Emma Jean Davis

Davis, Emma Jean

Mrs. Emma Jean Davis, one of Westchester County, New York's most distinguished and respected educators, musicians and community advocates, passed away peacefully after a long illness on September 25, 2015 in Weston, Florida. Born in Mount Vernon, NY, she was the second child of the late Elleana May and William Augustus Chavers, Sr. She was preceded in death by her husband of over 55 years, Charles Marvin Davis, as well as two sisters (Evelyn Chavers Hawks and Willimay Chavers) and a brother (William Augustus Chavers, Jr.). She leaves to cherish her memory two sons, Ricky Bernard William Davis, Sr. (Rosalind Victoria ) of Stamford, CT and Shaun Marvin Davis (Tanya Yvette) of Weston, FL, five grandchildren (Rachel (Tavaras), Sinecio (Kari), Ricky Jr., Shauna and Ashley), two great-grandchildren (Cristian and Taylor), her two best friends Eloise Davis and Edmonia Snipe, both of Mount Vernon, NY, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

"Blossom", a childhood nickname given to her because of her bright disposition and bubbly personality, joined the Macedonia Baptist Church (Mount Vernon) at a very early age and actively participated in the Sunday School, B.T.U. and Junior choir. She received her undergraduate degree in Education from Hunter College in the Bronx and two masters' degrees from Hunter College and Manhattan College, respectively. Mrs. Davis taught in the Mount Vernon school system for a total of twenty three years, and thereafter was promoted to Assistant Principal at A.B. Davis Middle School where she served in that capacity for eleven years until her retirement in 1998. During this time, she was credited with, among other things, the creation of a mentoring program that pairs members of the business and professional community with "at risk" youth to provide them with advice, guidance and much needed adult role models.

Mrs. Davis' passion for music is widely known, and she served as Music Director at numerous churches throughout lower Westchester County and the Bronx during her life. She was honored as Director of Music Emeritus of the Grace Baptist Church on Dyre Avenue in the Bronx.

She was also strongly committed to the advancement of African American women and the uplifting and betterment of African American youth, as evidenced by her leadership of and involvement in numerous women's and youth organizations. To this end, Mrs. Davis founded the Tri-County Women's Club, Tri-County Young Adult Club and Tri-County Youth Club and also served in numerous community service organizations including the Women's Welfare Club of Mount Vernon and the High C's, and is past Eastern Regional Scholarship Chairperson of the National Association of Negro Musicians. She was the last living Charter Member of the Westchester Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., which was chartered in 1959.

Mrs. Davis received numerous honors and recognitions over the years including, amongst others, the Mount Vernon School District's Outstanding Service Employee Award and the Mayor's Award.

Viewing (8-10 am) and services (10 am - 12 pm) will be held at Macedonia Baptist Church, 141 S. 9th Avenue, Mount Vernon, NY (914-667-2333) on Saturday, October 3, 2015. The services have been entrusted to Camelot Funeral Home, 174 Stevens Avenue, Mount Vernon, NY 10550. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made payable to The Emma Jean Davis Memorial Scholarship Fund and sent to the Tri-County Women's Club, PO Box 3837, Mount Vernon, NY 10550.