‘Trailblazing’ former Jacksonville state legislator Betty Holzendorf dies; community pays tribute

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Former Jacksonville State Legislator Betty Holzendorf passed away Thursday morning at the age of 84.

Betty Holzendorf represented Jacksonville in the Florida House from 1988 to 1992, before making the jump to the Senate, where she served for a decade.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

She ran for mayor in 2003 and earned countless accolades during her time in public service.

“Today, our family and our city lost one of its greatest champions. Betty Holzendorf dedicated her life to public service, working for three Mayors. She served in a number of leadership positions within the Florida House of Representatives and The Florida State Senate,” Holzendorf’s son Kevin said in a statement sent to Action News Jax. “With a servant’s heart and selfless determination, she advocated fiercely for citizens and communities with the greatest needs. She will be greatly missed.”

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

Former Jacksonville State Senator Audrey Gibson told Action News Jax she knew Holzendorf as a family friend and role model as she began her own political career.

“Some people in the legislature called me like, ‘you’re like Betty Jr.’ I’m like, ‘Not quite, but I sure would like to be.’ And say things, you know, the way she said them,” Gibson said.

For Gibson, Holzendorf was a leader who spoke truth to power during a pivotal time in the state’s history, especially for African Americans.

ORIGINAL STORY: Betty Holzendorf, 1939-2024: Longtime Florida legislator who represented Duval dies at the age of 84

“It’s the era we have to think about. What she lived through. What she stood for at a time when some people wouldn’t stand up, right? What she said that other people would not say. That’s what changed this community. That’s what changed the legislature too,” Gibson said.

Other local leaders also weighed in on Holzendorf’s passing Thursday.

“Betty Holzendorf was a force in Jacksonville politics and my dear friend for more than 30 years. As a science teacher, leader in two mayoral administrations, state representative, and state senator, her trailblazing career was dedicated to public service. I will always be grateful for her commitment to community and compassion for people,” Mayor Donna Deegan said in a statement.

[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]

The condolences came in from across the aisle as well.

“Betty Holzendorf, a great legislator and a strong leader for our city, passed away today. In her time in the Florida House of Representatives and Senate; she was a passionate voice for her constituents and for the causes she held dear. I want to extend my deepest condolences to her family at this difficult time,” said State Representative Dean Black (R-Yulee) in a post on X.

Gibson said Holzendorf’s legacy will not only live on thanks to the street on the University of North Florida campus named in her honor, but also in the philosophies, hearts and minds of the leaders she inspired.

READ: ‘We need that support;’ Jacksonville Black business owners concerned with money spent elsewhere

“It’s getting really, really extra heartbreaking because they’re not here to talk to anymore, but that mean we have to step up too and make sure we carry on their legacy in the community,” Gibson said.

UNF President Moez Limayem released the following statement honoring Holzendorf:

The University of North Florida is saddened by the loss of the Honorable Betty Holzendorf, who cared so deeply for UNF and the Jacksonville community. She was a proud UNF alum, as are several of her children. Her civic leadership clearly reflected her commitment to public education, and she was a tremendous advocate and friend to UNF throughout her career, including working to secure funding for our University Center. The road leading to the center — Betty Holzendorf Drive — keeps her legacy alive on our campus. Her impact on the region has been profound, and our hearts go out to her loved ones.

—  UNF President Moez Limayem

Jacksonville City Council Member Rahman Johnson said Holzendorf was his mentor and “iconoclast:”

The word icon can’t fully describe my mentor, and friend, Senator Betty Smith-Holzendorf. She was a true force of nature. She was iconoclast!

If you haven’t had a bowl of her gumbo or anything she cooked up, for that matter, you missed a treat. Her lessons were just as filling as her food. One of her many lessons is a mantra I live by daily. “When it comes to legislation, if you haven’t read it and understood it – don’t vote for it.” That advice and her voice in my head is why you will find me at City Hall in the wee hours of the morning – reading and preparing. Because Betty said so.

You may not have always agreed with her, but you would always know where you stood with her. I will always remember her as feared and fearless. What I will remember most is that when you got to know her, she was a nurturing mother to more than just her four kids – she nurtured and mothered us all.

My heart goes out to Councilman Holzendorf, Kim, Kevin, Kessler, and King. Thank you for sharing your Betty with the world. May she take a well-deserved rest from an amazing life, and may her memory always be a blessing.

—  Jacksonville City Council Member Rahman Johnson

Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.