Ms. Katie Jones McGill

Ms. Katie Jones McGill of Brandon, FL passed away on Saturday, September 9, 2023. Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, September 23, 2023, 11:30 a.m. at Bayshore Baptist Church, 3111 W. Morrison Avenue, Tampa, FL 33629, Host Pastor Scott Stearman with Reverend Samuel L. Jones, Officiating. Interment will follow in Lakeside Historical Cemetery, 1581 S Cummings Ave, Avon Park, FL.

Ms. Katie Jones McGill, fondly known as “Ms. Katie”, was born on December 7, 1960, to James E. Jones and Rosetta Jones.  She was a native of Avon Park, and a resident of Tampa for 42 years. She was a graduate of Avon Park High School, Class of 1978 and attended Kathleen Business College.

For more than 25 years, Ms. Katie provided unparalleled opportunities and resources to thousands of women in Tampa Bay. She is best known as the driving force behind Dress for Success, Tampa Bay, first as a volunteer and then as Executive Director, helping more than 35,000 women get back on their feet with a new outlook on life. Prior to that, she spent 10 years working with the Centre for Women and, additionally, with a heart for helping people, she volunteered for 9 years with the Hillsborough County Women’s Correctional facility, and 20 years with the Crisis Center of Tampa. In every situation, Ms. Katie encouraged and empowered women to accept personal responsibility to gain economic independence.

Her strong leadership and dedication earned her numerous awards.  Some highlights of those accolades include: The MLK Foundation Community Hero Award 2023; NAACP Unsung Hero Award 2021; The Tampa Bay Lightning Community Hero Award 2017; Black G.I.R.L.S. Rock Tampa Bay 2016; and WEDU Be More Award 2015.

 Ms. Katie is preceded in death by: her parents, James E. Jones and Rosetta Jones; sisters, Margie Williams and Becky Jones-Brown (Frank); and brothers, James Jones III (Lois) and Wilbert Jones.  

She leaves to cherish her memory: her daughter, Tawanda Stukes; grandchildren, Deontae Williams, and Makayla Williams; sisters, Creasy Swain (Ham) and Ava Jones Moore; brothers, Samuel Jones Sr. (Elaine) and Harvie Jones Sr. (Antonia); Godchildren, Arlene Chambers and Michelle Gainous; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A visitation will be held on Friday, September 22, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Bayshore Baptist Church, 3111 W. Morrison Ave, Tampa, FL 33629.

In Lieu of Flowers please send donations to: 

Dress for Success, Tampa Bay:

https://tampabay.dressforsuccess.org/getinvolved/donate/, 

Working Women of Tampa Bay

http://workingwomenfoundation.org/, 

Tampa Bay American Heart Association

https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/HeartTampaBay 

Arrangements entrusted to RAY WILLIAMS FUNERAL HOME, Rhodes & Northern, Owners. http://www.raywilliamsfuneralhome.com