Wilma J Davis

Wilma Davis Obituary
Reflections of Wilma Jean Locke Davis
Wilma Jean Locke Davis was born in Knoxville, Tennessee to the late William Pearson Branner & Vivian Clemons Branner June 7,1942 in Knoxville, TN. She peacefully departed this life Saturday morning December 2, 2023. Wilma was educated in the Knox County Schools and was married to the late David Myric Locke in 1960 and to that union three daughters were born; Tammy Davina, Terry Michelle and Tonya Annette.
Her courageous spirit led her to Detroit where she joined her sister, Anna Branner who was the most supportive Aunt to her daughters. It was there that she met the late Elisha Burrell and birthed daughters, Billie Renee and Leanna Nicole.
Wilma began a career in Restaurant Management in the seventies and it was while working in that field, that she found her soulmate and the love of her life, Roy Davis Jr. (they say three is a charm). They shared many beautiful moments like catching crappie at Grosse Ile, watching the Williams sisters dominate every tennis tournament, cheering on any Detroit team and hosting the best family parties you would ever attend. If she had it her way, Klay Thompson would have played for the Pistons and she would have season court side tickets just to see him play up close. Her life was enriched with the birth of her Grandson, Todd Locke who was the son she never had. She enjoyed nurturing him, teaching him how to fish, sharing her famous recipes and hitting the casinos to test her luck.
Wilma built small businesses with her entrepreneurial spirit. She could sell ice to an eskimo. Her personality was both witty and friendly. Wilma had a way of making you immediately feel comfortable in her presence the moment you met her. She had the warmest smile and always had something funny and clever to say.
Wilma was known to her grandchildren as "Granny or Granny Gran". She had a way of making all of her family feel special and her home was where the fun was. Wilma was definitely the life of the party. Though there are many, she had a special connection with each and every grandchild and great grandchild. She will be missed dearly and we will never forget all of the fun memories we shared with our beloved Queen.
Wilma Jean fought the good fight until her last moments and though she endured immense pain, she would comfort those caring for her with humor. She never wanted anyone to feel sad or pity for her circumstance. She wanted us to push forward and thrive in peace, courage and unity. Although we wanted her to stay, she was ready to WIN her fight with Pancreatic cancer and be with her Creator.
Preceding her from this earthly home: husband, Roy Davis Jr.; Beloved Daughters Billie Burrell and Leanna Leamy; dear sister Anna Branner; loved brother Pearson Branner, Jr; sons-in- law, Tank Strickland and Reginald Coats.
Wilma leaves behind to cherish her memory her daughters; Tammy Locke (Michael), Terry Strickland, Tonya Locke Coats ; Grandchildren, Terrika, Jaquai (Devon), Courtney (Jackie), Brian, Ashley (Devon), Todd, Brittney, Crystal, Erika, Jasmine, Sheldon, Justin (Rishonn), Shayla, India, Jordan, Sydni, and Jonah; her sisters; Geraldine Kline & Bernice Willingham, her brothers; Kenneth, Robert and Marvin Branner. Wilma had 27 great-grandchildren and a host of other relatives and family friends that loved her.
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