in loving memory of
Abraham Davis, Jr.
May 14, 1923 – November 2, 2023
Memorial Service
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Saturday, November 11, 2:00 p.m. (1:45 prelude)
Memorial Service at Park View Mennonite Church. If unable to attend in person, please join the service live, or later, by clicking on the video image below. Please sign the guest book below to indicate that you have viewed the service. Other Memorial Events
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Obituary
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Abraham Davis Jr., passed away on Thursday, November 2, 2023 at 100 years old at the Brunk House, Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community, Harrisonburg VA. Abraham was a resident of Harrisonburg.
Abraham was born on May 14, 1923, the son of the late Abraham Davis, Sr. and Everlena Dupree Davis. He outlived his siblings: Mary, Louise, Hilda, John, Leroy, James, and Everett. On November 12, 1958, Abraham married Modestine Childers and aided in raising her son, Wilkins Garrett, Jr. Modestine had been widowed with her young son, Wilkins. Modestine died on August 11, 1986. Abraham married Jennie Rose Hayes six months later. Surviving is his daughter, Silena Davis of Arlington VA.; his step grandchildren: Kamara Garrett Cooper and husband, Derek Cooper; Adrienne Garrett; Jacqui Garrett Nesbitt and her husband, Harold Nesbitt; and, Christian Garrett Williams. Great step grandchildren are Aeriel Nesbitt; Taylor Nesbitt; Brooke Nesbitt; Jaidyn Nesbitt; and Duke Williams. Abraham served in the US Army in WWII in Okinawa, Japan and Marseille, France. It was in Okinawa where he became a Christian and was baptized in the Okinawa Bay. Not too long after, he was discharged. Abraham was a very accomplished man. He graduated from Robert Smalls H.S. with a diploma; received a college degree from Vorhees University, SC; received a Master’s from Temple University in Speech Correction; and a PhD from Indiana University in Oral Interpretations. He then was a professor at Christian Colleges such as Houghton College; Messiah College ( Professor and Dean of the Urban campus); Eastern Mennonite University ( First Director of the Cross-Cultural Center); and Calvin College. He also read the Creation by James Weldon Johnson among other African American Rhetoric for Mennonite Central Committee up and down the east coast. Dr. Abraham Davis Jr. will be fondly remembered for a great husband, Dad, uncle, brother, son and friend, as well as a cutting-edge academician! He made great contributions to many communities, churches and the world. A visitation and viewing will be held at Parkview Mennonite Church, on Friday, November 10, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. A Graveside service will be held at Weaver's Cemetery, on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. Following the graveside service, a memorial service will be held at Parkview Mennonite Church at 2:00 p.m. All services will be held in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.mcmullenfh.com. McMullen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. |