Laura Davis Obituary
Obituary published on Legacy.com by Bennie Smith Funeral Homes - Hurlock on Mar. 24, 2025.
Obituary for Laura Virginia Davis
With heartfelt love and gratitude for her life, we announce the passing of Laura Virginia (Smullen) Davis, age 97, on Friday, March 21, 2025 in Hurlock, Maryland.
She was born April 1, 1927, to Myrtle (Washington) and Avery Smullen, on Jones Thicket Rd in Rhodesdale, Maryland, the youngest of 9 siblings. At a young age, she moved to Hurlock, MD and was raised there.
She married William Davis, a Florida boy and the love of her life, who preceded her in death. "The story goes that when he first saw her across the room, he pointed to her and told his friend, 'I'm gonna marry that woman. And that's what he did. They briefly lived in Florida before settling back in Maryland, where they built a life together.
She was a devoted mother to Delinda (Robert) Milton, Leandrew (Maria) Davis, Voncia (Gregory) Williams, and Charles (Murna) Davis Sr.
Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: Tymonica Rideout, Karanda Rideout, Shaun (Taliah) Milton, Latasha Williams, Shay Davis, LaShaunda Davis, Brandon (Tasha) Milton, Charles Davis Jr., Letecia Williams, Lee (Yelitza) Davis, Delinda Davis, Jasmine Davis, Brandon Wilson, Malcolm Cannon, Lauren Davis, Sha'Nyda Milton, and Jaqan Davis.
She was also blessed with 36 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren who will carry forward her love, wisdom, and faith.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by all her siblings and her grandson, Justin Milton.
A Life of Love, Giving, and Faith
Affectionately known as Mommom to her grandchildren and many others, she was more than just a grandmother-she was a mother, mentor, and guiding light to many.
She had a heart for people. She'd give her last morsel of food to someone in need, offer a ride when her gas tank was low, or lend an ear to anyone in distress. She gave without expectation, embodying the selfless love of Jesus Christ.
Her love for God was her foundation. Though she didn't grow up with a mother who taught her about Christ, she decided, in her forties, to give her heart to God. That single choice shaped generations-her love for Jesus passed to her children and grandchildren, who learned to call on Him in times of need.
She lived to give-not just in material ways but with her time, her words, and her unwavering faith. She freely shared God's word, whether you were ready to hear it or not. She believed in the promise of John 14:1-3 and often recited it:
"Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also." – John 14:1-3
A Life Well Lived
Laura was a homemaker at heart, but she was also a woman of ambition. While her husband provided for the family, Laura had a vision of her own. She took on seasonal field work, carefully saving every penny to buy land in Jones Village-not just for herself, but for her family. Through her hard work and determination, she secured three parcels of land, where their home was built.
She took great pride in her home. She believed in caring for everything God had given her. As a mother, she made sure her kids always felt loved and well-fed. When they were young, the smell of her home-cooked meals filled the air before they even reached the doorstep. Sometimes, they'd smell dinner from the bus stop and run all the way home, eager to see what she had made that day.
The Laura we knew was the first to rise in the morning, starting her day with a cup of tea and a sense of purpose. She loved the outdoors, often teasing anyone who preferred staying inside all day.
She loved her yard and was determined to rake up every single leaf-even though she had that big oak tree in the front yard, which seemed to never stop shedding. And she would've helped you rake your yard if you'd let her.
Laura had a soft spot for children and babies-there wasn't one she wouldn't love or fuss over. She gave of herself tirelessly, always with a smile on her face and a willing heart.
Also, her love for McDonald's Chicken Sandwiches was something we all knew too well. While it might have been a bit much at the time, it's one of those quirky things we'll always remember and hold dear to our hearts..
Her Legacy Lives On
She exemplified Christ in every way. As Jesus commanded in Matthew 5:16, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." She was that light. She radiated love and kindness, and because of her, we are better people. While many may have seen her as simply a kind person, it was truly the Holy Spirit shining through her. We were blessed to witness her live out her faith each day.
Now, she is at rest in her Father's house-a place she often spoke of, a place lovingly prepared just for her.