Born

Sunday, July 25, 1920

Died

Friday, June 19, 2009

Obituary

Amelia B. Coward lived a life of service not only to her community but also to her country as a devoted wife and life partner of Colonel James Smith Coward (1918-2003), a highly decorated 30-year member of the United States Air Force.  Together they were stationed around the world and on home soil as wars were waged and the first moon and space missions took place.  Her indomitable spirit was a beacon for that era as was the extraordinary graciousness which was her trademark throughout her life.

Mrs. Coward was awarded the distinguished Florida Woman of Achievement Award in 1990 for her leadership in the arts by the Florida Federation of Women’s Clubs at their annual meeting held at the Hyatt Regency in Tampa. The Clearwater Community Woman’s Club nominated her for the award citing her active involvement as a motivator in the cultural arts for the previous 24 years.  She served as president of the Board of Directors of the Florida Gulf Coast Art Center in Belleair from 1987 to 1992, which is now known as the Gulf Coast Museum of Art and situated in Largo.  Also during that period she held the position of trustee administrator while the board was seeking a new executive director.  She was at the helm of this respected and notable education and exhibition facility which stood in the forefront of Florida’s cultural art establishment, and guided it into its future expansion for the greater benefit of the citizens of Florida and its visitors.

Prior to her involvement with the Florida Gulf Coast Art Center, Mrs. Coward was continuously involved in other areas of community service, and provided outstanding leadership and support with her dedication and commitment to excellence in all areas of her involvement.  She served as president of the Abilities Guild, the American Cancer Society, the Clearwater Community Woman’s Club and the Fine Arts Society.  She also chaired many committees and volunteered her services to the Family Counseling Service, the Volunteers in Preservation, the YWCA, and Neighborly Senior Services’ Meals on Wheels, a program which her husband created.

One of her favorite pursuits was traveling to foreign countries, which she and “The Colonel” explored up into their 80’s with long stays in France and Italy, and cruises to Alaska, China and North Africa, most often accompanied by their beloved dog Misty.

Born in Tampa, Florida, in 1920, Midge Coward developed her talents and skills very early in life as a member of the family whose activities were largely orchestrated around its prominent citrus business.  She arrived in Pinellas County in 1970 when her husband retired from the Air Force, and together they immersed themselves in community service through organizations which seek to draw from the good of the community and provide a better quality of life for all.  For many years they lived in a water-front home on Indian Rocks Beach where they enjoyed the quiet life of sailing, family and friends.  In 2003 she moved to Belleair Bluffs, fulfilling a plan which she and her husband had set prior to his death.  She was a member of Peace Memorial Presbyterian Church, Belleair Country Club and Clearwater Yacht Club, and is survived by their three children, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.