Alberta B. Davis

~Acknowledgement ~

Do Not Stand At My Grave And Weep Do not stand at my grave and weep; I am not there; I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow.

I am the diamond glints on snow.

We, the family of the late Alberta B. Davis express our heartfelt thanks to each of you who, in your own way, shared with us during our period of bereavement. We have been blessed and strengthened by your prayers, expressions of love, shared memories, words of encouragement and all kindnesses shown. We share our special gratitude to all the staff at The Baptist Reynolds Hospice House (Collierville, TN). We thank God for you and pray that He will keep you in His care.

~The Family

~Honorary Pallbearers ~

St. John Baptist Church Choir Faithful Few Club | New Era Club Memphis & Shelby County Health Department Messick High School – Class of 1970 | Corry Junior High School – Class of 1967 Charlie Rowlett | Rick Williams | Donald “Pookie” Williams | Herb Hart | Jeffery Parker

~Active Pallbearers ~

I am the sun on ripened grain.

I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning’s hush, I am the swift uplifting rush

Nephews/Friends

~Interment & Committal Rites ~ Memory Hill Gardens 3700 North Germantown Parkway Bartlett, Tennessee 38133

~Repast ~

Of quiet birds in circled flight.

St. John Baptist Church 640 Vance Avenue Memphis, Tennessee 38126

I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry;

www.AlbertaBDavis.com

Distinctive Services by

I am not there; I did not die.

- Mary Elizabeth Frye - 1932

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3320 Millbranch Rd. Memphis, Tennessee 38116 901-452-7331 www.harrisonsfuneralhomeinc.com “There’s No Comparison To HARRISON” ~Since 1923~ 901.351.0753 www.mysticalprinting.com info@mysticalprinting.com

The Celebration of Life

Remembering Alberta

Alberta B. Davis Wednesday, October 5, 2016 11:00 A.M.

Alberta B. Davis, age 88, died peacefully on Sunday - September 25, 2016 in the Trinity Grove wing, a caring, loving and compassionate “home” at the Baptist Reynolds Hospice House in Collierville, TN.

St. John Baptist Church

She was born - April 12, 1928 - in Brunswick, TN to Tommie and Esther (Settles) Becton and was the third of ten children. At an early age Alberta displayed a level of maturity, service and compassion far beyond her natural age as she nourished people around her with love, faith, comfort and security.

After graduating from Barrett’s Chapel High School (1945), she briefly attended Lemoyne College and Tennessee A. & I. State University. On October 21, 1948 she graduated from the Superior Poro Beauty School with a Diploma which reads (in part) as

640 Vance Avenue • Memphis, Tennessee 38126

Pastor Henry L. Key ~Officiating~

Musical Prelude........................................................................Dottie Rambo “We Shall Behold Him”

“Alberta Ester Becton has completed a full course of instruction in the treatment of the Scalp and the Culture of the Hair as prescribed by the SUPERIOR PORO BEAUTY SCHOOL, and has passed such examinations as to satisfactorily demonstrate her ability to properly apply the intricate methods thereto. Now, therefore, by virtue of the power vested in us, we have granted this DIPLOMA - with all the privileges attendant thereupon.” Signed - Pearl H. Hampton (President).

Processional...........................................................................C. Austin Miles

From 1949 - 1953 she honed, perfected and re-certified her skills through The Tennessee State Board of Cosmetology as she built a strong list of satisfied customers.

Old Testament Scripture................................Reverend Stanley Gates

New Testament Scripture........................................Brother Stan Bell

In 1950 she united in holy matrimony with Clinton Davis and from that union she gave birth to two sons ... Russell Edward Davis - in 1951 and Gregory George Davis in 1952.

Alberta, her sons Russell and Gregory were among the FIRST families in the (then new) Cleaborn Homes housing complex. In the mid-50s she joined St. John Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. A. McEwen Williams and is among St. John’s “legacy members” where she has served in various capacities ... nursery attendant, choir member, teacher, nurse and secretary (Faithful Few Club).

In 1965 Alberta was in the FIRST graduating class of the Memphis Practical Nurse Training Program where she served as Class Chaplain. She began her career with the Memphis and Shelby County Health Department on March 16, 1966 as a Licensed Practical Nurse in the Nursing Section. She worked as part of an immunization team at Oates Manor, Dixie Homes, Goodwill Gardens and various school-based clinics. In 1969 her position’s responsibilities were expanded to include certain laboratory procedures. In 1980 she transferred to Riverview Clinic where she remained until her retirement in 1990 culminating more than 25 years of loyal and dedicated service to the citizens of Memphis and Shelby County! Since the mid-60s she was affectionately known as “Miss Alberta,” “Ain’t Bert” and/or “Aunt Bert!”

“In The Garden”

Selection...................................................................................St. John Choir “On Jordan’s Stormy Banks” – 445 NNHB

Scriptures Circle of Faith at Balmoral Memphis, TN St. John Baptist Church

Prayer......................................................................Reverend Albert Collins

St. John Baptist Church

Selection ..................................................................................St. John Choir “Just A Little Talk With Jesus”

Expressions Of Comfort (2 Minutes Please)

Friend/Classmate....................................Mr. Leon Lynn Friend.................................................Mrs. Louise Terry Faithful Few Club...........................Mrs. Barbara Parks Family.................................................Mr. Jeffery Becton

With her “new found time” Alberta was able to give more of herself in service to others. In the late 1990s a “career shift” opportunity allowed her to work [part-time] for the Transportation Security Administration as a “Pre-Board Screener” at the Memphis International Airport.

Solo.................................................................................Pastor Roy Johnson

Alberta truly lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures, travels, fellowships and giving her time, energy and resources to help others. She will be remembered as a bright, shining light in the various church, social and professional organizations she served!

Resolutions............................................................Mrs. Betty B. Smith, Clerk

Alberta was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Willie Leroy Becton, Eddie Becton, sisters Bertha Becton, Irene Williamson and Clarissa Wyatt.

Acknowledgments......................................................Mr. Gregory Davis, Son

Left to honor Alberta and remember her love are sons Russell Davis, Gregory (Carol) Davis, grandsons Regis Terrell and Eric Manuel, great-grandson Malachi Anderson, sisters Jewell (James) Phillips, Jerri (Troy) Caraway, brothers Charlie Becton, Tommie Earl Becton, many nieces, nephews and a host of friends. Special friends - among several “unlimited” persons - include Louise Terry, Thelma Warr, Johnnie Tyler, Algenner (the late Joel) Jackson, Rick (Gail) Williams and Donald “Pookie” Williams.

Restoration Outreach Family Worship Center Thomasville, GA St. John Baptist Church

Silent Reading of Obituary.......................................................J. B. F. Wright (Soft Music – “Precious Memories”)

Eulogy............................................................................Pastor Henry L. Key

St. John Baptist Church

Recessional............................................................................Walter Hawkins “Goin’ Up Yonder”