Betty Davis

Betty Davis was born on March 19, 1941 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was the second child out of 6 children born to the late Harold and Beatrice Govens. At an early age she accepted the Lord as her Savior.

Betty attended the Philadelphia public school system until the 10thGrade. She worked for the City of Philadelphia’s Department of Human Services and the City Government for 35 years

Betty met and married her childhood sweetheart, James Davis Jr. on September 28, 1954 and that union lasted 64 years. From that union 8 children were born: Charmaine, James III, Darlene, Antoine, Harold, Annette, Shawn, and Dawn. One child, Charmaine preceded her in death. Extended kids; Glen Moy, Alex Perez and John Perez.

Betty was a strong black woman that taught her children to be self-sufficient and to be respectful of their elders. You know a Davis kid by response when answering their parents and elders: “Yes Sir,” “No Sir”, “Yes Ma’am”, “No Ma’am.” Most of you have witnessed the Davis kids refer to her as my mom. Yes, this is a Davis thing and she loved it. Betty instilled the importance of education by ensuring her children learned in the classroom and at home. This included education through school strikes, snow days, weekdays, weekends, holidays and throughout the summer. The Davis home was always open to any that needed a warm meal and let’s face it laughter. Betty was very artistic and loved to Crotchet, Knit, and sew for her family and others.

She leaves to mourn and cherish her memory; Her husband of 64 years James Davis Jr., 8 children, Charmaine (who preceded her in death), James III, Darlene, Antione, Harold, Annette, Shawn and Dawn. 18 grandchildren (3 preceded her in death; Lu’Cretia, DeLorian, and Alise.) 22 Great Grandchildren. 8 siblings; Anime, Michelle, Mary and Howard (preceded in death), Thomas, Harold, Arondel, Kenneth. 2 Sister in laws; Patricia and Helen Mary both preceded her in death. Daughter in Laws; Karen Davis, Sharon Davis and Cynthia Davis. Son in laws; Ray Irizarry and Stuart Charles. A host of cousins, nieces, nephews, family and friends.

November 1, 2013, Betty Davis was honored for her generous donations and support to the Disabled American Veterans Association and we honor you mom.