Alabama Winn-Dixie worker celebrates 100th birthday today (and she’ll drive herself to work)

Published 10:20 am Tuesday, October 29, 2019

An Alabama Winn-Dixie is celebrating the 100th birthday of a store worker with a birthday party and celebration of her amazing life.

Southeastern Grocers, parent company of Winn-Dixie, along with the Montgomery community are celebrating the 100th birthday of Winn-Dixie associate Romay Davis.

Winn-Dixie will celebrate the centennial’s milestone with an in-store birthday party and asks that all those inspired by Ms. Romay’s accomplishments and zest for life celebrate her 100 years by sharing on social media how they will make today a #RomayDavisDay.

Throughout her amazing life, Ms. Romay, as she is lovingly called, has broken barriers and shattered glass ceilings by challenging society’s limiting beliefs. During a time when women and people of color faced restricted rights, Ms. Romay served in World War II (WWII) and graduated from New York University (NYU).

Decades later, Ms. Romay is still blazing trails with an incredible story of inspiration, as a Winn-Dixie associate, who’s job is to date products and keep the freshest items on the shelves. At the age of 100, she continues to pour positive energy into customers and the community with her vibrant spirit, warm personality and sharp outlook.

“Winn-Dixie has a deeply rooted history in Montgomery, and part of our diverse story includes amazing associates like Romay Davis,” said Anthony Hucker, President and CEO of Southeastern Grocers. “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 one hundred years.”

Ms. Romay was born on Oct. 29, 1919 in King George County, Virginia.

Her happy and loving upbringing is evident in her love for life and giving nature. After graduating from high school, Ms. Romay joined the Army and courageously served in WWII.

Following the war, she moved to New York and enrolled in NYU studying education. Ms. Romay completed her degree and moved to Brooklyn, New York where she began a rewarding and successful career in the fashion industry as a Pattern Maker, designing clothes for women and children.

Ms. Romay traveled all over the world to places like Africa and experienced many once-in-a-lifetime opportunities including working as a model in New York.

After 30 years in fashion, Ms. Romay decided to retire in 1982 and move to Montgomery, Alabama with her loving husband. Over the next 20 years, Ms. Romay 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, Ms. Romay decided to go back to work at the young age of 81 and was hired by Winn-Dixie in 2001. Today, the fascinating pioneer of her time turns 100 and she still works 20 hours a week at Winn-Dixie, and drives herself to the store every day.

Ms. Romay is a loyal and proud store associate, and the neighborhood grocer is even more honored to have her on the team.

The Montgomery community, along with family and friends, are invited to celebrate this special day at the Winn-Dixie located at 7946 Vaughn Road. Guests will be treated to a special celebration of Ms. Romay’s life including delicious food, a live band, special surprises and more.

The party will be from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. today at the Winn-Dixie Store #448 – 7946 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, AL 36116

Those both near and far are encouraged to share how they will make the most of each day in honor of Ms. Romay’s birthday. The grocer is asking everyone to share how Ms. Romay’s 100 years of positive contributions to the world inspires them to make today their #RomayDavisDay and live life to the fullest. The social media posts will be shared with Ms. Romay during her birthday celebration.

Visit www.facebook.com/winndixie to share birthday messages with Ms. Romay leading up to her big day or share on social media using the following hashtags: #RomayDavisDay #CheersTo100Years

World War II Veteran, NYU alumni, Winn-Dixie associate, Tae Kwon Do Black Belt, fashion designer, artist, model, animal lover, humanitarian, spiritual being, student of life and so much more, Ms. Romay’s life continues to speak to her persistence, positive energy and honest hard work.

Her secret to longevity is simple – eat well, don’t worry and see the good in everything and everybody.

Ms. Romay Davis, the world sees the good in you. Cheers to 100 years…and many more!