Precious Davis

Her Birth Over One Hundred Years Ago… a precious little girl was born on October 17, 1924 in Jonestown, Mississippi. She was given the name PRECIOUS. She became the eldest of Thirteen (13) siblings: Solomon, Walter, Jr., Mariah, Sarah, Estella, Moses, Arthur, Gussie, (James, Caleb, Aaron, John “passed away as infants”). Their parents, Walter and Estella Black heritages were from the Blackfoot and Cherokee Nations, respectively. Walter Black’s tribe, the Blackfoot Nation, would dye their moccasins black using the ashes of fires and are historically known for being an incredibly powerful and prominent tribe. Estella’s tribe, The Cherokee Nation, are still the largest and most intellectually respected tribe in this country. They provided for their children by moving around sharecropping settling eventually in Arkansas. Her Faith Both herparents were in total agreement to help all their children have faith in God. They held Bible Study, Preaching and lots of gospel singing in their home and took them to church weekly. Precious accepted Christ at an early age. She helped her children to have faith in God. She attended church and took her children with her. About 60 years ago, she joined Norris Avenue Missionary Church. She remained a faithful, devoted, and loyal member. She served in many church roles including being the oldest Mother on the Mother Board for many years. (smile) Her Earthly Purpose After her family moved to Arkansas, she married Earnest Davis, who preceded her in death. She lived in Earle Arkansas until 1953 at which time she moved to Memphis, Tennessee. Precious became known for demonstrating how she loved God with all her heart, mind and soul and dedicated her life to serving her entire family, her neighbors, and anyone who just needed a break through. She opened her humble home to her siblings and loved on them unconditionally. She was an excellent Cook and enjoyed being creative in both the food preparation and the food presentation. She was blessed to get employed by Holiday Inn and retired from there after 30 years. After retirement, Precious worked at the Shelby Residential/Vocational Services as a Senior Aide working with disabled individuals in a day program. She assisted with feeding and mobility and supervised games and activities for two (2) years. Precious was an avid reader of the Bible and the Commercial Appeal, so when she secured a job at the Memphis Public Library as a Library Aide she enjoyed clipping articles deemed of important historical value for Memphis and placing them on boards for processing by the microfilm department a dream job. (smile) She worked there for five (5) years. Her Ascension On the morning of August 26, 2025, in the comfort of her home with her family, Precious yielded her spirit to God and went to sleep as was God’s will. Psalm 116:15 “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His Saints”. Her Heritage She was the loving mother of Five (5) children, three of whom preceded her in death. She leaves to enjoy the memories of her life…Two daughters: Cleavie Mae, the eldest daughter and Mozella, the youngest daughter. They were both bonded to their Mother in unconditional love. Her first child, Cleavie Mae Davis, whom she dearly loved, assisted with the up bringing of all the siblings under her in her own way. Cleavie “LeeLee” as she was affectionately called concentrated on making life as easy as possible for her Mother because sometimes she worked many hours in a day. Cleavie also followed in the same career choice as her mother to also retire as a Cook from Holiday Inn after 32 years. Cleavie loved and doted over her Mother Precious. Her second daughter, Emma Lee Davis Hayes, passed on Friday, December 11, 2009, leaving behind her husband, Richard Hayes. Precious loved and rejoiced in the fact that this daughter, Emma, was an Evangelist and helped, not only her children, but also many others to have Faith in Christ. Precious loved and prayed without ceasing for her grandchildren and encouraged them to keep God first in their lives : Johnnie L. Hayes (Alnita), Arnold L. Gaston, Cassandra Yvette Rene-Olima, Michael Anthony Gaston, Runique Danielle Hayes, and Jonathan David Hayes. They all loved and doted over their Grandmother Precious. Her third daughter whom she cherished, Mae Ethel Brunson, passed away on May 15, 2003. Mae Ethel was a Nurse and mirrored her mother’s generosity, hospitality, and demonstration of Agape love. Mae truly enjoyed interacting and helping the elderly. To observe her serving them and children in such a genuine caring manner blessed her mother. She, also, obviously mastered her mother’s gift for cooking because all her meals and pastries were so delectable. Precious loved and delighted in her grandchildren and great grandchild: Darren D. Davis, Benita Renae Parson, Morris Brunson, Jr., and Jubal Damon Brunson and Dandridge “Danny” Brunson. Her granddaughter, Benita was so kind and consistent in helping in caring for her Grandma. She exhibited some of Mae’s natural talents in nursing. All her grandchildren loved and doted over their Grandmother Precious. Her fourth daughter whom she loved, Mozella Black Morgan (Oliver), made her proud after she achieved a college degree. She often told Mozella how glad she was that she could depend on her to handle the many business matters she did not understand. Mozella, in every way she could, tried to make sure her Mother was comfortable and all of her needs were met. Precious and this fourth daughter shared every imaginable conversation that a mother-daughter could have. Many of their early morning conversations involved a lot of laughter, which is truly missed. Precious’ Biblical wisdom shared during many of these conversations and the witnessing of God’s more than amazing interactions with her Mother helped to strengthen Mozella’s spiritual faith and understanding of the impact of God’s, Christ and the Holy Spirit in a Believer’s life. Oliver Ray Morgan, her Son-in-Law treated her as his second mom as he welcomed her into their home and focused on sweetly treating her as his Queen. Precious loved and treasured her grandsons: Maurio Jemil Watson, Timotheus G. Watson (Laura), and Mark U. Watson (Tiffany). Hallelujah! Finally, the only son, Ivory Lee Black, was received as a true blessing that answered one of Precious’ prayers. (smile) He was affectionately called “Brother”. Precious doted over and treasured her only son, probably for one reason, Ivory would eat any and everything she cook and often told her, “MUH, you the best cook in the whole-wide World! (smile) He was in and out of her home daily because he loved his Mother so very much and Precious extremely enjoyed her only son’s presence. Ivory passed away on February 24, 2011. Precious had always exhibited strength, but the sorrow of the tragic death of her only son was extremely traumatic for her. Precious treasured her grandchildren: Octavious Black, Sr. (Sheila), Jeremy Black, and Jerika Black.

Precious Davis

October 17, 1924 - August 26, 2025