Josephine Frances Butler Davis

Josephine Frances Butler Davis, age 90, transitioned peacefully on Sunday, March 6, 2022, at her residence surrounded by her loving family. She was a native and resident of New Orleans, LA. Josephine was a 1948 graduate of Gaudet Episcopal High School, where she excelled in the choir and theatre. After graduation, she served as a classroom teacher's aide in the Headstart Program at R. T. Danneel School #2. In later years she attended New Orleans Beauty School, where she was crowned Queen of the school. Josephine's prowess as an entrepreneur led to the opening of a thriving restaurant and catering business. When the opportunity arose to own her own restaurant…an opportunity she had always dreamed of. The Lord in His infinite wisdom brought forth the birth of Davis' Chicken Deluxe, located on the Franklin Avenue/Gentilly corridor. The restaurant grew in patrons, which necessitated a larger venue. It was at this point, the restaurant relocated to 4204 St. Anthony Street, where it remained open until her retirement. Her soul cuisine was favored by all patrons. A few of her nationally known customers include the late Reverends James Cleveland, James Moore, and Thomas Whitfield. Yolanda Adams is also known to have frequented the restaurant during her New Orleans tours. In addition to her soul cuisine, her specialties were homemade sweet potato pies, peach cobbler, lemonade, and sweetened iced tea. Her business savvy also afforded her the opportunity to secure contracts for school and summer lunch programs. To her credit, Josephine has been the recipient of numerous awards and commendations. Josephine will always be remembered for her giving spirit, impeccable style of dress, and her fondness to adorn hats. She was indeed a Christian woman and a woman of class, grace, and dignity, with tons of anecdotes for life. Beloved wife of 72 year to the late Alphonse Davis, Sr. Loving and devoted mother of Alphonse (Sayonara) Davis, Jr., Sherlynn Davis, Carmen (Theodore) Miles, Wanda (John) Haynes, Jeffery Davis, Carey Davis, Jevelle Davis, Brad Davis, Shaundra (James) Moore, Craig (Willihanena) Davis, Jannalynn Davis, Jolene (Kevin) Mash, Jolette (Clement) Parker, and the late Bruce and Todd Davis. Daughter of the late Eugene and Frances Brown Butler. Sister of Johnny L. Butler, and the late Eugene Jr., Cleo, Waldo, and Herman Butler. Mother-in-law of Mary Davis. Josephine is also survived by 28 cherished grandchildren, 25 adored great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends. Relatives and friends of the family, also pastors, officers, and members of Little Zion Baptist Church, Phillips Memorial United Methodist Church, Ebenezer Baptist Church, Regular Baptist Church, Franklin Avenue Baptist Church, City of Love, Changing a Generation, Hepon Community Church of Grand Prairie, TX and all neighboring churches; employees of Dept. of Forestry of College Town, TX, HRI Properties, A Hand To Hold, Brown Eagle, Rouses, Einstein Charter Schools, and Dept. of Family Services of Clark County are invited to attend the Celebration of Life at Little Zion Baptist Church, 3231 Audubon Street, New Orleans, LA on Saturday, March 19, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. Pastor Walter Hardy, Jr., officiating. Viewing will be held from 8:00 a.m. until service time only. Interment: Providence Memorial Park Cemetery-Metairie, LA. Arrangements by Davis Mortuary Service, 230 Monroe St., Gretna, LA. To view and sign the guestbook, please go to www.davismortuaryservice.com. Due to COVID-19 Pandemic, attendance will be limited. It is mandatory everyone attending wear a face mask or some type of face covering.