I never met newspaper pioneer and Star-Banner writer Frances DeVore. But I've gotten a sense of her personality by reading her "That Reminds Me" columns.

I never had the chance to thank her for having the courage to step up and fight inequities in the news industry at a time when most women were not working outside of the home.

Everyday I walk through the Star-Banner halls I see awards on the walls with her name on them or in honour of her. I'm reminded of her commitment to the craft of journalism - especially since she helped form what is known today as the Florida Press Club - and her community, which she expressed through her involvement in the Ocala Civic Theatre, the Southeastern Youth Fair and other organizations.

All this time I just knew the name and how great an impact the person having this name had on Ocala, journalism in the state of Florida and beyond. I never took the opportunity to say thank you, until now.

I thought a journalism-related opportunity would present itself, allowing us to meet. I thought I'd have more time, but Frances died Wednesday at the age of 92.

So I wanted to take this opportunity to thank Frances for her strength, perseverance and willingness to help others. If it wasn't for her and other women like her, young women in the newspaper industry - including myself - would not be where we are today. We walk the path that Frances and others helped pave.

DeVore's influence resonated beyond the borders of Marion County, like other pioneering women who came before her.

I would like to pay homage to a few of my "sheros" in journalism and in the community on the local and national level. The first is a woman who wouldn't take no for an answer, no matter what language you said it in.