Page 3 - Florida Sentinel 5-27-22

Feature
Former State Representative Betty Reed, 81, Dies
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
Mrs. Betty Reed, former State Representative, died of natural causes on last Friday at the age of 81. Mrs. Reed served as a member of the Florida House of Representa- tives from 2006 to 2014, represent- ing the 59th District from 2006 to 2012 and the 61st District from 2012 - 2014. She ran for the State Senate in 2016 but lost to State Sen. Dar- ryl Rouson.
A community activist, Mrs. Reed was a supporter of funding for the infant mortality rate of Black children, more resources for Black mothers, better education, and other resources for the community.
A native of Pelham, Georgia, Mrs. Reed was one of 12 children. At the age of 13, she helped raise her
MRS. BETTY REED May 5, 1941 --- May 20, 2022
younger siblings.
Mrs. Reed moved to Tampa as
a young adult. She married and was a stay-at-home mother. Mrs. Reed later became involved in the Parent
Teacher Association, which became a doorway into politics.
During her tenure in the House of Representatives, Mrs. Reed worked with colleagues across the aisle to secure $1 million in funding to support research on ma- ternal health disparities in our com- munity.
A longtime member of Bible- Based Fellowship of Temple Ter- race, Mrs. Reed returned to school to complete her own education after her children became older. She at- tended National Louis University and earned a bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Sciences.
Her daughter, Mrs. Cametra Edwards said, “Even though Rep. Reed had many accomplishments, such as being sworn into the 2016 Hillsborough County Women's Hall of Fame and successfully advocating
for the commu- nity, she was most proud of being a loyal wife and a ded- icated mother. Mrs. Reed was married to James Reed for 65 years. She was a doting
mother, raising five children in the East Tampa community of Lucy Dell.
“While she cherished holiday moments with the family and worked diligently to make them spe- cial, she consistently extended invi- tations for any and every one to share a meal at her table. Friends be- came a part of her large extended family. To her was to feel seen, heard, and valued.”
Mrs. Reed was the recipient of numerous awards, honors, and com- mendations.
Mrs. Reed is survived by her husband, James, 5 children, Lev- etta Jefferson, James Reed, Michael Reed, Lorenzo Reed, and Cametra Edwards: grand- children, other family members and friends.
Funeral Services for Mrs. Reed will be held on Wednesday, June 1, 2022, at Bible-Based Fellowship Church of Temple Terrace, 8718 N. 46th Street, Tampa, FL 33617, Pas- tor Earl B. Mason, Sr., Officiat- ing. Interment will follow in Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL. Ray Williams Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Rep. Fentrice Driskell Tapped As Next Democratic Leader
State Representative Fentrice Driskell was selected by fellow Democrats as the caucus's next leader for the 2022-2024 term. Rep. Driskell will be the first Black woman to hold the position.
Driskell, of Tampa, will replace current leader Rep. Evan Jenne.
In a statement, Driskell said she was humbled to take on the role. "Growing up in Polk County, my dad worked as a dis- patcher and my mom was a public-school teacher. I never imag- ined I would one day work here, serving my community. I am so honored and, also, so ready to get to work,” she said.
Driskell was elected in 2018 and is the ranking member on the House Judiciary Committee.
STATE REP. FENTRICE DRISKELL
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