Dorothy Davis

The Obituary

Dorothy Mae Samuels Davis, was born on October 27, 1938, in Warrenville, South Carolina, to the late Elijah and Sara Samuels. She was the eldest of their two children. Her younger sister, Lula (Lola) Samuels, preceded her in death on November 2, 2012. When she and her sister were both very young their mother met an untimely death. Dorothy later gained a stepmother, Annie B. Hobbs-Samuels and a stepbrother, Rufus Hobbs. In 1947, the family relocated to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Dorothy attended the Philadelphia public school system. In 1957 she graduated from Dobbins Vocational High School, where she actively participated in many clubs and organizations. On September 19, 1964, Dorothy wed her late husband, Robert Joseph Davis. Dorothy was the love of his life. Although no children were produced from their union, Dorothy loved and was loved by any and all children she met.

Dorothy accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age. She converted to Catholicism in her early adulthood. Dorothy was very devoted to her church and actively served on various groups and committees at her beloved home church, St. Raymond of Penafort Catholic Church.

Dorothy was a warm and loving person that valued people and her friendships. Everyone she had contact with gravitated towards her loving spirit. Her friends and loved ones knew that they could always depend on Dorothy if they ever needed any help, a listening ear or a just shoulder to lean on. Dorothy was always there.

Dorothy was very creative and enjoyed working with her hands. She made numerous ceramic items that are displayed throughout her home and she generously shared her creations with her family and friends. She also enjoyed dancing and participated in a local line dancing group that she met with weekly. Dorothy also had a very strong work ethic. She began her years of dedicated service to Ryerson Steel in 1966 and diligently worked with the same company until her retirement in 2004.

Dorothy leaves to cherish her memory: her niece, Laura J. Davis, who devotedly cared for her during her illness until her death; her nephew in love, Ishmael F. Reed; her brother in law, Thomas (Billy) Davis; her faithful friends, Loretta and Phyllis Henry; her longtime friends and neighbors, Leroy and Sandra Henderson, Dorothy and her late husband Harvey Bryant, Joseph and Janice Osborne; her loved ones who cared for her, Taliah Boyd, Karen Williams, Patricia Littles, and Shanda Tucker; her step brother Rufus Hobbs, his wife Yolanda, their extended family; her sister in laws, Betty Davis, Mary Davis, and Ruth Ann Pinckney; her brother in law, Lawrence (Larry) Davis; longtime friends Robert and Louise Hickson; Tiffany Cooper; and a host of extended family, beloved friends and neighbors.

We would also like to give a heartfelt thank you to the individuals that lovingly cared for Dorothy in her latter days. These individuals and organizations provided comforting care that helped ease her transition: Tiara Hudson, Marsha Green, Bayada Home Health Care; Sarah Care of Jenkintown; Rose of Sharon Apostolic Church, Active Day of Chestnut Hill; Penn Ralston House, Chestnut Hill Family Practice; Temple University Hospital and Wesley Enhanced Living at Stapeley.

7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day...

~2 Timothy 4:7-8a NIV

Lovingly Submitted,

Her Family

Throughout the years there are so many people who contribute to the lives and welfare of others that are not recognized for their good deeds and thoughts until after they are gone.

We are gathered here today to show our appreciation and to honor a woman who we love so dearly and to acknowledge her sterling character, innate goodness and her boundless generosity.

Dorothy was born with the attributes of the heroines of the Bible…

She was like Esther…she was always courageous, encountering difficulties with firmness and without fear.

She was like Phoebe… she did not seek to be ministered to, but would undertake the task of ministering, aiding and comforting the distressed showing kindness whenever the opportunity presented itself.

She was like Mary… she was hospitable and gracious, and through her graciousness, she maintained her honor.

She was like Ruth… she was loyal, and faithful to her family, friends and obligations.

She was like Rachel… she possessed beauty; an inner glow of charm, poise, grace and contentment endearing her to all whose lives she touched.

There is no greater gift that a man could buy or that God could create, than the gift of unboundless love and affection that we will eternally hold for

Dorothy S. Davis

God allowed us to have the pleasure to have in our presence one of His priceless beautiful gems. The glow of her gifted, gracious, warm and loving personality will remain implanted in our hearts forever.