TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa Bay area has lost a trailblazer. The family of Doris Reddick says the 97-year-old lifelong educator died on Sunday.

Reddick started her career as a substitute teacher in 1947. She became the first Black woman elected to the Hillsborough County School Board in 1992 and was also the first Black woman to chair the school board. 

There is a school named in her honor in Wimauma.

Reddick’s dedication to education goes back even further. Her mother, Clemmie Ross James, also has a school named after her.

Spectrum News highlighted her storied career this year during Black History Month and talked to some of the people closest to her about her impact.

When she served on the school board, Reddick put policies in place to make sure minority businesses bidding and working with the district get a fair shake.

Her niece is now in charge of that department, and her daughter helps to keep her legacy alive.

Reddick’s funeral will be open to the public.

The viewing will be Wednesday, May 1, at Wilson Funeral Home from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. The funeral home is located at 3000 N. 29th Street in Tampa.

The funeral service will be Thursday, May 2, at 11 a.m. at Hyde Park United Methodist Church, 500 W. Platt Street in Tampa.