Claretha M. Davis

Her early childhood years were spent in Polk City, Florida. She received her early education in the Polk County Public Schools, graduating from Jewett High School, where she had the honor of being “Miss Jewett High.” She then moved to Hempstead, New York where she worked for a year and then off to Howard University, Washington, DC, where she graduated with a Degree in Education. She was a lifelong learner, completing requirements to obtain a Master’s Degree in Education and pursuing any continuing academic or religious education courses to improve herself or to share with others. Having been nurtured in the Christian faith, Claretha, at an early age accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior, was baptized and became a member of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, serving as the Sunday School secretary until she left home for college. She would go on to practice her faith through her membership with Asbury United Methodist Church in Washington, DC; Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, Clearwater, Florida and upon moving to Sanford, she became a charter member of Keep Your Eyes on Jesus: Hallelujah Health and Healing Ministry. There she served joyfully, counseling the young people and sharing Life-lessons.

Claretha, was a retired educator from The District of Columbia Public Schools, however, she never retired from being an educator, a loving family matriarch or doing what her retirement years afforded her time to do: mainly talking on the phone with former students, writing cards with many, many sticky notes and helping those in need.

Claretha was married to the love of her life, Henry M. Davis, of whom she called "Doll" and he likewise referred to her in the same manner. They had a "One in a Million Lifetime” together, traveling and always eager to share with family and friends, be it a cruise or some specific need. Her devoted husband pre-deceased her in 2004.

Claretha entered into eternal rest on Friday, August 14, 2020 at St. Anthony’s Hospital, St. Petersburg, Florida.

Special memories and the continuance of her legacy are left to the care of Loving Family: Sisters: Josephine Smith, Sonja Bexley, Arthenia Joyner and Valda, Browning; Brothers: Booker T. Joyner and J. C. Joyner; Granddaughter, a host of Nieces, Nephews, Godchildren, other relatives, extended family and Dorothea, a devoted Cousin Sister. ~excerpts from Claretha's Life Journey: November 14, 1937 - August 14, 2020.