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Bettye Davis Obituary
Mrs. Davis graduated from Elliott High School in Bernice, La., and received her bachelor's degree in social work from Grambling State University. She began her career as a nurse at Alaska Psychiatric Institute and retired from the State of Alaska, as a social worker with the Department of Health and Social Services. Upon retirement, she served as a member of the Anchorage School Board for 11 years, including two years on the State Board of Education.
Mrs. Davis served as an Alaska State Representative from 1990-1996, and became the first African-American to be elected as an Alaska State Senator in 2000, where she served until 2012.
Senator Davis was a loving mother, grandmother, friend and mentor to many. She enjoyed cooking, entertaining, fundraising, traveling and playing pinochle. She had a love for her community and the state of Alaska, and was specifically devoted to education, children's issues, heath care, women's rights and the advancement of minorities. She was steadfast in her faith and was a member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church for more than 45 years.
She leaves to cherish her memories her son, Tony Davis; and her daughter, Sonja Davis-Wade (Phillip) of Anchorage; four grandchildren, Anthony Davis of Waynesville, Mo., Alesha Davis of Dugway, Utah, Philecia Wade of Reston, Va., and Taylor Wade of Anchorage; sister, Joanne Parks (Phillip Sr.) of Duncanville, Texas; and brother, Donald Ivory (Della) of Houston, Texas; and a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Senator Davis is preceded in death by her loving parents, Daniel and Rosylind Ivory, and Christella Hill; husband, Troy Davis; and great-granddaughter, Jazlynn Parnell.
A celebration of life will be held on Monday, Dec. 10, 2018, at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church. The viewing will be held beginning at 10 a.m., with the service to follow at noon.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: In Memory of Senator Bettye Davis, North to the Future BPW Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 202803, Anchorage, AK 99520; the American Heart Association, 3700 Woodland Drive, Ste 700, Anchorage, AK 99517; or AWAIC, 100 West 13th Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99501.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bettye Davis
Barbara Duvall
November 30, 2023
Wow! It's been 5 years, rest in peaceful sleep dear cousin. Gone, but never forgotten. Thankful for family memories with you.
Barbara Duvall
November 28, 2020
Continue to rest well cousin Betty, the family and I was so pleased to read the article that came out in October renaming Anchorage’s East High has a new name: the Bettye Davis East Anchorage High School. What a legacy you have left behind
Having a wonderful time with you @ our Family reunion in Dallas. Miss you West peacefully in paradise. Barbara
Barbara Duvall
December 12, 2019
Thanks! you heavenly father for our time with your child Betty. I will cherish all my memories of her. May she continue to rest peacefully in your arms.
Frances Johnson
December 17, 2018
You have my deepest sympathy during your hour of bereavement due to the passing of your mother. I have know Senator Bettye Davis since the early 1970s. She was an inspiration to me and my family and to the community of Alaska.
Judy Salo
December 16, 2018
I will remember Senator Davis as a champion for Children. Her work for education and for the less fortunate was an extension of her faith and her commitment to Democratic principles. Alaska is richer for her service.
December 16, 2018
I'm so sorry for your loss. As you remember your love one, may your cherished memories and Almighty God strengthen and comfort your broken hearts. (Psalm 147:3)
December 11, 2018
Bettye Davis was a woman who lived the Gospel in her public life. We were too often unrepresented in government and she welcomed us. Bettye helped us help kids when so many were afraid to stand up for our work at Out North. Whether as Sen. Davis, as Rep. Davis, or as ASD board member Davis, she lightened our struggles to build a place for LGBT people and their allies in Anchorage.
She understood our work for acceptance and civil rights for her LGBT constituents and she stood with us. She was our friend and for that and all she did for so many of us, we say, Go with God, and thank you.
Gene and Jay Dugan-Brause, London, UK
Linda Travers-Inglima
December 11, 2018
Dear Davis family, my deepest condolences to you losing your mother. Bettye Davis was an inspiration to all who knew her. Though I personally did not, the work she strived to perfect assisting our community is priceless. She was a gem. Rest In Peace, Mrs. Davis.
S W
December 11, 2018
I volunteered with JA at Willowcrest in February and I was so pleased when Bettye Davis spoke to us. You could feel the warmth and support from her and I felt like she really embraced the children and their education. She was a school board rock star.
Angela Sharp
December 11, 2018
My condolences and daily prayers to Bettye Davis's entire family. She will be remembered in my family always for the help she gave us. A beautiful woman leaves her greatness in our hearts forever. She still exists in each of us.
