Essie Davis

Essie B. Davis is celebrated today and always as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, great aunt, relative and friend. She was 92 years young.
She was born in Knoxville, TN to George and Ophelia Smith. She also shared a loving relationship with her stepmother, Ethel Smith.
She met and married Lee J. Davis in 1941. They were married for 71 blessed years and resided in Cincinnati where they raised three beautiful daughters: Roberta, Bernice and Helen.
At an early age, she was baptized and became a member of Bethel Baptist Church. Later in life, she joined her husband at Wehrman Avenue Christian Church which later became United Christian Church, and upon her passing, Kemper Christian Church.
Essie is survived by her husband, Lee Davis; three children, Roberta (Owen) Carter, Bernice Davis and Helen Davis; three grandchildren, Kimberly Carter, Greg (Beverly) Carter and Kofi Davis; great-grandson, Kyle Carter; sister, Georgie Keys; brother-in-law, Henry Davis (Cleora); many nieces, nephews and step grand and great-grandchildren.
Mama, as her grandchildren fondly called her, was the back-bone of the family. She was the moral compass and beacon of light to inspire hope and success within the family. As a great homemaker, you could always count on a delicious meal and tasty baked goods from scratch.
Essie had a great sense of humor with a quick wit, as her laugh and smile were contagious. She loved to travel and enjoyed many cruises, train and road trips.
While she never had a desire to drive, Essie put in many miles on foot as an Avon representative throughout her neighborhood. As an exceptionally talented marketer in the 50’s, she could have easily been considered a trendsetter in black female entrepre-neurship.
Essie B. Davis was an awesome child of God and a symbol of happiness. She will be missed and will live forever in our hearts and memories. Job well done! Rest in peace eternally.