Reba Faye Williams Cook

Reba's educational journey began with earning an Associate in Arts degree from Florida College in 1954, followed by a Bachelor of Science degree from Abilene Christian University in 1956. Throughout her career, she served in numerous paid and volunteer roles, demonstrating her versatility and dedication.

Reba's professional journey started in education, where she served as an instructor in Music, Art, and Humanities at Florida College in Temple Terrace, FL. Decades later, she returned to the college to serve in the dual administrative roles of Community Relations Director and Grants Writer. Her career in public service and community engagement continued with appointments as the Executive Director at the Life Enrichment Senior Center and Legislative Assistant to Florida Senator Helen Gordon Davis. She also held significant positions at the Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute, serving as the Acting Director of Community Affairs and Conference Coordinator for the Department of Law and Mental Health. Additionally, she served as the Executive Director of the Mental Health Association of Hillsborough County and the Public Information Officer for the Tampa Housing Authority. As the newly appointed Administrator of the Franklin Street Mall in downtown Tampa, she was tasked with revitalizing the heart of the city, and with the help of many others, she accomplished that task.

Reba's passion for the arts was evident in her personal pursuits. She was a gifted musician, excelling as a vocalist, pianist, and violinist. Her talents extended to the visual arts, where she mastered painting, drawing, sculpture, and illustrations for books. Her artistic skills added depth to her professional endeavors and enriched her personal life.

Reba was actively involved in numerous community organizations, demonstrating her commitment to various causes and leadership roles. She served on the Board of Directors for the American Cancer Society, where she held the position of Legislative Chairperson. Additionally, she was a dedicated member of Altrusa International, Inc., serving as Vice President. Her contributions to the arts community were evident through her role as Historian on the Board of Directors for the Florida Orchestra Guild.

In the realms of education and business, she was a key member of the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, specifically on the Education KIDS Executive Board. She was also involved with LifePath Hospice, serving on their Advisory Board and handling Public Relations. Her expertise in fundraising was showcased through her membership in the National Society of Fund Raising Executives, Tampa Chapter.

Her philanthropic efforts extended to Project GRACE, where she served on the Executive Board, and she was a prominent figure in the Tampa North Rotary Club, serving as President. Locally, she was actively involved with the Chamber of Commerce in Temple Terrace and the Temple Terrace Women's Club, further solidifying her dedication to community service and leadership.

Survivors include her daughter, Kimberly Cook Jones (Joel); son, Joel Cook (Melinda); brother, Norvel Williams (Peggy); grandchildren, Jason Montana Jones (Melissa Linn), Josiah Christopher Jones (Armindy), Caitlin Elon Moyer (Caleb), Kelton Donovan Jones, Spencer Cook (Amanda), Veronica Cook, Kelton Donovan Cook and Awbrey Cook; and great-grandchildren, Benjamin, Zachary and Melody Jones, Eliana Elon, Zakharah-Li Letobah and Zeruiah Ruby Moyer, and Clark and Arwen Cook.

A celebration of Reba's life will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, March 8, 2025, at the University Church of Christ building, located at 14314 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 33613.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any of the Florida College Scholarships related to music, such as chorus, voice, piano, or string ensemble.