Fund created to honor legacy of slain Coral Springs vice mayor as community prepares for Friday services
Coral Springs, Florida – As the community of Coral Springs, Florida continues to process the sudden loss of Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer, preparations are now underway to honor her life in both public ceremony and long-term legacy. Family, friends, and civic leaders are coming together during a deeply emotional period, marked by grief but also by a strong effort to preserve the values she stood for.
A central part of that effort is the creation of the Nancy Metayer Endowment, a permanent fund established by her loved ones to carry forward her lifelong commitment to resilience, equality, justice, and environmental stewardship. The endowment is designed not only as a memorial, but as an active source of support for causes that reflected her work in public service and science.
Metayer’s death on April 1 has left a profound impact across the city. Authorities have said she was killed by her husband, Stephen Bowen, a case that has shocked residents and sparked wider conversations about domestic violence and community support systems. While the legal process continues, those who knew her are focusing on remembering her contributions rather than the circumstances of her passing.
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She was widely regarded as a passionate and steady voice in local government. In 2020, Metayer made history when she became the first Black and Haitian American woman elected as a commissioner in Coral Springs, Florida. Her leadership earned her re-election in 2024, and later that year she was appointed vice mayor, a role that reflected the trust she had built within the community.
Beyond politics, Metayer had a strong academic and professional background in environmental science. She worked extensively in areas such as water quality, public health, and disaster response—fields that often require both technical expertise and a deep understanding of community needs. Colleagues often described her as someone who bridged science and service in a meaningful way.
Her educational journey took her through two respected institutions: Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and Johns Hopkins University. She later expanded her influence through service on multiple local and national boards focused on sustainability, equity, and civic engagement, reinforcing her reputation as a leader committed to long-term community impact.
As the city prepares for its final farewell, a public viewing and Celebration of Life are scheduled for Friday, April 17, at Church by the Glades, located at 400 Lakeview Drive in Coral Springs. The viewing will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., followed by the Celebration of Life beginning at 12:30 p.m. The service will also be live-streamed, allowing those unable to attend in person to participate.
In honor of cultural and family wishes, attendees are asked to avoid wearing shades of red, burgundy, or purple. The family has also requested that no photos or videos be taken inside the sanctuary, emphasizing privacy and respect during the service.
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support both the new endowment and provide financial assistance to Metayer’s immediate family. The effort has gained attention as the community also reflects on another recent tragedy within the family, following the earlier loss of their youngest son, Donovan.
City officials have encouraged residents attending Friday’s service to remember Metayer not only in mourning, but through action. They have urged the community to carry forward her legacy by serving with compassion, creating space for others, and continuing efforts to build a more inclusive and sustainable future for Coral Springs.
