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Death – Obituary News : Rita Reagan, a key figure in Jacksonville’s historic preservation legacy, has passed away. She was a 25+ year neighbor, advocate, and SPAR President/Dir who led the community through challenges. Reagan’s significant impact also includes founding @NormanStudios.
Rita Reagan, key figure in Jacksonville’s historic preservation legacy, has passed away. We remember her as a 25+ year neighbor, advocate, & SPAR President/Dir who lead our community thru challenges. Her huge impact also includes founding @NormanStudios. pic.twitter.com/DDQWxklalJ
— SPAR (Springfield) (@SPARJax) August 31, 2023
Rita Reagan, a prominent figure in Jacksonville’s historic preservation legacy, has sadly passed away. Known as a dedicated neighbour, advocate, and leader, she played a crucial role in guiding our community through numerous challenges during her 25+ years of service. Rita’s tremendous impact extended far beyond her local community, as she was also the founder of Norman Studios, leaving an indelible mark on the city’s cultural landscape.
Born and raised in Jacksonville, Rita developed a deep appreciation for the city’s rich history and architectural heritage from an early age. She dedicated her life to preserving and promoting these treasured landmarks, ensuring that future generations would be able to experience the unique charm of Jacksonville’s historic neighbourhoods.
As the President and Director of the Springfield Preservation and Revitalization (SPAR) organization, Rita spearheaded numerous initiatives to protect and restore the city’s historic buildings. Her unwavering commitment and tireless efforts earned her the respect and admiration of her fellow community members, who recognized her as a passionate advocate for preserving the city’s cultural heritage.
Rita’s most significant achievement was the establishment of Norman Studios, a groundbreaking film production company that flourished during the silent film era. Under her visionary leadership, Norman Studios became a vital hub for African American filmmakers and actors, producing films that challenged racial stereotypes and provided opportunities for minority voices in the early 20th century.
Her passing leaves a profound void in our community, but Rita Reagan’s legacy will continue to inspire and guide us. Her dedication to historic preservation and her commitment to creating a more inclusive and diverse cultural landscape will forever be remembered and cherished. Jacksonville owes a debt of gratitude to this remarkable woman, whose impact on our city will be felt for generations to come..
