Joseph L. Davis, Sr.
Sunrise: November 9, 1947 - Sunset: December 20, 2022
Life Story
Joseph Lee Davis, Sr., peacefully departed this life to be with the Lord on December 20, 2022 at Bayhealth Medical Center, Kent Campus in Dover, Delaware, at the age of 75. He was born on November 9, 1947 in Exmore, Virginia to the late Elizabeth Phillips Davis and Willie Davis, Sr. He was the oldest of 14 siblings.
Joe, as he was affectionately called, received his early education through the North Hampton County Public School System in Eastville, Virginia, and relocated to Delaware with his Aunt, the late Dorothy Coston, at the age of 14, where he continued his education in the Kent County Public School System. It was during this time that he also fathered his first child, Belinda Barkley and went on to graduate from William Henry School in 1966, which would also be the last graduating class. Following graduation, he enrolled voluntarily in the United States Army, serving a total of three years. Shortly after Joe’s honorable discharge, he met and was united in holy matrimony to the love of his life, Peggy Freeman. To this union, of 51 years, was born his only son, Joseph Davis, Jr.
Joe was employed at various local industries, to name a few, General Foods, Girard/Mellon Bank, and Civil Service at Dover Air Force Base where eventually retired. Joe accepted the Lord in early 1977 at M.F. Chase Unity Memorial Church in Star Hill, Delaware, under the leadership of Dr. S. Dixon. Joe realized this was the change that he needed in his life and for his family. He loved the Lord and served Him diligently from that time until his demise on December 20, 2022.
Joe later changed his membership to Emmanuel Pentecostal Church of God in Camden, Delaware, under the leadership of the late Bishop Joseph P. Cooper, Sr. Through this, his wife also gave her life to the Lord and the two reared their children in church, teaching them the ways of the Lord. Joe was appointed as Trustee and also served on the Usher Board. He remained at Emmanuel for approximately 45 years and felt led to go over and help his nephew, Elder Willie Davis lll, with his ministry at Abundant Harvest Ministries in Dover, Delaware, where he remained until he was called home.
Most of you who knew Joe, knew that he was a people person, he loved people and people loved him. He also had a very special love for his family. Although, he fathered only two biological children, he also raised two nieces, Latoya and Katrina Davis, and two nephews, Keenan and Roshaun Sullivan. He was “Uncle Joe” and “Pop” to a multitude and had a special place in his heart for youth and elderly persons. Joe also liked dogs and plants.
Joe was a unique person but also a genuine person, spreading all the love that God placed in his heart. Joe was one of a kind and there will never be another Joe Davis.
Joe was preceded in death by, his daughter, Belinda Barkley; parents, Willie and Elizabeth Davis; special aunt, Dorothy Coston, four brothers, James “Perk” Perkins, Willie Davis Jr., Clyde Davis, and Timothy Davis; two sisters, Linda Graham and Joyceanne Davis.
Joe leaves to cherish his memory: his wife of 51 years, Peggy Davis; son, Joseph Davis, Jr., five grandchild, Sequoiya Barkley, Isaiah Barkley, Marquis Henry (Isabella), Joseph R. Davis, and Makaylah N. Davis; nine great grandchildren; six brothers, Randolph Davis, Leonard Davis (Sylvia), Larry Davis, Milton Davis, Carlton Davis, and Michael Davis all of Dover, Delaware; two sisters, Gloria Mae Davis of Maryland and Theresa Davis of Seaford, Delaware; a very special sister-in-law, Missionary Pat Davis who was very dear to him; two godchildren, Lisa Wilson (Calvin) and Angelic Floyd; a very special cousin, Laverne Cubbage (Phillip) who was more like a sister and was with him up until the end; his church family at Abundant Harvest Ministries, Living Vision Holy Church International, Inc., Existence Pentecostal Church of God, and Emmanuel Pentecostal Church of God; a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Lovingly Submitted,
The Family
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