Darin Colbry
December 11, 2018
We miss you Betty
Darin Colbry
December 11, 2018
My prayers are with the Davis family we will see her again.
December 10, 2018
Alaska has lost a true heroine. A Lady full of grace and Love. It was a privilege to know her. She will be deeply missed by all. Napoleon Brandford (San Francisco)
Viola Kaye Smith
December 10, 2018
My condolences and prayers to the family. God bless, Love you,
Margie Tidwell
December 10, 2018
Heaven must have had an opening. Sonja I'm so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers for you and the family.
Billy & Sandra. (Daniels) Robinson
December 10, 2018
I remember so well, as if it was just yesterday when we were all at the 2003 family reunion in Duncanville Texas, it was such a great honor for family gathering and a wonderful time the reunion was being with family, may the lord give you and your family strength and his devine comfort as each day goes by.
Your Cousin,
Shirley Abrams
December 9, 2018
Children in the state of Alaska had a tireless and committed advocate in Bettye.She will be missed. My deepest condolences to the family.
Marva Weeden
December 9, 2018
I am so sorry for your loss, my prayers go out to the family of Ms. Bettye Davis.
December 9, 2018
Betty,
You will be remembered for your heart and your kindness you have displayed over the years for ALL the children throughout the state of Alaska. You always made the world a better place for everyone.
Lance and Phyllis Bowie
Sharon Avery
December 9, 2018
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Valorie Whitet
December 9, 2018
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Wanda Dale
December 9, 2018
My deepest condolences to the family. Bettye was a remarkable woman exhibiting strentgh, leadership, caring and faith. Our family will miss her and pray for strength and comfort from God and from each other during this most difficult time.
Earnie Ray
December 9, 2018
My deepest sympathy to your family . May you keep in mind the hope of life everlasting which can help sustain you through this difficult time . John 17:3
Wayne Maloney
December 9, 2018
Senator Davis was a truly wonderful person. Several decades ago, when she was a Representative, I staffed her on a tour of a hospital in China. Her compassion was matched only by her ability. She also had a wonderful sense of humor. One time at a dinner we laughed so hard we couldn't stop. My sympathy to her family. She truly made Alaska and the world a better place.
Tamara Maddox
December 9, 2018
Our deepest sympathy to the Davis family. Senator Bettye Davis was a blessing and friend to us all. She will be missed.
Sincerely,
Lyons & Maddox Family
C walker
December 8, 2018
Condolences to the family and continued blessings and prayers.
M C
December 8, 2018
I am truly and deeply sorry for your Loss. My warmest condolences go out to the family and friends of Bettye. May the God of all comport Grant you peace and strength during difficult time (Psalm 91:11).
December 8, 2018
May the God of all comfort strengthen the family during this time of deep sorrow. Those who pass on, God keeps in his memory because they are precious in his eyes. My sincerest condolences. (Psalms 116:15)
M W
December 8, 2018
My deepest condolences to the family. May you find strength and comfort from Gods written word and from each other,during this most difficult time.
Danielle Smith
December 7, 2018
I'm glad to have gotten the chance to meet you! Rest well cousin... ❤
DeAnna Scott
December 7, 2018
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts. My God hold and keep you close to Him.
December 7, 2018
Bettye was a close friend of the family and will be dearly missed. Words cannot express the sympathy we feel for the family.
The Charlie Hubbard family
R A
December 7, 2018
My heartfelt sympathies go to the family and friends during this difficult time. The promised found 1Thesalonians 4:14 can be a reassuring comfort knowing that there is a future for the ones we have lost in death.
Selestine & Wiley Hardy
December 7, 2018
To Soror Betty Davis' s family, we offer our prayer to God to give you strength, and His grace and mercy carry you, and keep you and see you all through this difficult time. We will all miss Betty, for she was a strong lady for all, fn every way, especially, for us in Education. Keep Looking Up!!
Barbara Duvall
December 6, 2018
Dear Cousin, l am glad l had a chance of making memories with you at our family reunions. You leave a beautiful legacy, your mark in the world, your history. I will cherish the memories of you in my heart. Rest peacefully in heaven. Gone from the face of the earth but never from the heart. Barbara
AV
December 6, 2018
Very sorry for your loss. May God you be Comforted diring this difficult time Psalms 119 :76
December 6, 2018
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
December 6, 2018
I am deeply sorry for the loss of such an extraordinary woman. May your family find comfort from the loving promise of seeing our dear loved ones again (1Thessalonians 4:13,14). Please accept my heartfelt sympathies.
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Janssen's Evergreen Memorial Chapel - Anchorage737 E Street, Anchorage, AK 99501
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