Rev. Dr. Lionel Davis Sr.

1955 - 2023

Rev. Dr. Lionel Davis, Sr., affectionately known as the "Mayor of Pilot Land" departed this earthly assignment and entered into eternal rest on Friday, July 21, 2023. He slipped away peacefully while surrounded and comforted by his family, filling his presence with love. Rev. Davis was born on September 17, 1955 to Octavia Cojoe Davis and the late Theodore Davis. He was reared by his Godmother, the late Mrs. Lovenia Cojoe Beattie who molded him to the kindhearted man everyone knew. In 1986, he married Wanda Hughes Davis and to this union two children were born, Lionel, Jr. and China Lynel. Rev. Davis was a very skilled and professional wood worker for 30 years, mastering the art of designed wood moldings. Rev Davis was baptized at Pentecost Baptist Church where he taught Sunday School and would later accept his call to ministry. He was licensed and ordained by The First District Missionary Baptist Association and became Pastor of Pentecost Baptist Church in 2001, where he served for 22 years. During that time, he also served as a Trustee Board member and President for Union Baptist College and Theological Seminary, Chaplain and life coach at Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office, Founder and President of Pilot land Neighborhood Association, Instructor in the Congress of Christian Education and Executive Board member and General Secretary of First District Missionary Baptist Association. Rev. Davis was a true example of Christ in word and in deed. He truly fought a good fight and has gone to get his reward. Rev. Davis dedicated his life's work to preaching God's word by ministering to all who would listen and being of service in any way he saw fit. He never found himself too busy for those who needed him. He was a shining example of what true servanthood is all about. In addition to his father and Godmother, Rev. Davis is also preceded in death by siblings, Charles, Alvin, Theodore, Jr. and Elizabeth Square; father- in-law, Alex Hughes, Sr.; sister-in-law, Brenda Lawson; brothers- in- law, Alex Hughes, Jr. and Donald Morgan, Sr. In addition to his mother, Rev. Davis also leaves to cherish fond memories, his beloved wife of 37 years, Wanda Davis; two children, Lionel (Kristin) and China Lynel; two grandchildren, Lionel III and Eden; mother-in- law, Bessie Hughes; sisters, Janice (Norman) Howlett, Shavonne Davis, Victoria Davis and Sharol Dees; sisters- in- law, Carolyn Morgan, Diane Hughes, Barbara Bell and Eula Cheneau; brothers- in-law, Terrell Hughes and Jerome (Cynthia) Hughes; God-daughters, Cody (David) Sutherland, Rockcal Hughes and Lindsey Smith; God-son ,Trevor Davis, as well as a host of nieces, nephews and other beloved family members. This servant of the Most High God will be dearly missed. A Homegoing Celebration honoring the life and legacy of the late Rev. Dr, Lionel Davis, Sr. will be held at The Pentecost Baptist Church, 1510 Harrison Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70122 on Saturday, July 29, 2023 at 10 am with Visitation at 9 am in the church. First District Missionary Baptist Association in charge of services. Interment Mount Olivet Cemetery, 4000 Norman Mayer Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70122, where he will find eternal peace among the memories of loved ones. Rev. Davis will also lie in state at Pentecost Baptist Church on Friday, July 28, 2023 from 4 pm to 6:30 pm, followed by a musical tribute which will begin at 7 pm. As we bid farewell to Rev. Davis, let us cherish the memories, love and values he leaves behind, forever holding him close in our hearts. The family has entrusted the arrangements to Charbonnet Labat Glapion Funeral Home, who have been compassionately assisting them during this most difficult time. Due to COVID variants, face masks and social distancing strongly encouraged. Please sign online guestbook at www.charbonnetfuneralhome.com. Charbonnet Labat Glapion, Directors (504) 581-4411.