Eleanor G. Davis

Mother Eleanor G. Davis affectionately known as Ann, 84, entered fully into the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ Saturday October 20, 2018 at her home in Florence SC. She was the mother of Dr. Michael Jerome Davis and Carolyn Davis. You may visit the family at the home of her sister in law Mrs. Ellen Simmons at 719 South Main St. Marion.

Wake services are scheduled to be held at the Jackson & McGill Memorial Chapel Thursday October 25, 2018, 6 pm-8 pm, Lily of The Valley OES # 264 will be in charge of rites.

Funeral services are scheduled to be held at the Centerville Baptist Church, Centenary SC Friday October 26, 2018 at 11:00 am. She will be laid to rest in the Florence National Cemetery, Florence SC.

Life Reflections 

“For now I am ready to be offered and the time of my departure is at hand.  I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith, henceforth, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing”.  ~II Timothy 4: 4-8

Eleanor Ann Gerald Davis (affectionately known as Ann) was the 6th child born to the late Rev. Arthur and Gertrude Gerald in Marion SC, Friday May 25, 1934. Safe passage according to God’s promises came Saturday morning, October 20, 2018 in the quietness of her home as she fell gently asleep and is now fully in the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ.    

Early spiritual training and Christian bonding came from her parents at Centerville Missionary Baptist Church, Centenary SC where her father ministered. 

Educational foundations came with graduation from Marion County Training School and South Carolina State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree. She matriculated to Francis Marion University where she received a Masters Degree in Education. 

Two days after her 17th birthday, she united in marriage to her High School sweetheart, the late Maj. (Ret.) for Jerome J. Davis for 60 years. To this union, two children were born: Michael and Carolyn ‘Koko!’

Upon college graduation, Ann began the next leg of her journey traveling with her husband in the United States Army, and holding down the fort whenever he was deployed.  Understanding that military life is challenging and demanding for families, she purposed in her heart to be a Stay-at-Home Mom to give her children the structure and stability that they needed.  She served her community as a Red Cross Volunteer and a Girl Scout Leader. While in St. Louis, Mo. she became a Church Secretary and was instrumental in the success of her pastor, Rev. Vincent Anderson, becoming Bishop in that district.

As her husband was preparing for retirement from the Army, Ann transitioned to the field of Education and began a career as teacher in Florence School District One Public Schools, an instructor at Florence Darlington Technical College, and as an Assistant Principal for North Vista Elementary School. 

Known among her peers as Mrs. E. Davis or Eleanor, she rendered devoted service to students of South Carolina for 30 years. Eleanor’s invaluable contributions to public education will be felt for generations. During her time as an educator, she served as Secretary at St. John A.M.E. Church in Marion SC. Upon retirement, she worked with Westat, a government agency as a Statistician. 

However, nothing gave her more joy than beginning her spiritual journey and living for Jesus!  She was “born again” in her mid to early 50’s and was also Baptized. Ann became a member of the Harvest Church of Grace where she served as Secretary/Treasurer and was ordained as a Deaconess in February of 2002.  

Ann was preceded in death by five siblings: Mary G. Davis, Martha G. Shannon, Isaac Gerald, Arthur Gerald, Jr. (aka Ata Shabazz), and Leon Gerald.

To celebrate her homegoing and cherish fond memories are: two loving children: son, Dr. Michael J. Davis of St. Paul MN, and darling daughter, Carolyn “Koko” Davis (Al) of Columbia; three grandchildren, Jeremy, Joseph and Johnmichael; two brothers: James Gerald and MacMillian Gerald; six sisters, Ruth G. Weeks, Lillian G. Milford, Pernella G. Donkor, Rosa Lee G. Pender, Alexenna G. Alexis and Theresa G. Francis; three sisters-in-law; one brother-in-law, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Eleanor G. Davis, please visit our floral store.