Louise Jones Gopher

BRIGHTON - Louise Jones Gopher of the Brighton Seminole Indian Reservation passed away Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2016 in Tampa. Born May 25, 1945 in Fort Pierce to Willie Jones and Flora Tiger Jones, she was born and raised at traditional Seminole Camps in Fort Pierce. She only spoke Creek when her father enrolled her in elementary school in Fort Pierce. Her enrollment was a source of controversy as the school system was still segregated. Ms. Gopher moved to Brighton full-time in the 1970's, where she resided until her passing. She was a highly regarded Tribal elder, education advocate and cultural icon. She retired from the Seminole Tribe of Florida as its education director. Prior to serving as the director, she was a language instructor and education counselor. She was instrumental in the development of the Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School at Brighton. Following her retirement, she worked with the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum and the Tribe's cultural preservation programs collecting oral histories from elders in their native language. She was the first female member of the Seminole Tribe of Florida to earn a college degree. She is a graduate of Dan McCarty High School, Indian River Community College and Florida Atlantic University. In 2014, Florida State University granted her an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters. She was a recognized authority and author on tribal history and cultural preservation. She was a frequent public speaker and delivered commencement addresses at Indian River Community College, Florida Atlantic University and Florida State University. The Palm Beach Post recognized Ms. Gopher as one of the 100 outstanding citizens who have made a difference in people's lives during the 20th Century. In 2007, she received Florida State University's prestigious Westcott Award for her extraordinary loyalty, advocacy and support. In 2014, Governor Rick Scott honored her by appointing her to the Florida Women's Hall of Fame. She was a cattle owner at Brighton for over 30 years and helped found the Florida Seminole Cattlewomen's organization. She loved traveling and working with seniors. She was a member of the All Family Ministries, where she served as treasurer. She sang with the Native Voices singing group, an outreach ministry of the church that sang traditional religious hymns in the Creek language. Mrs. Gopher was preceded in death by her parents, Willie Jones and Flora Tiger Jones; husband, Charlie Gopher; and her son, Patrick Jones. She is survived by her daughters, Rita Gopher and Carla Gopher-Rodriguez (Lalo), all of Brighton; five grandchildren, Tallbird Pewo, Michael Garcia, Erik Garcia, Ila Trueblood and Sebastian Cypress; her sister, Addie Osceola of Brighton; and companion, Marvin Osceola of Brighton. Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 18, 2016 at Ortona Cemetery with Pastor Bill Blomberg of All Family Ministries officiating. Those wishing to leave a message of condolence may sign the register book at www.OkeechobeeFuneralHome.com All arrangements are entrusted to the direction and care of the Buxton & Bass Okeechobee Funeral Home, 400 North Parrott Avenue, Okeechobee, Florida, 34972.