Ellen B. Davis

About

New World School of the Arts North Miami High School University of Miami

Ellen Davis Obituary

Ellen B Davis. The B stood for Bloch. Born in Berlin, Germany in May1927, died in Hollywood, Florida September 27, 2021. At two years old, she began her career as a model on a German magazine cover, at 8 years old she was dancing ballet on the German stage. But, antisemitism, fueled by nationalism and populism, forced her from her home and her country. At 10, she arrived in the US, grew up in Chicago, attending Goodman Theater and Northwestern, eventually completing her Master's in Theater at the University of Miami.

She appeared on theater, radio and television in Chicago, and continued after her move to Charleston, South Carolina. Always the performer, and a lover of the theater, she learned that she could actually be paid to teach theater - and a career was born. She started teaching in 1956 - arriving in Miami in 1960 where she taught theater first at North Miami High School, then North Miami Beach High, opening PAVAC (Preforming and Visual Arts Center) in Miami Dade, then began with New World School of the Arts as the first high school drama teacher. She remained there until she retired from the Dade County School Board, in 1996. She then promptly began teaching at Miami Dade College- North Campus as an adjunct Professor in the Drama Department.

Teaching was her love, with theater, her students, her many friends and her family, who adored her. She was a mother to her son and daughter, Larry Davis(Janet Krop) and Karen Pomerantz (Ron), grandchildren, Kimberly Davis (Norm), Jennifer Davis-Ginsberg, Griselda Mansey (Joel), Lainie Decker (Jim), and Ian Krop (Julie). And her eleven great-grandchildren - Abby, Emma, Baron, Britney, Briella, Baylee, Ethan, Sophie, Isaac, Gabriel, and Hunter.

Nothing would be complete without mentioning her diehard belief in democracy, Democrats, social liberties, equality and constitutional freedom.

She leaves us with a ton of her teaching and theater awards, memories to fill many lifetimes, and values of caring. She was primarily an amazing person, who nurtured all around her. She always believed in the value of the arts to improve and enhance all of us.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to theater programs in your community.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Sun-Sentinel on Oct. 3, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Ellen Davis

10 Entries

Dewey Riou NMB Class of 1981

June 20, 2025

Ellen was one of my favorite teachers of all time. I was just recalling something I quote from her often when I searched and found her obituary. While I didn't go into Theater, I passed on the love she inspired to my youngest daughters who did. I've done a lot of public speaking and Instruction throughout my career, and sometimes I still hear Ellen saying "share your voice". I learned about onomatopoeia from her love of the word "specificity". And I'll always remember "drama is for the man who feels; comedy is for the man who thinks". Rest in Peace, I know you enjoyed your final curtain call.

Judy Tecosky Fisher

May 16, 2024

Just came across this while scrolling through. What memories! Ellen Davis perpetuated talent her whole life. I know she awakened something in me. At 68 years old, I still remember every line and every motion from my first starring role in North Miami Beach high School. I played the lion in Androcles and the lion. We toured the hotels all over Miami Beach during winter break and played for the children on holiday at those hotels. It was the most exciting theater experience I ever had. I then ran into her not 5 years ago. I guess it was briefly before she passed, and she was still going strong at age 90. What a life she led. May she rest in peace. She's probably giving classes in heaven. Boy did. I love her.

Janis Roberts

September 27, 2023

Missing your humor and sparkle

Roz & Jack Reich, Grandview Neighbors

October 11, 2021

Although there are many retired teachers living here at the Grandview Condo, there are only three of us that I know of who taught at Miami Dade North Campus. Ellen was among the finest!

When you´re retired, every day is Saturday, so...For the past 20 years, we meet at the condo pool & bot tub from time to time; she always had a book in hand and a smile on her face. She was a true intellectual and inspiration. The 1/2 page article in the Miami Herald was fabulous and reminded us of how great an influence she had over so many. Bravo! Encore! . 4 stars for this Hollywood great....

May her memory be for a blessing.

Margaret (Peggy) Rathfon

October 5, 2021

It was an honor to work with and support her teaching program at NWSA. I worked there in the 90's and enjoyed so much the other employee's and their special talents. Go With God.

Marc Rohr

October 3, 2021

Larry and Karen, I was startled and sorry to see your mother´s obituary today, although fortunately she had a long life. I was a footnote therein, but I liked her very much and remember her well.
(Hey, where did all those grandchildren come from?)
Wishing you the best during these challenging times....

Julian Kruger

October 3, 2021

I´m so sorry to hear about her passing. I remember her so well. I had her for Drama in the early 80s . She was a great teacher and her class was so much fun and she was so talented and so smart. My Condolences to her family

Jonathan Tavss

September 30, 2021

Ellen was a blessing and a gift to all of us. All these years later, the image of her smiling, and memories of her passionate and loving guidance for all of us students is forever etched in my mind as a sublime model. I have always, and will continue to, cherish what she brought to our lives. Love and thanks to her family for sharing her with us.

Cheers and have fun up there with Uta, Stanislavsky and all the other theater teaching greats who had been awaiting your presence, Ellen!

Janis Seidler Roberts

September 29, 2021

I just heard the news and could not stop myself from crying. I've been wanting to get in touch and show you that I turned out okay just like you said I would. Thank you for believing in me when I couldn't believe in my self. May you rest in peace and always dance with joy in your heart. You'll forever live in my heart.

Barbara Rosenthal

September 29, 2021

Ellen was my teacher and mentor in the early 80s at NMB and the most inspiring person I had ever met. My deepest condolences to her family, may her memory be a blessing to all.

Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results