Honoring Shirley Freeman

Shirley Van Meter Freeman, former Monroe County Mayor, Commissioner, dedicated principal and teacher, community activist, philanthropist and beloved Key West resident passed away peacefully in her home at sunset on April 6th, 2024.  She wove a rich tapestry of accomplishments that testify to a life well lived.  Shirley’s heart was full of kindness and generosity.  

Born in 1935 and raised on a 40-acre cotton farm in Marvell, Arkansas to parents Ike and Margaret Van Meter, Shirley was instilled with strong family and community values which are the foundation of her legacy.  She graduated from Marvell High School and then earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education from the University of Arkansas.  After serving as headmaster of the American Embassy School of Zagreb, Yugoslavia, she earned her PhD from the Miami University of Ohio in School System Management.

Shirley moved to Key West in 1971 to serve as principal at the Frederick Douglass Public School and Sigsbee Elementary school at the Key West Naval Air Station.  She loved when former students would stop her in public and proudly share self-esteem in their accomplishments and thank her for her guidance.

In 1973 she married William A. “Billy” Freeman, Jr., former Florida State Representative, Monroe County Commissioner and Sheriff.  During Billy’s public service life, Shirley worked tirelessly helping him with his campaigns.  Following Billy’s death in 1989 Shirley entered politics and was elected Monroe County Commissioner, serving with distinction for 8 years – 3 of them as Mayor. Shirley’s political service was honored as part of the Freeman family’s legacy for 104 years of elected public service in 2009 when Monroe County’s new courthouse was named the Freeman Justice Center.

A fierce environmentalist and trailblazer, devoted to preserving the Keys’ fragile ecosystem, she advocated to protect Key West’s waterfront and beloved historic neighborhoods. Her years of public service were dedicated to doing what she believed was right for Key West, the Florida Keys, the State, Nation, and our Planet.

In 1996 Shirley met and fell in love with retired Chicago real estate developer, Harvey W. Server and they have lived as a prominent and happy couple ever since. Shirley was well known for sharing the history of her beloved old-town family home while graciously hosting dozens of non-profit organizations doing work she and Harvey deeply believed in and supported.  Shirley's passion for mentoring others, especially women in politics, was evident in the many groups she established and supported including the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys, the Key West Zonta Chapter, the National Organization of Women (NOW), the League of Women Voters, the Florida Keys Democrats, the Florida Keys Council of the Arts, Last Stand, the Salvation Army, the Woman’s Club and the South Florida Symphony Orchestra.  

In 2017, Shirley was honored to be named the Humanitarian of the Year by the American Red Cross. She proudly served on the Key West Citizen’s editorial board, the Boards of the College of the Florida Keys, the Tourist Development Council, and the Florida Board of Bar Examiners.  No matter the cause or organization, she always tried hard to be of as much help as she possibly could.  Her steadfastness of purpose was an inspiration.

Shirley was an accomplished pianist, loved music and supported the arts in her daily life.  A ritual of playing piano each afternoon brought Shirley and Harvey great joy. They attended just about every opening night at the Waterfront Playhouse, Red Barn Theater and the Symphony at the Tennessee Williams Theater.

Honoring Darlene Bennett

Darlene M. Bennett was born & raised in Key West where she attended Douglass and Key West High Schools and furthered her education at Florida Keys Community College. Darlene was always active and found fulfillment in giving back to her community.

The DASH in a person’s lifetime from birth to death tells the story of how they lived. Here is Darlene’s story.  A very active worker within various community organizations she worked with AIDS Help, The Local NAACP, Key West Repertoire Choir, Church Women United and The Leadership Academy of C.F.F.K.  Darlene was still active with The Blessed Community Gospel Choir until her health started failing. Coral City Elks Temple #400, and Key of the Gulf O. E. S. Chapter #5, local A.A.R.P, ACS- Making Strides, and Relay for Life, Dr. M. L. King Scholarship Committee, and The Cannon John Reece Scholarship Committee. She was a staunch supporter of the A. M. E. Zion Church. Darlene held membership at her “beloved Cornish Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church and was affectionately known as “Ms. Cornish”. She worked in various departments and has held numerous positions.  Her favorite department being the missionary (WH&OMS) where she is known to be a missionary on a mission.  Always serving others.  

Darlene is the oldest of six siblings, the mother of two sons and grandmother of four and one great grand on the way.  

A retired registered certified Pharmacy Tech. Darlene enjoyed singing, traveling, fellowshipping, reading, and attending workshops to learn more and assisting others with her missionary heart. She is also a proud member of the popular Red Hat Society where she played in (2) chapters Klassy Girlfriends and Cultivating Sisters. Her message and saying to others were: “Be Encouraged”, “You have not because you ask not” & “God Loves You and so do I”.

