On Oct. 29, Southeastern Grocers, parent company of Winn-Dixie, along with the Montgomery, Alabama, community, celebrated the birthday of 100-year-old Winn-Dixie associate Romay Davis on Oct. 29. The Winn-Dixie at 7946 Vaughn Road hosted an in-store birthday party with food, a live band and special surprises. The company asked that all those inspired by Davis’ accomplishments to share on social media how they made the day #RomayDavisDay.
During a time when women and people of color faced restricted rights, Davis served in World War II and graduated from New York University (NYU). Decades later, she is still blazing trails as a Winn-Dixie associate, whose job is to date products and keep the freshest items on the shelves.
Anthony Hucker, president and CEO of Southeastern Grocers, said, ”Winn-Dixie has a deeply rooted history in Montgomery, and part of our diverse story includes amazing associates like Romay Davis. As we celebrate Ms. Romay, we are moved by her unwavering dedication and strong work ethic, which inspires others to be their best. On behalf of Winn-Dixie, we salute you, Ms. Romay, for a job well done in serving your community and making a difference in so many lives over the past 100 years.”
Davis was born on Oct. 29, 1919, in King George County, Virginia. After graduating from high school, she joined the Army and served in World War II. Following the war, she moved to New York and enrolled in NYU studying education. Davis completed her degree and moved to Brooklyn, New York, where she began a career in the fashion industry as a pattern maker, designing clothes for women and children. She traveled all over the world to places like Africa and worked as a model in New York.
After 30 years in fashion, Davis decided to retire in 1982 and move to Montgomery, Alabama, with her husband. Over the next 20 years, she continued to share her time and talents by staying active, traveling and painting, as well as working with her church and volunteering for different causes, including adopting military families based in Montgomery.
After her husband passed away, Davis decided to go back to work at age 81 and was hired by Winn-Dixie in 2001. Today, at 100, she still works 20 hours a week at Winn-Dixie and drives herself to the store every day.
World War II veteran, NYU alumna, Winn-Dixie associate, Tae Kwon Do Black Belt, fashion designer, artist, model, animal lover, humanitarian, spiritual being and so much more, Davis says her secret to longevity is to eat well, don’t worry and see the good in everything and everybody.
What an amazing and accomplished woman! She definitely does NOT look 100 years old. She has aged exceptionally well. Belated birthday wishes, Miss Romay.
An incredible example of what we are all capable of……Joel