Anna Magnolia Pinellas

Anna Magnolia Davis Pinellas, was the only child born to Rev. Alfred and Anna Thomas Davis, in Washington, D. C. on Wednesday, February 3, 1937. She was lovingly referred to by many names (“Nolia”, “Anna P.”, “Auntie”, “Momma Anna”, “Grandma Anna”, and “Maggie”) and would affectionately answer to them all. Anna, a native Washingtonian, was educated in the D.C. Public Schools. She attended Dunbar High School, graduated in 1954 and began studies at American University participating in plays with the Drama Club. Anna was baptized at an early age, first attending her father’s church singing solos sitting on his lap at age five. As a youth she sang with the Royal Echoes and joined Mt. Airy Baptist Church in D.C. She and her mother were active members of Naomi Chapter No. 9, Georgiana Thomas Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star, Prince Hall Affiliated. Anna's competence and dedication awarded her the position of Grand Lecturer. When Anna was hired immediately because of her excellent clerical skills. While working and studying for the next test for a promotion, her boss told her she would never make it out of the GS-4 Secretarial Pool. Anna did not bite her tongue and told her, “We’ll see about that!” That determination brought Anna a lifetime of success in her endeavors. She worked for The Peace Corps, the Office of Maryland’s Governor Marvin Mandel’s D. C. Office and other state, county, and city employment opportunities. Attending a reunion of a friend who had moved to MD from Fort Pierce, Florida, Bob Youman introduced Anna to Louis Pinellas, Sr., who was visiting from Kissimmee. A new chapter began and a Florida to Maryland courtship ensued which culminated in marriage on March 21, 1981. Mrs. Anna M. Pinellas soon gained employment which led to obtaining Federal and State Grants to improve local commercial, residential, and governmental properties in Kissimmee. There was opposition, but Anna faced the challenges and overcame. In the process, she founded the Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration Committee in 1990 that resulted in the Annual Events celebrating his birthday with Programs and Banquets. The name was later changed to Osceola Visionaries, Inc., which continues to recognize the accomplishments of local African-American residents, in addition to awarding scholarships to high school graduates. Anna’s faith in God was strong. She became a member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church and worked there as Secretary. When Louis, Sr. suffered a stroke his recuperation team consisted of his medics and the loving care from his wife, until he passed. As time progressed, Anna joined St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church and worked as a delegate and Church Secretary until she retired, passing the mantle to Sister Judy Anderson. In 2002, Anna retired as Director of the Housing and Grants Office, Osceola County Board of County Commissioners, Special Assistant to the County Manager. Many first time home buyers benefitted as well as low to moderate income families. Anna continued to be active serving on several Boards of Directors. She also was a Life Member of and was elected President of the Osceola County Branch 5121 National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). As the mental and cognitive decline progressed and the rehab stays became more frequent, Anna insisted that she would remain at home and made that quite clear to her Maryland and Florida families and close friends. On January 17, 2023, the day after the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday, Anna slipped away in her sleep, in her bed, in her home, her way. Anna was preceded in death also by her aunts: Elizabeth Kelsey, Elma Sykes, Mary Larkin; uncle: Cleotha Thomas; 1st Cousins, Erthea Gains, Dorothy Elaine Turner, 1st cousin-in-law, Alfred R. Turner, Jr., and 2nd cousin-in-law, Roland Young, Sr.; Daughter, Janice P. Knox and Husband Albert ; Son, Dr. Xavier Pinellas. Those whom Anna leaves to cherish her fond memory are:1st Cousins, Bernice Pitts(Herbert); Loretta Lee; Paul Sykes, Diane Kelsey, Eddie Kelsey, Darlene Sawyer (Mike), Ruby Maria Henderson(Hal); Floretta Caudle; 2nd cousins-Brian Pitts; Otis White, Jr.; Maria White-Young; Ron White(Zhanna); Penny White-Jacks, Hassan Turner(Taquila); Harold Shepherd, Juanita Brown, David Shepherd. The Kissimmee Family: Granddaughter Dr. Telva Miller and her husband Mark Miller, devoted daily caregivers; Daughters-Paula E. Pinellas King, Wendell Pinellas; Sons-Louis C. Pinellas, Jr.(Annie), Dwight Pinellas, Stanley Pinellas, and Octavious Pinellas; Grandson, Tito Paul(Tamara)-Ohio; Granddaughters, Dorthea Hardee, Janice Sharon (Shawn), Renita King, Patrice Childs; Two Godsons-Bill Ellison, Robert “Bebop” Tyler; Two special 60+year Sister-Friendships-Rev. Dr. Arlene H. Churn and Dr. Ann Y. Tyler; a host of step-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, other relatives, friends and colleagues.

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Anna Magnolia Pinellas

February 3, 1937 - January 17, 2023