Cover photo for WILLIE PERRY DAVIS, SR.'s Obituary
WILLIE PERRY DAVIS, SR. Profile Photo
1933 Willie perry 2022

WILLIE PERRY DAVIS, SR.

December 27, 1933 — January 28, 2022

Willie P. Davis, Sr. Funeral Program

Willie Perry Davis, Sr., founder and owner of Davis Mortuary Service and Woodlawn Park Memorial Cemetery, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 28, 2022, at the age of 88. He was a native of Copiah County, MS and a resident of Marrero, LA. "Mr. Davis" "Junior Man" or "Perry", as he is lovingly called by family and friends, realized at an early age while working on the farm with his father that he aspired to be a businessman and mortician. He was taught the importance of education, graduating from Utica Institute in 1952. Having a thirst for knowledge he continued his education at Alcorn A&M College in Lorman, MS, earning his associates degree in Architectural Engineering. After graduation Willie wanted to start his career, so he packed up and headed south to Louisiana where some of the family had already relocated. He established his residence on the Westbank of Jefferson Parish. 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. Relatives and friends of the family, also pastors, officers, and members of New Salem Church of Christ Holiness, St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church and all surrounding churches; members of Crescent City Funeral Directors and Embalmers Associations are invited to attend the Viewing on Monday, February 7, 2022, at New Salem Church of Christ Holiness, 1540 Mansfield Avenue, Marrero, LA from 8:00a.m.-12:00noon and from 2:00p.m.-7:00p.m. at Davis Mortuary Service, 230 Monroe St., Gretna, LA. Celebration of Life will be held at St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church, 1738 L. B. Landry Avenue New Orleans, LA on Tuesday, February 8, 2022 at 10:00a.m. Elder George Taylor, officiating; Pastor Norman Francis, host pastor. Viewing will begin at 7:00a.m.-9:45a.m. Service will be lived streamed at https://vimeo.com/event/1795204/38b271a9b5 Interment: Woodlawn Park Memorial Cemetery-Westwego, LA. Arrangements by Davis Mortuary Service, 230 Monroe St., Gretna, LA. To view and sign the guestbook, please go to www.davismortuaryservice.com. Due to Covid-19 pandemic it is mandatory everyone attending wear a face mask or some type of face covering.

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Service Schedule

Past Services

Viewing

Monday, February 7, 2022

8:00am - 12:00 pm (Central time)

New Salem Church of Christ Holiness U.S.A.

1540 Mansfield Dr, Marrero, LA 70072

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Viewing

Monday, February 7, 2022

2:00 - 7:00 pm (Central time)

Davis Mortuary Service

230 Monroe St, Gretna, LA 70053

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Celebration of Life

Tuesday, February 8, 2022

7:00 - 9:45 am (Central time)

St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church

1738 L B Landry Ave, New Orleans, LA 70114

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

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