JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Duval Democrats on Thursday announced the death of Betty Holzendorf, a former Florida lawmaker from Jacksonville.
She was 84.
“One of our city’s legendary leaders and proudest Democrats, former State Senator Betty Holzendorf, has passed today. Words cannot express the deepest gratitude and honor we have for her dedicated service to our community,” the group said in a social media post. “A fierce advocate for education, affordable housing, healthcare, and the re-nourishment of the beaches, Betty always exuded integrity, a fighter spirit, and a love for our city.”
A fierce advocate for education, affordable housing, healthcare, and the re-nourishment of the beaches, Betty always exuded integrity, a fighter spirit, and a love for our city. 2/ pic.twitter.com/33wFRaXQKt
— Duval County Democratic Party (@DuvalDEC) February 29, 2024
Holzendorf grew up in Jacksonville and attended Edward Waters College, Atlanta University and the University of North Florida. She received her Bachelor of Science, Master of Arts in Biochemistry and Master of Education Administration.
Her legacy was also remembered on UNF’s campus and the university’s president released a statement.
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
“She was an icon. She cared deeply about her community. She put her words to actions, and she didn’t mince her words,” Former Senator Audrey Gibson said, remembering her friend.
Gibson said she’s holding onto nuggets of wisdom she learned from Holzendorf now that she’s gone.
“I remember, she says, ‘If you can’t eat the food, their food, and enjoy a beverage then and vote against them, you shouldn’t be here.’ If that makes any sense. If you understand what I’m saying. So it’s like, you can have relationships. But when you have to say no to support your community, that’s what you have to do. And that’s what she did.”
In the 1960s, Holzendorf was an administrative aide to the late Jacksonville Mayor Jake Godbold.
Holzendorf served in the Florida House from 1988-1992 and in the Florida Senate from 1992-2002. She ran for Jacksonville Mayor in 2003 but was defeated by Republican John Peyton.
Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan released a statement on Holzendorf’s passing as well, saying, “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.”
She was married to King Holzendorf, a former Jacksonville councilman. They had four children and four grandchildren.
Gibson said her friend had a big heart and deeply cared about people.