Darlene’s DASH illustrated the importance of a life of fulfillment and one that touched the hearts of many.  Leaving to cherish her memory a host of loved ones, family, friends, church members and many loving friends.  

Honoring Paulette Tynes

Paulette DeAnna Tynes, was born on July 26, 1943, in Key West, Florida to the late Paul Lawrence Dunbar Richardson, Sr. and Anna Rose Valdez Richardson. Paulette was predeceased by her parents, her brother, Paul Lawrence Dunbar, Jr., and her sister, Ramona Richardson. Paulette heard the call of the Lord at an early age and was a faithful member of Cornish Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church where she served as an Usher on the Senior Ushers Board, a Missionary on the Women’s Home and Overseas Missionary Society, Lay Council President, and Trustee Board President. During Paulette’s youth, she attended and graduated from Frederick Douglas High School, where she played the alto saxophone in the marching band. After graduating from Frederick Douglas High School, she attended Livingstone College, a Historically Black College, located in Salisbury, North Carolina where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English. 

Paulette was united in marriage to the late Dr. Reverend Henry L. Melvin, who later became the Head Pastor of Cornish Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church, where she served as First Lady. To this union, two daughters were born, Benita and Valencia. After spending several years in Denver, Colorado, Paulette returned to her hometown of Key West, Florida, accepting a high school teaching position with the Monroe County Public School System, teaching English at Key West High School, until her retirement, after having taught for thirty-five years. 

Honoring Dorothy and George Witwer

Dorothy and George Witwer

Community Heroes

In Paradise for Good – Sept. 21, 2015 and January 20, 2022

 

Dorothy and George Witwer lived most of their lives in Kendallville, Indiana, where George was publisher and principal owner of KPC Media Group, the media company with the largest reach in northeast Indiana. They were extremely involved in the community and George was named Kendallville Citizen of the Year and received the Charlie Biggs Commitment to Community Lifetime Achievement Award. For the last 30 years of their lives, Dorothy and George spent a considerable amount of time in Key West. They were both active volunteers with Reef Relief, an organization focused on saving coral reefs through research, education, and political action, and Samuel's House, a nonprofit organization for homeless and/or battered women and children.

 

The Witwers generously created three permanent funds to benefit the Florida Keys. Started in 2007, the George and Dorothy Lee Witwer Endowment for Reef Relief and the George and Dorothy Lee Witwer Endowment for Samuel's House support annual grants to those organizations in perpetuity. An additional endowment funded by George’s retirement account provides annual operating support for the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys.

 

Thank you, Dorothy and George, for Leaving a Legacy in Key West and the Florida Keys.

Honoring Charles Newman and Jane Dawkins

Charles Newman and Jane Dawkins

Community Heroes

In Paradise for Good - January 24, 2019 and August 4, 2022

 

Jane Dawkins was born on May 28, 1945 in Palestine, grew up in England, and immigrated to the U.S. in early adulthood. A lifelong animal lover and a vegetarian way before you could find tofu at Publix, in her early adult life she worked at Occidental Petroleum, RCA Victor, Windows on the World in the World Trade Center in New York City and started her own business “Proper Puddings” selling traditional English Christmas puddings that were lauded as “excellent” by Marion Burros of the New York Times. She first came to Key West in the 70’s, fell in love, and decided she would one day live here. Jane was a serious opera buff, an avid gardener, and an accomplished visual artist across a variety of media.

 

Chuck Newman was born on March 5, 1946 in Queens, New York. He was a dyed -in-the-wool hippie who attended Woodstock, hitchhiked across the country several times, and also loved fine food and wine. He put himself through college in psychology at CUNY and CW Post on Long Island and had a 40+ year career at the New York Office of People with Developmental Disabilities, helping his clients to gain greater independence and be treated with dignity. He taught himself how to build and fix computer hardware and software, running a successful IT business called “Beta Projections.”

 

In the early 90’s Chuck and Jane met in upstate New York and fell in love, living for several years together in the Hudson Valley. In the early 2000’s Chuck took early retirement and he and Jane pursued their dream of living in Key West, settling into their first home on Petronia Street. Jane blossomed into an artistic force. writing five books: two continuations of Jane Austen’s novel Pride and Prejudice, two regency-era romances and a “Romance for Grown -ups” called If You’re Ever in Key West. She worked as a visual artist in ceramics, mosaic, sculpture, jewelry, knitwear and exhibited around town, at the Studios of Key West, and at the FKSPCA shelter. Jane joined the FKSPCA board in 2007 and served as president from 2009 to 2019. She carried the organization through the capital campaign to build the new shelter and was instrumental in the success of its life-saving mission. Meanwhile, Chuck was Jane’s entrepreneurial half, helping place her books, get her signings, and encouraging her to show her art and use her voice on behalf of the shelter. The spine of his last several years was his work as Assistant Publisher at the e-book publishing company, “Absolutely Amazing E-Books” with Shirrel Rhodes and Albert Kelley.

