Rosa Stokes Davis

Mrs. Rosa Stokes Davis departed this life on Friday, February 13, 2026. She was born in Wilmington, NC, at Community Hospital on October 17, 1932. She was the daughter of the late Rev. Charles Wesley Stokes, Sr., and the late Julia Newberry Stokes Singleton.

At an early age, she joined First Baptist Church and later joined the Sanctuary of Wilmington, where she was mother of the church. She attended Williston Industrial High School, Wilmington, NC, and was a member of the Williston Glee Club and Williston Community Choir. She united in holy matrimony with Eugene Bernard Davis, Sr., in November 1955. From this union, they have six children: Conrith W. Davis (Joyce-deceased), Julian E. Davis, Sr. (Ronetta), Eugene B. Davis, Jr. (Wanda), Glenda Davis Pate, Roslyn Davis Clark (Terry), and Kathy Davis Grear (Peter).

Rosa was an excellent home maker who enjoyed decorating and working in her yard. She was an avid lover of music, children, and flowers. During her membership at First Baptist Church, she served as Director of the JJ Howze Choir and Co-Director of the children's choir. As a member of the Sanctuary of Wilmington, she directed the Christmas choir and served on the pastor's intercessory team.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Rufus Fulton Stokes, Sr., John William (Buster) Stokes, Sr., Charles Wesley Stokes Jr., James M. Stokes, Sr., and Dr. Arthur L. Stokes; sisters, Inez Stokes McMorris, Catherine Stokes Clemmons, Vermell Stokes Davis and grandson, Julian (Jadie) E. Davis, Jr.

She is survived by her husband, Eugene Bernard Davis, Sr.; sister, Bernice Stokes Johnson (William) of Newport News, VA; sister-in-law, Shirley Bland Stokes, Crofton of MD; grandchildren, Edward A. Pate, Jr., Frank E. Pate, Conrith W. Davis, II, Dalton B. Davis, Ebonee Davis Stokley, Erica Davis Felder, E.B. Davis, III, James B. Davis, Kameka Davis and Tiffany Brunson and a host of great grandchildren, nephews and nieces.

She touched so many lives in so many ways and will always be remembered for her humor and wit in our daily lives.