In Loving Memory: Bishop Charles E. Davis

CCharles Edward Davis was born on October 2, 1923, in Leland, Mississippi, to the late Priscilla Hobbs. He was the first born of Schaffner and Marx to devote fulltime efforts to church. Bishop Davis has faithfully served as pastor of this church since that time. His beloved of Theology, Bachelor of Arts; and Bachelor of Arts in Bible. He was the recipient of numerous honors and awards and several U.S. Military two sons; younger brother, Wil- wife of 43 years, Dr. Geraldine Ol- Service Medals and Awards. liam Davis, preceded him in death. Charles Davis graduated high school in Leland before migrating to Chicago in 1940. Charles Edward Davis spent his formative years in Chicago’s Bronzeville community. At the age of 19, he joined the military, serving in World War II as a sergeant in the U.S. Army with tours of duty in France, Holland and Germany. Returning to Chicago after the war, he was determined to be an entrepreneur and, along with his friend, Brother James McDonald, took up upholstering. It was Brother McDonald and his mother-in-law, Sisivia Davis, served by his side in all his endeavors until she went home to be with the Lord in September, 1998. During those years, he was also a devoted father to son, Larney Bush, Jr. and daughter, Yolanda Davis. As a strong proponent of education, Bishop Davis generously provided for many young people to further their secular education through scholarships named in his honor: The Bishop Charles E. Davis Scholarship. Additionally, he is the founder of “God’s Bible Institute“ for those desirous of furthering their study in God’s Word. On November 28, 2004, Bishop Davis began his life anew when he was united in marriage with Ms. Jessie Bell Kay. Dr. Jessie Davis was a devoted help meet who served as a catalyst of strength and support for her husband’s work for the Lord until she went to be with the Lord in April 2020. They were inseparable… always together. Bishop Davis, affectionately known as “Chief,” was a man of exemplary character who stood firmly for what he believed in. He became widely known as “Chief” throughout the nation since 1955. He loved his church…church was his life! He ter Anastasia Anderson, who intro- He was elevated to the Bishopric in loved his young people and loved duced Charles Davis to the Lord of 1986 and served as Diocesan Bishop pastoring IPC and was dearly loved his salvation. of the state of New York and Can- by the saints. He leaves a great legHe was born into salvation on Friday, April 23, 1954, under the pastorate of Elder Charles Ellis, who lovingly welcomed him into the house of God at the Indiana Avenue Pentecostal Church of God (IPC) where he could be baptized in Jesus’ name. He became a member of the church on May 7, 1954, and thereby began his spiritual birth, and living the life that Mother Anderson told him about. Following the passing of Elder Ellis, the succeeding pastor, Elder ada, as well as Washington state, and the state of Wyoming. In 2008, he received the torch from Bishop Arthur M. Brazier, graciously accepting the position of Diocesan of the 6th Episcopal District (Illinois District Council) of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc. He served in that capacity for 6 years before retiring in 2013. Bishop Davis served in many decision-making positions with the P.A. of W. on the local and national levels. This includes as Illinois District Council Assistant Chairman and acy of over 50 years as pastor of the Indiana Avenue Pentecostal Church of God (35th Street). He was a pastor with a vision and an eye to developing not just the church, but also the surrounding community. He was highly respected in the religious and secular community—his influence has been evident in property acquisition and in the communityoutreach projects at IPC throughout the years. In 1992, the city of Chicago renamed a city block (3500 – 3600 South Indiana Avenue) in his honor. Odee Akines, recognized the faith- Chairman, Brotherhood Director, An inspiration to many in the Gosfulness and leadership of Brother National Lay Director, Rules and pel, Bishop Davis was a role model, Charles Davis and used his talents Procedure Committee, Convention mentor, counselor, and encourager in the church. He served as a Sun- Committee Member and Coordina- and friend to those who labor in the day School superintendent, young tor, Finance and Budget Committee Gospel. As such, he is the father and people’s leader, and president of member, as well as member of the influencer to many sons and daughthe IPC Senior Choir. Executive Board for the organiza- ters who are teaching and preachIn 1970, Elder Charles Davis, was elected pastor of the Indiana Avtion. Just as he encouraged young people ing the Word of God throughout North America. enue Pentecostal Church of God to excel academically, Bishop was a On Tuesday, February 9, 2021, God after Elder Akines went home to be life-long learner…always reading called Bishop Davis home to reap with the Lord. After becoming pas- and studying. Bishop held several his reward. tor, he resigned his job from Hart, degrees: Doctor of Divinity, Master sister-in-law, Flora Davis of Mississippi; his daughter, Yolanda Davis; daughter-in-law, Helen Bush; daughter, Vickie Kay Tolbert (Ramos); son, Richard Kay (Jacqueline); daughter, Valerie Kay McGee (Bobby); son, David Kay (Stephanie); a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; God children: Ann Gordon, Joyce Walker, and Timothy Odom; special daughters and Katie Walker-Buckley (Otis). Thelma Hall, Sharon Latiker, Margaret Wright; friends and the loving Indiana Avenue Pentecostal Church of God family.