The world of Arts lost a big name as Maya Angelou died Wednesday morning at her home in Winston-Salem, N.C., at the age of 86. The celebrated poet, writer and activist who rose from a childhood of poverty in Arkansas to become an American literary icon will be missed by the world for centuries.

She was born in 1928 as Marguerite Johnson. She drove a streetcar in San Francisco, was a newspaper editor in Egypt and worked as a cook and a prostitute when she was a destitute single mother. She wrote television and movie screenplays, performed on the stage as a singer, dancer and actor and released an album of Calypso music.

She would be remembered as a “People’s Poet” for her raise of voice for common people in her writings. Millions of tweets and Facebook statuses were posted to remember her work and to give condolences to the family.

Ms. Angelou was busy writing and planning public appearances in her final days. She was scheduled to receive an award in Houston on Friday but canceled her appearance, citing a health emergency.

Helen Brann, Ms. Angelou's agent of close to 35 years, said the poet was in the middle of writing a new book and was in good spirits when they spoke on Tuesday.

"She sounded as she always did. She sounded vital and interested in her new book, which we were talking about," said Ms. Brann. "It's a terrific book, a memoir." The book is unfinished, Ms. Brann said.

Ms. Angelou published 36 books in her lifetime, including seven autobiographies, volumes of poetry, essay collections, cookbooks and children's books. She rose to fame in 1969 with the publication of her landmark book, "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," which explores her childhood and teenage years and delves into her struggles with rape, racial identity and sexism. It became a best seller and was nominated for a National Book Award, and remains a staple on many high-school and college curricula, selling millions of copies.

Here are some of her most famous quotes: