“If you don’t work in your community, it’ll rise up to hurt you.”
By Kristen Hernandez
Pompano Beach, FL — Annie Adderly Gillis was a local pioneer, a lover of fancy decorative headpieces, and one of the original residents of Pompano Beach, moving here in 1934.
Through Gillis’ bloodline of seven children, 29 grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren and 42 great-great-grandchildren, she is the matriarch of many of the current and future leaders of northwest Pompano Beach.
Gillis’ legacy was cemented within her beloved community on Sunday, April 28, 2024, at her namesake park — Annie Adderly Gillis Park, located at 601 Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd, where the city of Pompano Beach presented a special plaque dedication ceremony in front of Gillis’ family, friends and neighbors.
“You must know her to love her,” said Gillis’s granddaughter and Pompano Beach city commissioner, Beverly Perkins. “Before you wonder why this park was chosen to dedicate to Annie… a park that has a lot of drugs and known to be a homeless hang out…it’s because Annie didn’t mind. But we do. Now that the incredible rebuild is complete, Annie Adderly Gillis Park will soon have a brand-new parking lot that will extend over to 7th Avenue, making it more accessible.”
Gillis passed away at 98 years old on February 20, 2011. The city of Pompano officially dedicated the park to Gillis later that same year. But the passive park needed a makeover first.
The CRA first gave the grounds a tremendous $1.4 million dollar facelift in 2022, and transformed the space into a functional, tranquil park. The Covid-19 pandemic further delayed installation of the dedication plaque, which gives visitors a peek into the remarkable life of Pompano’s historic figure.
Combating the issue of safety was the primary focus of the park’s renovation. A large portion of the overhaul went into adequate lighting and security features that include live surveillance monitoring. The park now features interactive exercise equipment, walking trails, shade installations, and a space for special events and food trucks. There is also a dedicated space for the city’s annual Light Up MLK holiday celebration, which is where Gillis lit the tree during the city’s first event.
“Mom was selfless and had a huge heart,” said Gillis’ son, Ralph Adderly, known to family and friends as Uncle Ralph, before the dedication plaque was unveiled. “She was special.
She witnessed so much history through socio and economic changes in her 77 years as a Pompano citizen. She was one of the first black women to ever drive a car in the city. And she believed voting was a duty. She was a God-fearing believer, too.”
Uncle Ralph spoke about the flood of 1948 that submerged much of the northwest district, leaving residents stranded and desperate for food and water.
“It was mom who took our family boat and sailed past this very park. She brought resources to stranded neighbors and helped to rescue some off their roof tops.”
The park dedication plaque features Gillis wearing one of her stunning handmade headpieces. Twenty years ago, Annie started creating her own hats, scarves and headpieces by recreating replicas of couture hats she’d see in fashion magazines. In almost every photo of Gillis she wore her own creation, and often sold them to family and friends for no profit.
“Grandma was a big believer that wearing a headpiece of any kind will keep out negative thoughts,” said Perkins, who is frequently seen wearing her own fancy hat. “When in doubt, she’d say, ‘pray about it’. Does everyone have their Bible?”
Perkins held up a tiny pocket Bible and all of Gillis’ relatives whipped out their own. Gillis taught her children to volunteer and work within their community. She believed that “if you don’t work in your community, it’ll rise up to hurt you.”
In addition to raising her large family, Gillis provided clothing for the needy, had a lifelong dedication to the church, worked 15 years as an election poll worker, served as former president of Heroines of Jericho, held an acting membership within Eastern Stars, served with Christian Pallbearers for over 70 years, was Class Mother to the Blanche Ely High School Class of 1960, and collected elephant figurines.
“Do y’all remember those ‘lucky’ elephants?” asked Uncle Ralph, addressing the extended family members. “She loved and collected them. When she passed, there were over 200 laying all around the family pictures. Her last message was to be strong and courageous.”
Discover more from Villij News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
