Thelma Louise Davis

Mother Thelma Louise B. Davis was born July 14, 1920 in Randolph County, GA to the late Paul Bailey, Sr., and Johnnie Davis. She dedicated her life to Christ at an early age and joined Payne Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church. She served in many capacities: church secretary, the president of the Missionary House Rally, member of the choir, Sunday school teacher, a stewardess, trustee and a member of the Pastor’s Aide Board. She was a 1937 graduate of the Randolph County Public Schools. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Albany State College. She married Rufus Davis, who preceded her in death. To this union were born one daughter and two sons. Mother Louise worked as an educator for 41 years. She served as a teacher and school administrator. She was a grade chairperson for many years. She was a board member of the Randolph Public Library, the coordinator of the Nannie Jenkins Learning Center, a member of the Business and Professional Women’s Club, and a member of the Eastern Star and the Socialite Club. Mother Louise was preceded in death by her loving daughter, Jacquelyn Shorter. She leaves to cherish her memories: two devoted sons, Rufus Davis, Jr. (Ruby) of Albany, GA, and Edgar Davis (Sherlean) of Albany, GA; stepdaughter, Ruth Freeman (Willie) of Atlanta, GA; eight grandchildren, Rodney (Pamela), Valerie, Ruferia, Rashida, Vanee’, Courtney, Rashad and Adrienne; four great grandchildren, Arrayia, Jamaica, Rodney and Kailyn; three great great grandchildren, Yasmine, Milani and Layla; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. two sisters, Louise B. Webb of Albany, GA, and Mary Golden of Southfield, Mich; four sisters-in-law, Leeoma W. Bailey of Cuthbert, GA, Dora Grooms of Cuthbert, GA, Georgeena Bailey of Albany, GA, and Maxine Bailey of East Orange, New Jersey. The family of Mother Louise wishes to express heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Leeoma Bailey, Cardelia Carter and Linda Humbert for their long-standing care and dedication