Family, friends and supporters of slain Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen have launched a new endowment to preserve her legacy and support her loved ones following her death.
The Nancy Metayer Endowment, announced this week, is intended to honor her commitment to resilience, equality and justice while also providing financial assistance to her immediate family as they grieve.
Organizers said the fund will help ensure stability for her loved ones in the aftermath of what they described as an “unimaginable loss,” coming just months after the Metayer family endured another tragedy.
Those behind the effort are also encouraging community members to contribute and to carry forward Metayer Bowen’s values through acts of compassion and service.
“In a moment defined by profound grief, this support is essential to ensuring the family has the space, stability, and care they need,” a press note from the endowment said.
“Those who wish to honor Nancy’s memory are encouraged to contribute and to carry forward her legacy by leading with compassion, creating space for others, and building communities rooted in inclusion and care.”
Metayer Bowen, 38, was widely regarded as a rising figure in Broward County politics. An environmental scientist by training, she was elected to the Coral Springs Commission in 2020, becoming the first Black and Haitian American woman to serve on the panel. She was re-elected without opposition in 2024 and appointed Vice Mayor later that year.
Her career included work on environmental and public health initiatives across Florida, as well as roles on local and state boards focused on sustainability, housing and civic engagement.
She was also active in Democratic politics, serving in leadership roles tied to Haitian American voter outreach and participating in presidential campaign efforts.
According to Coral Springs Police, Metayer Bowen was killed in an apparent domestic violence incident at her home on April 1. Officers conducting a wellness check found her deceased after city staff raised concerns when she failed to attend scheduled meetings and could not be reached.
Her husband, Stephen Bowen, was later taken into custody. He faces charges of premeditated murder and tampering with evidence.
In December, Metayer Bowen’s 26-year-old brother, Donovan, died by suicide after a yearslong battle with schizophrenia. He was a survivor of the Feb. 14, 2018, mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.
An outpouring of grief followed Metayer Bowen’s death, with colleagues and community leaders remembering her as a compassionate public servant and a dedicated advocate for her community.
Click here to learn more about the Nancy Metayer Endowment or to contribute.
