Former Winter Haven Commissioner and Mayor Honored with Official Proclamation
by James Coulter
A former city commissioner, mayor, community organizer, and lover of hats was recognized for her life, career, and achievements with an official proclamation.
At their regular meeting on Mon. Mar. 23, Winter Haven city commissioners presented an official proclamation honoring the late Eleanor “Ellie” Threlkel, who had passed away earlier this year on Sat. Feb. 14.
Threlkel served eight years on the Winter Haven City Commission, having been elected as a commissioner in 1988, re-elected in 1992, and serving until 1996. She also served as Mayor Pro Tem in 1989.
Her proudest accomplishment, among many community projects, during her time in office, was securing the Cleveland Indians for Spring Training at the Chain O’Lakes Stadium in 1992.
She served as a member of the Ridge League of Cities Board, when she became “the first elected official to receive the Ridge League of Cities Nettie Draughon Award in 1996 for her 8 years of service to the League,” her proclamation read.
She also served as a member and president of the Garden Club of Winter Haven, a member of the Junior League of Greater Winter Haven, a committee chairperson and ruling Elder at First Presbyterian Church of Winter Haven, and a board member of Good Shepherd Hospice, Florida Presbyterian Homes, and Heartland Crime Stoppers.
For her many accomplishments, she was awarded the Banker’s Cup Woman of the Year in 1984, the Girls Inc. of Winter Haven’s Julie Pope She Knows Where She’s Going Award in 1997, and the Community Service Award by the Junior League of Greater Winter Haven in 2007.
“Ellie will always be known for championing the City of Winter Haven and its employees; her ability to make people feel appreciated, her love of sports, and her HATS,” her proclamation read.
Born in Kohala, Hawaii, on June 30, 1937, Threlkel graduated from Annie Wright School in Tacoma, Washington, in 1955, and later from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1960, where she met her husband, Dr. Jim Threlkel.
Together, she and her husband moved to Winter Haven, where she became a full-time mother to three daughters, including Libby Threlkel Ray, who spoke on behalf of her mother at the commission meeting.
“My mom would be so humbled,” she told commissioners. “She loved the City of Winter Haven. She loved this community. She always wanted to make it a better place. So, while you can’t wear her hats, you can follow in her footsteps and continue to make this a better place.”
