Faye was born in Tampa to the late Faye and James Ward in December 1940. She graduated from Jefferson High School in 1958 and was a member (Student #27) of the charter class of the University of South Florida, where she received both a Bachelor’s (1963) and Master’s degree (1974) in Education. She married Robert “Bobby” Pages on August 18, 1962 and they would have celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary this August. She was part of the Hillsborough County school system for over 40 years – as a teacher at Broward Elementary, a guidance counselor at both Chiaramonte Elementary and Carrollwood Elementary, an Assistant Principal at Grady Elementary, and, finally, as a Principal, both at Grady and then at Lake Magdalene Elementary. She remained at Lake Magdalene for 14 years before retiring. She was a dedicated member of Forest Hills Presbyterian Church for over 25 years, where she served as a Church Elder and served on the personnel committee. She also loved attending the Spanish club at church and really enjoyed this group.
In her years as an educator, Faye was a mentor to so many and a pillar of the community. She took great pride in all of her students, teachers and staff and her positive attitude and supportive nature touched countless lives. She was so proud of the school and all those who were part of it and was honored, while at Lake Magdalene, to receive Principal of the Year in 1994. Under her leadership, Lake Magdalene went on to win multiple awards and she attributed this to her staff and teachers, many of whom went on to be principals and administrators themselves. She truly embodied Jesse Stuart’s philosophy on education, “I am firm in my belief that a teacher lives on and on through [her] students. Good teaching is forever and the teacher is immortal.”
Faye was an avid reader and passed her love of books on to her children, grandchildren, and students. She loved football, especially Gator games. She would often travel to Gainesville with Bobby, her sister Pati, and her brother-in-law Wayne for football weekends while her daughters were at the University of Florida. She continued this tradition with her grandchildren, including attending Bucs games, as she and Bobby were season ticket holders since the Bucs inaugural season. She loved to vacation with Bobby, her children, and grandchildren, especially summer visits to Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, GA and their annual tradition of going to Treasure Island for their family beach week. She was immensely proud of her grandchildren and would boast about them to anyone and everyone who would listen. She was devoted to her husband Bobby, whom she met in Tampa at the Armory Cigar Ball dance in 1959. Her love for her family was known to all and her greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren. Her strong faith in God was a guiding principle and a comfort to her and her family throughout their lives.
Faye is survived by her loving husband, Bobby Pages; her two daughters Lisa (Sarah) Pages and Gina (Fred) Tort; her sister, Pati Ward (Wayne) Williamson; her triplet granddaughters Chloe, Elise, and Lea, her honorary granddaughter Kate, and her grandson Jake.
As you know, due to COVID-19, Forest Hills Presbyterian Church remains closed and the Celebration of Life service for Faye will be a private service. However, we want everyone to be able to participate so we will post a link to the recorded service on this website on Saturday, August 22nd.
There will also be a short graveside service on Friday, August 21, 2020 at 3pm at Garden of Memories. All are welcome with masks required.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Faye’s memory to Forest Hills Presbyterian Church for the Faye Pages Memorial Fund at, 709 W Linebaugh Ave, Tampa, FL 33612. Faye was so humbled before her retirement when Lake Magdalene Elementary School dedicated a pavilion in her name and the family would like to use this fund for a permanent tribute to Faye at this pavilion.
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.”
Jeremiah 29: 11-13
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