist for Hillsbor- ough County, representing the Hospital and Welfare Board.
During the 33 years Mrs. Telfair spent with the county, she met many families and chil- dren of which she were fond of and visited from time to time in the North Boulevard Homes and throughout West Tampa.
Mrs. Telfair helped gener- ations during her tenure before retiring in 1998.
A native of Parrish, Florida, she was one of two daughters born to Mrs. Ida W. Boykin Stanley and James Boykin. Her sister was Ida Ray Boykins.
While growing up in Parrish, they enjoyed playing softball and singing in their very own Gospel Quartet along with their cousins. Unfortunately, she and her sister lost their father at the tender age of 14. This loss resulted in the family moving to Tampa.
After reaching adulthood, Mrs. Telfair met and married Herman Telfair.
Shortly after sealing their Union in Holy Matrimony in 1944, Herman joined the United States Army, along with his brothers, Kenneth Blanchett and Major Telfair, of West Tampa.
Upon Herman's return the couple welcomed their first child in 1946, Mrs. Mary Lee Telfair Cooper, a retired edu- cator of Hillsborough County. Mrs. Telfair later gave birth to their loving son, Herman Telfair, Jr. Herman, Sr., worked as a Longshoreman.
After retiring, Mrs. Telfair enjoyed gardening, fishing, spending time with her grand- children, taking care of her home, and watching her beloved Buccaneers play on Sundays.
Mrs. Telfair, especially en- joyed outings with the Loretta Ingraham Super Seniors of Carver City on Tuesdays.
Affectionately, those who knew both she and her devoted daughter, Mary Telfair Cooper, were familiar with see- ing the both of them from time to time enjoying lunch and tending to errands while out and about.
Above all, she magnified Christ by tithing faithfully as a long-standing member of the First Baptist Church of West Tampa, pastored by Reverend Rayford Harper.
Mr. Telfair passed on June 14, 2013. Her only son, Her- man, passed July 2002.
She is survived by her daugh- ter, Mrs. Mary Telfair Cooper, several grandchildren, great grandchildren, other family members and friends.
Ray Williams Funeral Home is in charge of handling arrange- ments.
MRS. MATTIE TELFAIR June 17, 1927 --- Feb. 8, 2022
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