Shirley Jean TuckerDavis was the youngest of six children born to the blessed marriage of Cassius B. Tucker and Mentie Taylor-Tucker on July 14, 1937, in Guthrie, Oklahoma. She was born into a God-fearing, loving, and very close-knit family. She was surrounded in the neighborhood by aunts, cousins, close family friends, church family and pastors, that cradled her in a nurturing village. Shirley’s mother saw a musical gift in a few of her children, but Shirley was the only one that “stuck to it” by practicing and becoming an accomplished pianist at the tender age of eight years old. By the time she was 12, she played for the Baptist Training Union at her church, First Baptist Church in Guthrie. A year later, she played the piano for the Church of the Living God’s Gospel Choir. By 14 years old, she was directing the Senior Choir at her own church and continued this assignment for six years. At the age of 19, she married the “Love of her life” James Harold Davis, Sr. ~Story has it that while attending Langston University, Shirley met this debonair vocal music major named, James. He heard her practicing on the piano in the music hall one day--and needed someone to play for his upcoming vocal recital. James asked Shirley if she would assist him, she said “yes” and the rest is history. ~ God blessed this beautiful union with five children, Phillip Emmanuel, Byron
Eugene (Resting in Heaven), Robert Harold, Geri Rene’, and William Castina. After establishing their family, James Harold and Shirley Jean fulfilled the promise made to her parents that she would finish her Degree in Education—in addition an Honorary Doctorate in Ministry was obtained. As Mentie Tucker had recognized the musical gift in her, Shirley recognized the musical gifts in all 5 of their children and began gathering them to sing around the piano, that was always stationed in the house. Because of James’ and Shirley’s efforts, their children were recognized in their Wichita community as anointed singers. They soon began singing around town and eventually around the country at churches, events, conventions, Richard Roberts Live, TBN (OKC, OK), AZUSA (Tulsa, OK), and many more venues. James and Shirley were present at the majority of their children’s ministry engagements. Dr. Shirley J. Tucker-Davis is the former First Lady of Mt. Bethel Baptist Church (Langston, OK); New Hope Baptist Church (Wichita, KS), and Calvary Baptist Church (OKC, OK). She and her husband Pastor Davis also earned the honor of being the Music Directors for the Oklahoma Baptist State Congress of Christian Education. They would open all sessions with Praise and Worship—decades before “Praise and Worship” Teams had ever been established. Mrs. Shirley Davis was a Minister of the Word of God and had a heart for all of
God and had a heart for all of God’s People. Through the years, Mrs. Davis had taken hundreds of ladies “under her wings” to nurture and support them into full adulthood. She loved, loved, loved her family and friends and was an exceptional Encourager, Mentor, Prayer Partner, and PRAYER WARRIOR!! Dr. S. Tucker-Davis was a former Principal and Teacher extraordinaire. As stated, she was an accomplished musician, and had played the piano (classical and gospel) for over 70 years. In addition she also played for the State Congress of Christian Education; Morning Star Baptist Church, Paradise Baptist Church and Prospect Baptist Church all in Tulsa, Oklahoma; Second Baptist Church in Jefferson City, Missouri; Collins A.M.E. Church; Prince of Peace Baptist Church in Lansing, Michigan; Mount Bethel Baptist Church in Langston, OK; New Hope Baptist Church in Wichita, KS; Calvary Baptist Church and was a musician and Pastor of the Women’s Ministry at CovenantLife Family Worship Church, Oklahoma City, OK. For 43 years strong--Dr. Shirley J. Tucker-Davis remained a very loving and faithful wife to the late Dr. James H. Davis, Sr. and 22 years after his passing she remained true to Dr. J. Harold Davis, Sr. by wearing his rings and honoring his name— “My husband gave me enough love to last me a lifetime.” She also continued in her position as the very best Mother her 5 offsprings could have ever wished for. She not only was the Mother of 5, but had 18
grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and 3 great great-grandchildren. One of her favorite scriptures was: Hebrews 13:5-6 “Be content with what you have—I will never leave you, nor forsake you.” Dr. Shirley Jean Tucker-Davis was the epitome of a Proverbs 31 Woman—she was a living example of a virtuous woman and has set high standards and most honorable examples for women and men all over this country. Mrs. Shirley Jean Tucker-Davis is preceded in death by her loving husband, Dr. James H. Davis, Sr.; 2nd oldest son, Byron E. Davis; grandson, Thomas B. Davis; parents, Cassius and Mentie Tucker; brothers, Cassius Tucker Jr., Warren Tucker, and William Tucker; sister Beulah Tucker Robinson. She is survived by her children, Phillip (Kyra) Davis of Missouri; Robert (Zina) Davis; Geri (Douglas) Hemphill; and William (Sherri) Davis of Oklahoma; Bonus Daughters, Althea Millben; and Jocelyn Bell of Oklahoma; sister, Helen Tucker Anderson of Kansas; sister in love, Theresa (Benjamin) Scott; brother in love, Frederick (Sandra) Davis of Oklahoma; grandchildren, Quinton Davis; LaToya (Cliff) Mason; Leah Davis; Aaron (Brie) Davis; Bryanna Davis; Domonique Cooks; Tony McCarroll II; Courtney Lee; Paige Cudjoe; Carmen(Xavier) McClish; Taylor McCarroll; Robert(Chandler) Davis II; Phillip Davis II; Michala Davis; Jonathan Davis; Grace Davis; Jadah Sommerville; Jahlyn Sommerville; great grandchildren, Kristin(Virgil)Jackson; Katelyn Mason; Qailen Davis; Byron Mason; Camari Lowmack; Joshua Brown; Kade Cudjoe; Harlem Mason; Ethan McCarroll-Bell; Phillip Davis III; Zoe McClish; Junie Dawson; Xyla McClish; Nehemiah Davis; Messiah Davis; great great-grandchildren, Camille Mason; Braylon Jackson; Kinley Jackson. Shirley leaves a host of nephews, nieces, extended family, and friends to celebrate her life, love and legacy.
