The City of Winter Haven proudly recognizes Mrs. Angeline Keaton Davis as a 2026 Black History Month Local Hero, honoring her lifelong service, mentorship, and continued impact on the community.
Mrs. Davis, who celebrated her 99th birthday in July 2025, was born and raised in Winter Haven’s historic Pughsville neighborhood. She attended the one-room Oak Park School before graduating from Jewett High School in the Florence Villa community. While at Jewett, she was selected as Homecoming Queen in 1945 and, due to World War II, held the title for two consecutive years. A talented pianist, she also shared her musical gifts by performing in local churches throughout the community.
She later earned a nursing degree in Miami and went on to dedicate several decades to professional service as a private duty caregiver, providing compassionate care to individuals and families throughout Winter Haven.
Beyond her professional career, Mrs. Davis has remained deeply committed to civic and volunteer service. She has been actively involved with organizations including the NAACP, the Voters League, the Polk County Citizen Review Committee, the Human Relations Committee, Polk County Schools, the Boys & Girls Club, the Winter Haven Youth Football League, and Pride of Polk County. At 99 years old, Mrs. Davis continues to inspire those around her through her wisdom, faith, and positive outlook.
A lifelong mentor to youth, she has encouraged generations of young people through civic engagement and anti-drug initiatives. Her decades of dedication were recognized in 2001 when she was named Woman of the Year by the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce. In 2019, she was also selected as a Polk County Pioneer by the Polk County Historical Society.
As Mrs. Davis often shares,
“Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you will start having positive results.”
The week of February 15, 2026, has been officially recognized as Angeline Keaton Davis Week in Winter Haven in celebration of her enduring legacy and the example she continues to set for our community.