 

Chuck passed away after a long battle with COPD and after 18 years on the island he loved on January 24, 2019. He was a lover of Hawaiian shirts, wearing Birkenstocks to formal functions, and calling it like he saw it. During the pandemic years, Jane developed a taste for cards, holding her own in many a canasta game and always collecting the queens, and was a founding member of the activist group, Reimagining Key West. She lived her life with wit, elegance, style, eloquence, and a fierce ethic of care. After a battle with cancer, she passed away on August 4, 2022.

 

Chuck and Jane decided to fund an endowment at the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys through their estate, benefiting the Florida Keys SPCA. They wanted to make an enduring contribution back to this island, and the FKSPCA, both of which they loved so much.

 

Thank you, Jane and Chuck, for Leaving a Legacy in Key West and the Florida Keys.


Honoring Jean Barnett Stearns

Jean Barnett Stearns

Community Hero

In Paradise for Good – March 23, 2022

 

Jean Barnett Stearns lived to be 99 years old and spent the majority of her life as a Key West resident, having lived here since the early 1960s.

 

Born in 1922, Jean grew up in White Hall, Illinois, and earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign in 1945. Along with her husband, noted jazz historian Marshall Stearns, Jean co-authored the book “Jazz Dance: The Story of American Vernacular Dance.”

 

Through her estate, Jean supported family and friends, along with multiple charitable organizations. In the Florida Keys she funded affordable housing and health care, hospice services, and the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys.

 

Thank you, Jean, for Leaving a Legacy in Key West and the Florida Keys.

Honoring "Ms. Betty" Radics

“Ms. Betty” Alice Elizabeth Radics

Community Hero

In Paradise for Good – December 4, 2022

 

Ms. Betty aka “The Cookie Lady” lived a gloriously animated Key West Conch life. She worked many years at the Pier House, beginning in the mid-1980s. Ms. Betty’s true call of duty in this life came from her work as a dietary aide at the Lower Keys Medical Center. Her passion for compassion shined and brightened the halls and every room in the facility. She loved helping co-workers and health care professionals and was supremely committed to the patients and their families. Her boundless energy focused on providing strength, encouragement, laughter, entertainment, and assistance — above and beyond the important fulfillment of the patients’ dietary needs. This judgeless angel never ever turned a blind eye to anyone in need — no matter their station nor circumstances. Her charity work was tireless and her fundraising extraordinary.

 

In her memory, Ms. Betty’s friends created the Ms. Betty Hospitality & Culinary Scholarship Fund at the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys. The scholarship is awarded annually to individuals desiring to study in the Hospitality or Culinary Management programs at the College of the Florida Keys, with a preference for individuals graduating from or previously graduated from Key West high school. Betty’s passion and commitment to exceptional service will live on through the students who receive her scholarships. Learn more at CFFK.org/msbetty.

 

Thank you, Ms. Betty, for Leaving a Legacy in Key West and the Florida Keys.

 

Honoring Richard "Rich" Simone

Rich Simone loved his island paradise and the local characters who befriended him. Key West Credits as Director and/or Designer: FOLLIES IN CONCERT, GUYS & DOLLS and JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAM COAT for the Key West Pops, NO CHILD, THE GRADUATE and DINNER WITH FRIENDS at the Waterfront Playhouse, SHOWTUNE, THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW and BATBOY: THE MUSICAL at the Red Barn, THE MOST HAPPY FELLA and SOUTH PACIFIC for Island Opera Theatre, . Richs award winning work was recognized on the mainland and included: POPCORN (Carbonell Nomination, Curtain Up Award/Best Scenic Design), THE GOAT (Carbonell Award, Curtain Up Award/Best Scenic Design), JAMES JOYCE’S THE DEAD (Carbonell Award/Best Scenic Design) at GableStage; CRIMES OF THE HEART (Curtain Up Nominations/Best Scenic Design/Best Director of a Play/Best Play, Carbonell Nominations/Best Director of a Play/Best Play), THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW (Curtain Up Awards/Best Ensemble/Best Supporting Actor in a Musical) and BLOOD BROTHERS (Carbonell Nominations/Best Director of a Musical/Best Musical, Curtain Up Awards/Best Director of a Musical/Best Musical), all at the Shores Performing Arts Theatre, which also received the Most Progressive and Innovative Theatre Award from the Curtain Up voters for 2003 during his tenure as Artistic Director. Rich was also named Best South Florida Scenic Designer of 2001 by the Miami New Times, but is most proud to have been named a finalist for the 2003 Artist Impact Award, presented by the Miami Children’s Cultural Coalition for his work in children’s theatre.