Willie P. Davis Sr. Biography

The career path that Willie chose took a detour in 1956 when he was drafted by the United States Army to serve his country during the Korean War. Upon completing his military duties, he returned to the Westbank of Jefferson Parish, and began a 26-year career as the first African American Architectural Engineer with Avondale Shipyard. While at Avondale, he furthered his education in Architectural Engineering by attending Tulane University. Utilizing his degree, he drafted many designs of ships for the United States Military. In addition, he also designed several local churches which include, New Salem Church of Christ Holiness, Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church, and St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church to just name a few. Willie never strayed from his ultimate goal of owning his own mortuary. In March of 1983, his dream became a reality opening the first Davis Mortuary Service, Inc. in Gretna, LA. Soon after opening his flagship location, he attended Delgado Community College to further his knowledge in mortuary science. In 1987 he designed and built the second location in Marrero, LA. With so many families in the Greater New Orleans area requesting his services, in 1998 a location was opened in eastern New Orleans. As a successful owner of three mortuaries, being a pillar in the community drove his desire to help his clients further. Leading to the establishment of Woodlawn Park Memorial Cemetery in August 2004. Willie has worked tirelessly to assist all the families that walk through his doors with professionalism, patience, understanding and even financial assistance when needed. For three generations Mr. Davis and his descendants have carried out The Davis Mortuary motto "We Do What Other's Promise".

Willie was a devoted Christian and longtime deacon at New Salem Church of Christ Holiness. He took his Christian duties seriously and held various leadership roles. Cherishing his memories are his loving wife of over 58 years, Ada Neal Davis; his children Reena (Joseph) Jackson, Montrice (Jonathan) Preatto, Willie Perry (Alesha) Davis, Jr., Javar Davis (Kayla), and Antoinette (Robert) Williams. Also carrying on his legacy are his grandchildren, Damar Jackson, Jada Davis, Ronnie Briggs, Jr. (Christy), Willie Perry Davis III, Jamari Preatto, Shernisia (Michael) Lewis, Renisia (Liference) Clark, and Jonisha Preatto; his loving great grandchildren Carter Briggs, Jasmine Lewis (Gary), Aubrey Lace Clark, and Luke Clark; great great grandchild Christianne Marie Lockett. Also treasuring lasting memories are his siblings Melodis Divinity, Shirley Jean King, Clemistine Belton, James Davis, Gerald (Diane) Davis, Lennette Watts, and Samuel (Shirley) Davis; Godchildren Robert Torry and Clara J. Veal; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie Garner Davis and Emma Lee Torry Davis: siblings, Natalia Robinson, Reuben Davis Sr., Stella Robinson, Elvia Wofford, Geraldine and Ruthene Davis: Father and mother-in-law, Joseph Taplin and Grace Taplin.