OBITUARY
The Rev. Donald Joseph Davis, Jr., beloved husband, brother, pastor, and servant of God, entered eternal rest on November 6, 2025, in Yakima, Washington. Born on December 9, 1955, in New Orleans, Louisiana, he was the cherished son of Mr. Donald J. Davis, Sr. and Mildred B. Davis.
Rev. Davis devoted his life to ministry, discipleship, and community service. Called to proclaim the Gospel at an early age, he served faithfully within the African Methodist Episcopal Church for many years, touching countless lives with his kindness, wisdom, and unwavering compassion. His pastoral assignments included Wayman Chapel AME Church in Billings, Montana; Gregg Tabernacle AME Church in St. Louis, Missouri; Kirkland Community AME Church in Seattle, Washington; and finally Bethel AME Church in Yakima, Washington, where he served with dedication and love after being appointed on October 4, 2014, by Bishop Larry T. Kirkland.
A true shepherd, Rev. Davis had a remarkable ability to connect with all people. He made acquaintances quickly, friendships easily, and always placed the needs of others at the center of his ministry. His heart for service extended far beyond the walls of the church and into the regional community, where he worked tirelessly to promote healing, justice, and hope.
Rev. Davis lived a life marked by service and leadership, contributing to numerous boards, initiatives, and community programs, including:
City of Seattle Police Chief Transition Team | Department of Justice Monitoring Team
Seattle Community College Social and Human Services Advisory Board
King County Mental Health and Substance Abuse Advisory Board
Co-Chair, King County Dual Diagnosis / Co-occurring Disorders Work Group
Natural Guardians | Rainier Vista Boys & Girls Club | Seattle Youth Violence Initiative Program 4 C’s Mentoring Program | City of Seattle Safer Streets Youth Team | Billings, MT Council of Churches Montana Drug and Gang Prevention Task Force | St. Louis, MO United Ministerial Alliance Yakima School Board
He earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social and Human Services from The Evergreen State College and served as a State of Washington Certified Chemical Dependency Specialist, registered counselor, and chemical dependency professional. Through this work, he championed healing and restoration for individuals and families battling addiction—an extension of his God-given passion for transforming lives.
Rev. Davis leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Csinthea Adele Davis; his loving sisters, Diane Davis Eugene and Shari Davis; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, beloved friends, church members, and colleagues across the AME Church connection.
Rev. Davis lived a life of purpose—rooted in faith, guided by love, and committed to service. He ran his race with honor, served God’s people with humility, and now rests in the arms of the Almighty. His legacy of compassion, leadership, and ministry will continue to live on in the countless lives he touched.
Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord. (Matthew 25:23)
Officiant
Rev. Anthony Steele
Musical Prelude
The Processional
Musical Selection
Tyler Beauchamp
The Invocation
Rev. Anthony Steele
Old Testament - Psalm 23
New Testament - 2 Corinthians 5:1-8
Presiding Elder Spencer Barrett
Musical Selection
Sandra Smith-Jackson
Acknowledgments and Resolutions
Courtney Hernandez
Cherished Memories (video) Reflections
Akil White | Scott Reinmuth
Josue Aquandez | Furman Wheeler
Poem
Brenda Wright
Musical Selection
Jode Goody
Obituary
Courtney Hernandez
Musical Selection
Sandra Smith-Jackson
Words of Comfort
Rev. Joseph Nixon
Invitation
Benediction
Rev. Joseph Nixon
Recessional
Repast Immediately following at Davis High School 212 South 6th Avenue | Yakima, WA
Active Pallbearers
Jaden
Victor Garcia
Miss Me, But Let Me
Go
When I Come to the end of the day and the sun has set for me I want no rites in a gloom-filled room
Why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little, but not too long and not with your head bowed low. Remember the love we once shared-Miss me, but let me go. For this is a journey we all must take and each must go alone. It’s all a part of the Maker’s plan, a step on the road to home. When you are lonely and sick at heart go to the friends we know And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds-Miss me, but let me go.
Special Thanks
We thank you, family and friends, for offering prayers, cards, flowers, food, encouraging words, telephone calls, posts, and text messages expressing your love and condolences. Your expression of love and prayers serve as a continuous source of comfort today and in the days ahead. May God bless each and every one of you in a very special way.
The Davis Family
