Annette Cozart, passed away on Wednesday, March 27, 2024. She was traveling to a scheduled doctor’s appointment, collapsed, and could not be revived.
She was a remarkable person who consistently gave more than she received. Annette became part of the SAM family in 2017 as a Time Change Coach in Missouri. She was a key member of the DESE MLDS team that created a seamless set of supports for school leaders in Missouri, arguably the best system in the nation.
Remembrance cards and letters can be sent to Jeff and the family at this address:
The Cozort Family
759 E Gallup Hill Road
Nixa, MO 65714
In lieu of flowers, plants, etc. the family is establishing the Annette Cozort Memorial Rural Educator Scholarship through the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, PO Box 8960, Springfield, MO 65801. Donations may be sent by mail or to an online link which will be made available soon.
Annette’s service information is at this link:
https://www.fohnfuneralhome.com/obituary/carol-bowen-cozort
We thought you might like to read what Annette shared when asked by her Nixa community to say a few words about herself. When asked about the greatest challenge she has faced, she replied:
Life always has challenges! One of the most important lessons I have learned in my family and work with schools, is to listen, communicate clearly, work it out, and forgive each other. Be kind and respectful with each other knowing that every person has their own story that has shaped them into who they are at this moment. Often, we don’t know what the other person is going through, so seek to understand first, then show compassion and kindness. Every day we are given is a fresh start!
Hello! I am honored to be asked to participate in the Faces of Nixa! I am a person of faith, a life-long learner and strive to live each day with purpose. I am blessed to be married to my best friend Jeff, a mom, Nonni, sister, aunt, educator and volunteer. My husband and I met, married and reside in Nixa. My career choice is education and have spent 35+ years doing what I love- I am a very proud educator! My career in teaching started at the elementary level and then moved into administration for fifteen years, followed by serving as a leadership specialist at Missouri State University where I currently serve. During my time as a school administrator, we moved from Nixa to live in the communities I served. My full circle happened four years ago when we returned to Nixa and built our home near our family. We love the SW Missouri area, our community, church, and the beautiful Ozarks!
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My husband and I are the proud parents of two adult children and their families – our three beautiful grandchildren. I always wanted a large family, and when I met my husband, that wish came true! Growing up in Nixa, my husband is one of eight siblings, with six of the siblings still residing here with families of their own! My hometown is Cassville located south of Nixa in the beautiful Ozark’s Table Rock Lake area. My parents had two daughters, so I have one sister and her wonderful family. My parents still reside in Cassville on their farm, so going “home” is always a treat! Any time we can get family time, it is precious time spent together! Between both sides of our families, I believe if we counted we would easily have more than 60 in just our immediate family! Fun times!
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
As an educator, I taught for sixteen years with four of those years spent teaching at Espy Elementary in Nixa, followed by fifteen years of serving as a principal in schools around the southwest region before retiring for three weeks in 2015. At that time, I started serving as a leadership specialist for school leaders for the 95 school districts in our southwest region, employed by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education at the state level and Missouri State University. This role began after being contacted by our state education office asking for help to design content and training to support school principals to provide coaching, and mentoring to help build capacity and growth for school leaders in their leadership journey to reduce the high numbers of turnover happening in our state. My role takes me to visit area schools offering support, coaching and training in all areas of leadership. The Missouri Leadership Development System -MLDS was developed and now supports more than 1200 school leaders across the state, with more than 300 in our region. It is rewarding to give back, share my experiences, and provide support for leaders who are often in isolated roles. The results show leaders who are supported stay in their leadership roles longer, which in turn benefits our children and the communities they serve. I love this role and am so proud of our area schools!
Q: How long have you lived or worked in Nixa?
8 years total for me, childhood plus for my husband
Q: What are some of your favorite hobbies/passtimes?
Being outside, flowers, nature, the lake, and time with family and friends!
We love to travel and hope to explore more soon!
Q: What has been a challenge you have had to overcome? (Work, Life, School, etc)
Life always has challenges! One of the most important lessons I have learned in my family and work with schools, is to listen, communicate clearly, work it out, and forgive each other. Be kind and respectful with each other knowing that every person has their own story that has shaped them into who they are at this moment. Often, we don’t know what the other person is going through, so seek to understand first, then show compassion and kindness. Every day we are given is a fresh start!
Q: Who has been a hero in your life?
My parents! They taught me the importance of faith and trust, to work hard, and to love big!
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you (Even for friends or family)?
I am a pretty open book, and this is not that interesting but I love to stay up late at night when it is totally quiet. I read and pray a lot at night!