Notable Residents

In every community, no matter how small, notable residents emerge, contributing to and changing society for the better. They’re often ordinary residents, forever changing the lives of those around them. They leave imprints on the hearts and minds of those who came to know them. They work hard to make a positive change within and for their communities, and in turn, leave a mark on the larger fabric of society. Methodist Town is no exception. It’s residents went on to become pastors, midwives, police chiefs, education board members, doctors, and professional athletes. These are their stories.

Norman Goins

Although he hails from Indianapolis, IN, Norman Goins was actually raised right in Methodist Town. Goins went on to become a professional boxer. He was the 1970 National Golden Gloves lightweight champion and the 1972 National AAU Lightweight champion.

Doug L. Jamerson Jr.

He worked at St. Petersburg College in personnel and recruiting after being elected to represent District 55 in the House of Representatives for eleven years (5.5 terms) in 1982. In 1993, Governor Lawton Chilies appointed him as the first African American to hold the title of State Commissioner of Education, but he lost the seat to Frank Brogan in the 1994 election. From 1995 to 1998 he served as the State Secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment.

Roxanna Donaldson

Roxanna Donaldson was Methodist Town's beloved midwife. She delivered many of the community's residents and children. Women would also show up at her doorstep in pain with no money, and Donaldson was always willing to help. When midwife services were discontinued in Pinellas County, Donaldson accompanied Dr. Ponder on 15 deliveries, and he then took her to the Public Health Clinic and told the staff she was ready to receive her license. She attended monthly classes at the weekly prenatal clinic in her journey to get licensed. Donaldson still wanted to help others so she became a licensed practical nurse in Jan. 1954. She served as a licensed practical nurse for five years at the Lena Anderson Reynolds Restorium.

Dr. Marilyn Fudge

Dr. Marilyn W. Fudge is the first African-American female obstetrician-gynecologist to open a private practice in St. Petersburg. The St. Petersburg native graduated from Lakewood High School in 1985. During high school, Dr. Fudge joined the marching band and became a member of the National Honor Society among other academic organizations. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida in microbiology followed by a Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Florida College of Medicine in 1998.

Methodist Town Pioneers

The Methodist Town Pioneers was an organization consisting of past Methodist Town residents who reunited and worked to represent the people of Methodist Town as well as show that they “exist” by solidifying their determination, Black Heritage, and togetherness. They organized and held their first annual reunion in June 1990.

Goliath Davis III

Goliath Davis III was raised in Methodist Town. He would grow up to become a longtime police officer, serving on the St. Petersburg Police Department for 28 years. He went on to become St. Petersburg's first African American Police Chief, a position he held from 1997-2001. He also served as St. Petersburg's Deputy Mayor alongside Rick Baker.