Rosie Lee Davis

“Mama Rosie”

Rosie Lee Davis (née Townsend) was born on July 13, 1936, in Kilmichael, Mississippi, to the late Hernando, and Hannah Townsend. One of nine children, she shared her upbringing with six sisters, and two brothers in a loving, close-knit family. At the age of 89, surrounded by her loved ones, Rosie peacefully transitioned from her remarkable earthly life.

Rosie graduated in 1957 from Mt. Zion High School in Kilmichael, MS, where she was both class treasurer, and valedictorian. After high school, Rosie briefly lived in Winona, Mississippi, before relocating to Akron, Ohio, where she met the love of her life, Elmo Davis. As Elmo began courting her, Rosie was charmed by his kindness, and devotion , and soon found herself smitten. The two were united in marriage in 1960, and shared 63 devoted years together until Elmo’s passing. Elmo lovingly called her his “Sweet Rose.” From this blessed union, four beloved children were born: Beverly, Elmo Jr., Dwayne, and Regina.

Rosie embraced her role as a devoted wife, and loving mother, creating a home filled with warmth, faith, and generosity. She was known for her gentle spirit, and unwavering kindness, and her children were the center of her world. Rosie was an exceptional cook , and baker whose kitchen was often filled with the aromas of homemade meals prepared with love. Family, and friends especially looked forward to her homemade ketchup, Cha-Cha Relish, and barbecue sauce, as well as the rolls, and pound cakes that everyone raved about. She also took great pride in keeping a beautiful flower garden, which reflected the same care, and attention she gave to everything in her life.

A woman of deep, and abiding faith, Rosie faithfully served the Lord as a member of the Baird Street Church of Christ in Akron, Ohio. She was a dedicated Sunday School teacher, and lovingly helped care for the church by cleaning the grounds until her health no longer allowed her to attend. Throughout her life, Rosie was a woman of many talents, and a strong work ethic. She worked at her brothers-in-law’s television shop, Ray-Tel’s, where she repaired televisions. She later worked in food, and nutrition services for Akron Public Schools at Grace, and Portage Path elementary schools, as well as at The University of Akron. She also served as a nurse’s aide at Pine Valley Nursing Home.

Eventually, Rosie opened a daycare in her home through the Ohio Department of Child Care Services. In this role, she lovingly cared for many children in the community, earning the affectionate nickname “Mama Rosie.” She retired in 2006, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, and care.

In her spare time, Rosie enjoyed gardening, canning, sewing, and preparing large meals for family, and friends to enjoy. Whether through a warm meal, a helping hand, or a kind word, Rosie was always spreading kindness to those around her.

Rosie is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Elmo, Sr.; sisters, Annie Spikenard, Earlean Townsend, Ruth Hammond, and Annette Gaines; brothers, Robert Earl, and Vellie (Johnnie) Townsend; sisters-in-law, Mary (Cleveland) Wade, and Mildred Davis (John) Bond; and brothers-in-law, Robert Jackson, Elton “Tip” Davis Sr., Rufus Davis Sr., Donald (Jean) Davis, and J.P. Davis.

She leaves to cherish her loving memories her daughters and caregivers, Beverly (Lonnie) Shoates, and Regina (Brian) Davis-Rogers of Akron, OH; sons, Elmo Davis, Jr. (Tina) of Delaware, OH; and Dwayne (Cheryl) Davis of Groveport, OH; 16 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Dorothy Jackson, and Willie Mae Townsend of Winona, MS; sisters-in-law, Eva Davis of Henderson, TN. Estelle Davis, and Barbara (Joe) Reeves, both of Jackson, TN, and a host of nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.

YOU HAVE FOUGHT THE GOOD FIGHT ON YOUR JOURNEY! SO LONG, OUR Queen “SWEET ROSIE”

Family and friends are invited to visit Friday, March 13, 2026 from 10 to 11 a.m. at Newcomer, Akron Chapel, 131 N. Canton Rd. The funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will take place at Mount Peace Cemetery in Akron. Condolences may be sent to 353 Trigonia Dr., Akron, OH 44302.

To share a memory of Rosie or leave a special message with her family, please visit the guest book below.