September 16, 1943 was an exciting day at the home of Willie James and Essie Mae (Brazil) DuBose, as that was the day that their only child, Otelia, was born, in Winter Haven, Florida. They adored their baby girl, hoping for her a purposeful life, not realizing the indelible mark she would someday make in the world. From her parents, Otelia learned the lesson of making a difference in other people’s lives. Considered a studious and smart student, Otelia’s friends found her to be friendly and fun to be around. She loved playing in the band at an early age and was active in her church choir, Sunday School and the BYPU at First Missionary Baptist Church, Winter Haven, Florida. Her adventurous spirit took her to many faraway lands, including South Africa, Greece, Italy, United Arab Emirates, and the Caribbean Islands.

After graduating from Jewett High School, Otelia earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Music from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Tallahassee, Florida. Pursuing excellence was second nature to her and overcoming obstacles became a part of Otelia’s signature. She went on to obtain a Master of Arts degree in Human Relations from New York University, New York, N.Y., and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Human Ecology and Master of Regional Planning degree from Cornell University, Ithaca, New York.

When Otelia commenced her professional journey, she started breaking new ground, working with coalitions of people, creating standards and teaching others. Her long, impressive career included serving in the City of Riviera Beach as its CRA Executive Director, Economic Development Officer, Acting Marina Director, Assistant to the City Manager and City Manager, For the State of Florida, Otelia made a tremendous impact in three state departments. She served as Assistant Superintendent with the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice; Director of the Office of Civil Rights, Director of the Office of Training and Development, and Inspector General for the Florida Department of Labor and Employment Security; and, District Manager and Training Manager for the Florida Department of Lottery. She also served President/CEO of the Urban League of Palm Beach County.

However, the role that seemed to bring Otelia the most satisfaction was being requested to create and direct the Palm Beach County School District’s Office of Diversity in Business Practices, in 2003. In this role, she developed a strategic plan to certify small, Minority, and women-owned businesses, and the pairing of such businesses with large, mainstream businesses to facilitate equity and fairness in grooming the businesses to become more savvy in the procurement process. Emboldened by the Florida Association of Minority Enterprise Officials (FAMBEO) Matchmaker in Tallahassee, Otelia with two other county leaders organized local leaders to bring the same caliber of event to Palm Beach County.
The flagship Matchmaker was launched in September 2007 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center where hundreds of firms attended workshops, exhibits and one-on-one appointments. Today, the Palm Beach Partners comprised of local and state governmental units continue to maximize economic development opportunities throughout South Florida, continuing its tradition of bringing together local, small, minority women-owned and disadvantaged business enterprises for training, business development and networking.

Otelia was named one of the 25 most distinguished and influential black women in South Florida, in 2010. In response to her nomination, she stated that she did not know how that happened and she did not see herself as influential, as that was “for people who are politically involved. I just do my best to get minority businesses work.” Source: Palm Beach Post.

Throughout her professional career, Otelia has been active with many organizations throughout the community including, but not limited to the MLK Committee, Coalition of 100 Black Women, Leadership Palm Beach County and Habitat for Humanity. She is a 50-year member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., being active in its West Palm Beach Alumnae Chapter. Professionally, she was a member of the International City Management Association, American Planning Association and Florida Association of Minority Business Enterprise Officials.

Otelia quietly slipped away on Easter Sunday morning, April 20, 2025. She was preceded in death by her parents, Willie James and Essie Mae DuBose. She leaves to cherish her beloved cousins, Gwen Curits Sanders (Lawrence), Lakeland, Florida, and Rhonda DuBose, Winter Haven, and an aunt, Clora
DuBose, Winter Haven, and a host of life-long friends who have been like family.