Order of Celebration Pastor Earl Burkhalter ~ Officiant Strangers Rest Baptist Church, Wichita, KS
Organist
Pastor Edward Buckley Holiness Restoration Church of God in Christ, OKC, OK
Processional of Family
Led by Clergy “My Help” by the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir
Statement of Purpose
Pastor Earl Burkhalter
Scripture Reading
Precious Memories Celebration of Life Read Silently
Special Tributes
Warren E. Wigley (Nephew) – Video Althea Millben (Bonus Daughter) – Video Elmer Davis, Jr. (Nephew) Quinton Davis (Grandson) Leah Davis (Granddaughter) Quincey McFadden (Friend) Jocelyn Bell (Bonus Daughter) Geri Hemphill (Daughter) William Davis (Son)
Old Testament Proverbs 31:10-31 Pastor Gregory McCarroll Mt Bethel Baptist Church, Langston, OK
“Great is Thy Faithfulness”
New Testament Hebrews 13:5-8 Pastor Charles Jones Siloam Missionary Baptist Church, OKC, OK
Pastor Robert Davis, (Son) Covenant Life Family Worship Church, Edmond, OK
Prayer of Celebration
Pastor Eddie Davis (Nephew) Greater Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Tulsa, OK
Special Video Presentation
Barbara Jackson Sago and Derrick Jackson, Memphis TN
Resolutions and Acknowledgements Cynethia Rayford
Music Medley
The Queen’s Grandchildren
Queen’s Grandchildren
Words of Comfort and Hope
Pastor Phillip E. Davis (Son) Overcomers International Worship Center, Hannibal, MO
Video Tribute
Presented by Family
“Total Praise”
The Queen’s Children and Grandchildren
Recessional
Directed by Howard-Harris Funeral Services
EXCERPTS FROM THE LIFE OF OUR VIRTUOUS QUEEN
Mrs. Shirley Jean Tucker-Davis
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Native of Guthrie, OK Born to Cassius and Mentie Tucker Youngest of six children Attended Faver Jr. High School in Guthrie, OK Accepted Christ at the early age of 8 years old Classical, Sacred Hymns and Gospel Pianist Obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Education Doctorate in Ministry Married for 43 years Mother of 5 Children – 4 Boys and one Amazing Girl Extraordinary Cook Music Director for the Oklahoma Baptist State Congress of Christian Education Teacher Awards from Langston University and Millwood Middle School Principal award from Langston Elementary School Minister/Pastors Wife for 33 years In the 1980’s raised funds to save Langston Elementary School Minister of Music Member and Leader of the Matron’s Auxiliary Youth Director at Mt. Bethel Baptist Church Women’s Ministry Director Community Leadership Awards Member of the Order of the Eastern Star Favorite sayings: “You need to pray about it.” “What is the Spirit saying?” Avid reader of God’s Word/Sacred Writings 84 years young One of a Kind Daughter Dedicated Sister and Niece Amazing Wife Incredible Mother/Mother-in-Love Exceptional Grandmother, Great Grandmother and Great-Great Grandmother Super Awesome Aunt, Sister-in-love, Daughter-in-love Trusted Friend and Confidant
Sons Phillip Davis Robert Davis William Davis Son-in-Love Douglas Hemphill
Daughter Geri Davis-Hemphill Daughters-in-Love Demechra A. Davis Zina Davis Kyra Davis Sherri Davis Bonus Daughters Althea Millben Jocelyn Bell
Pallbearers Grandsons Quinton Davis Aaron Davis Tony McCarroll II Robert Davis II Phillip Davis II Jonathan Davis
Flower Bearers Granddaughters LaToya Mason Leah Davis Bryanna Davis Domonique Cooks Courtney Lee Paige Cudjoe Carmen McClish Taylor McCarroll Michala Davis Grace Davis Jadah Sommerville Jahlyn Sommerville
Honorary Flower Bearers Hattie McCarroll (Friend) Verlene Farmer (Friend) Jan Baker (Friend) Quincy McFadden (Friend) Doris Holland (Friend)
Great Grandsons Qailen Davis Byron Mason Joshua Brown Kade Cudjoe Ethan McCarroll-Bell Phillip Davis III Junie Dawson
Great Granddaughters Kristin Jackson Katelyn Mason Camari Lowmack Harlem Mason .. Zoe McClish Xyla McClish
Internment
Trice Hill Cemetery 5101 N. Coltrane Rd Oklahoma City, OK 73121
Dearest Family and Friends Words cannot express how grateful we are for the compassion that you have shown us during this season. May God richly bless you for blessing us. Your kind words, cards, expressions of love, calls, text messages, floral arrangements, comments and posts have strengthened us all. The Family of Shirley Jean Tucker-Davis Special Thanks to: Howard-Harris Funeral Services, LMason Wedding and Event Planning, Latoya D. Mason (Granddaughter),Taylor McCarroll (Granddaughter), Vanuel Little III (The Print House), Penny Emery, Michel LuGrand-Bruner, Integrity Limo