Life’s Reflections
Mrs.
Barbara Jean Hardy Davis, age 78 peacefully transitioned from this life on Thursday, October 2, 2025, surrounded by her family.
Born on January 30, 1947, to Earnest and Sarah Hardy, Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; her son, George W. Smith, Jr., brothers, Robert and Johnny Hardy; and sisters, Earnestine, Dooley, Leola Towns, and Amy Hardy.
Barbara accepted Christ at an early age at Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. R.W. Taylor. She was a faithful choir member and was baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
A proud graduate of George Washington Carver High School, Barbara was an active member of the marching band. She began her career as a seamstress at Levi Strauss, where she worked for ten years. After the company closed, she pursued further education and became a certified pharmacy techician. She served at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital for 28 years until her retirement.
Barbara is survived by her devoted husband, Sidney Davis, daughter Genelle Briggs (Damon), stepdaugter, Sidtrana Davis. She also leaves behind her brothers, James Hardy and Michael Hardy (Lois); sisters, Ella Hardy, Annie Hardy and Florine Davis; brotherin-law, Rev. Lee Davis and Walker Hunt, sister-in-law, Alberta Johnson; grandchildren, Taylor Day (Todd), Ke’Darius Davis, and Kiara Davis; great-grandchildren, Tatum and Teagan Day; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and cherished friends- including her dear friend Vera Averheart.
Barbara was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Known for her love of travel, and impeccable style, she brought joy and grace to every room she entered. Her memory will live on in every shared story and every heart she touched.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Psalms 23
The Celebration of Life
Saturday, October 18, 2025 12:00 Noon
St. John AME Church
4862 Millbranch Road • Memphis, Tennessee 38116
Reverend Joy W. Yancy, Pastor
Pastor Issac Malone, Eulogist
Prelude
Processional..........................................................................The Family of Barbara Davis “Precious Lord”
Scripture Readings:
Old Testament........................................................................Minister Vera Cheers
New Testament.....................................................................Reverend Kevin Brook
Prayer.......................................................................................................Pastor Lee Davis
Words of Comfort..............................................................................Pastor Willie Williams
Musical Selection..........................................................................Bethlehem M.B. Church
Acknowledgements.................................................................................Sis. Phyllis Dooley
Resolution................................................................................................Sis. Beverly Ware
Expressions of Love
(Respectfully, Two Minutes Please)
Donna Hornburger - Family
Dr. Vera Averheart-Fullard - Childhood Friend
Pastor Barry Ward - Church Member
Paulina W. Guyton - West TN. Conference WMS President
Musical Selection.................................................................................The Johnson Family
Eulogy.................................................................................................Pastor Isaac Malone
Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church
Recessional
To My Loving Wife In Heaven
Our time together was special So were the memories we made And although you live in Heaven now Those memories never fade I bow my head in silence And remember my with love And I know that you are up there
Watching from above.
Everyday’s a struggle And nothing feels the same And my heart breaks a little more Everytime I hear your name.
You’ll always be remembered And time may heal my heart But a piece of me is missing
Since the day we had to part
If Heaven is for Angels
Mother with a Heart of Gold
I lost a mother with a heart of gold. How much I’m going to miss her can never be told She shared my troubles and helped me along. If I follow her footsteps, I will never go wrong.
I miss you for your fireside Your loving smile and gentle air. Your vacant place no one can fill, I will miss you mother and always will.
You are that mother so very rare Content in her home and always there. On earth she toiled. In heaven she rests. God bless your mother You were one of the best.
Love You Mother, Genelle
If Roses grow in Heaven Lord, please pick a bunch for me. Place them in my Mother’s arms and tell her they’re from me.
Tell her that I love her and miss her, and when she turns to smile, place a kiss upon her cheek and hold her for a while.
Because remembering her is easy, I do it every day, but there’s an ache within my heart that will never go away.
God looked around his garden and found an empty space. Then he looked down upon this earth And saw your tired face. He put his arms around you And lifted you to rest.
God’s garden must be beautiful He only takes the best.
Though her smile is gone forever And her hand I cannot touch.
I still have so many memories Of the one I loved so much. Her memory is now my keepsake Which I’ll never part. God has her in his keeping I have her in my heart.
Love Your Only Granddaughter
The Broken Chain
CMemories
We knew little that day that God was going to call your name, In life we loved you dearly, In death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you, You did not go alone. For part of us went with you, The day God called you home. You left us peaceful memories, Your love is still our guide, And though we cannot see you, You are always at our side. Our family chain is broken, And nothing seems to be the same, But as God calls us one by one, The chain will link again.
Love Your Siblings
~Acknowledgements ~
The family of Barbara J. Hardy Davis is gratefully appreciate of the many expressions of love and kindness that have been shown during our time of bereavement. We sincerly thank you for your comforting words, prayers, visits, telephone calls, flowers and cards. The Davis & Briggs family offer a special ‘Thank You” for all the support that you have given during this time.
~The Family
Honorary Pallbearers ~
Damon Briggs
Todd Day, Jr.
William
Demetrius Dooley Terealuis Williams
Amos Waiters Maurice Hardy
