WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — An extraordinary milestone will be celebrated this week as Polk County woman Gertrude Williams, who currently resides in Winter Haven, turns 111 years old, marking more than a century of life, history, and connection to the community she has long called home.
Williams will be honored on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 1 p.m., during a birthday celebration at Vivo Healthcare Winter Haven, located at 2701 Lake Alfred Road. The event will bring together caregivers, residents, community members, and local leaders to recognize a life that has spanned generations.
Born on January 14, 1915, in Quincy, Florida, Williams’ story is deeply rooted in the state she has called home her entire life. Shortly after her birth, her father and eldest brother traveled to Lakeland in search of better economic opportunities. Believing they could build a stronger future there, her father soon returned to bring the rest of the family, including four other siblings, to Central Florida.
The family initially lived in a modest four-room house, but as the household grew, they later moved into a larger home to better accommodate everyone. Williams attended Washington Park High School, completing her education through the 10th grade. Her father worked the land, growing crops that helped sustain the family and instilled in his children the values of hard work and perseverance.
Throughout her adult life, Williams worked primarily as a maid and nanny, dedicating herself to caring for others. Although she married once, she did not have children of her own. Instead, she became a steady and meaningful presence in the lives of many families she served over the years.
Now a beloved resident at Vivo Healthcare Winter Haven, Williams is often described by those around her as a living piece of local history, someone who has witnessed more than a century of change while remaining deeply connected to the spirit of community.
As part of the celebration, invitations have been extended to community leaders, including Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd and the Chief of the Winter Haven Police Department, to attend in honor of Williams’ milestone. Law enforcement has long held a special place of respect in her heart, and organizers say their presence would make the day even more meaningful.
“Mrs. Williams represents the heart of our community,” said Kelly R. Terwilliger, BSW, Account Executive for Concierge Home Care. “Turning 111 is an incredible achievement, and celebrating her life alongside those who serve and protect our community reflects the values of respect, connection, and compassion that Winter Haven stands for.”
The celebration will include birthday festivities, recognition of Williams’ life story, and an opportunity for residents, staff, and guests to come together to honor a woman whose life spans from the era of World War I to the modern day, a rare and remarkable journey that continues to inspire those around her.
