Willie Beatrice Davis

Willie Beatrice Davis, 70, of Gause, Texas, and formerly of Abilene, Texas, affectionally known as Willie B., passed away peacefully on November 28, 2021, at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in College Station, Texas.

Willie B. is survived by her beloved and devoted husband, Elmo Davis; their children, FeShawn Davis and Michael Addicus Davis; their grandchild, Eli Caleb Espinosa; and their great-grandson, Eli Izaiah Espinosa. She is also survived by her brother, Jimmy Rayford and her sisters Wynell Williams; Marcelle Robinzine; Gloria Faye Jackson and her husband, Acey; Verna Ruth Lee; and Teresa McGee and her husband, Harold McGee. Her cherished memory will live on with her Rayford and Davis families, including numerous loving in-laws, nieces, and nephews, as well as with coworkers, friends, and her community.

Willie B was preceded in death by her beloved parents; her brothers Wallace, Jr., George “Owen,” and Larry Rayford; and her brothers-in-law, Curtis Lee and Earl Williams.

Willie B. was born in Cameron, Texas on December 22, 1950. She was the seventh of ten children born to her beloved parents, the late Wallace and Elma (Porter) Rayford. At a young age, the family moved to Abilene where she grew up, eventually settling in the South Side Carver Edition Community. The seeds of faith were planted in her life at an early age when she along with her family attended the Old St. Paul AME Church in the Pasadena Heights Community. She grew up in a large and close-knit family and continued a special relationship with her siblings throughout their lives.

Willie B. graduated from Abilene High School in 1969, which is also when her dear friend Brenda Faye introduced her to Elmo Davis, a young Airman from Shelby, MS, stationed at Dyess Air Force Base. Elmo never thought he would have a chance with one of “Mr. Rayford’s girls;” however, the Lord blessed them and they were married on July 2, 1970, in Abilene, Texas. This holy union began an exciting adventure for Willie B. and her husband Elmo over the next 51 years. Their adventure in life included several moves and two wonderful children. Shortly after marriage, the happy couple relocated back to Elmo’s residence in St. Louis, MO, where they lived for 9 years. Willie B. had a warm and hospitable personality and soon built a new life in St. Louis and made lifelong friends. With her faith being a strong part of her life, she soon united with the Bowman United Methodist Church. After living in St. Louis, Willie B. and her family relocated back to Abilene for a few years, where she joined Bethel AME Church under the leadership of Rev. Boyd. After time, the family relocated to San Antonio.

Throughout her career, despite several moves, Willie B. was always able to find employment easily working in the administrative field as she made the perfect employee and was always dependable, organized, and friendly; if you worked with Willie B., you were family. Willie B. retired after working many years in the School of Nursing for the University of Texas Health Science Center. In San Antonio, Willie B. was a member of Grant AME Church, where she enjoyed being a part of the church, while also growing spiritually in her personal walk with the Lord. After retirement, the family relocated to Gause, Texas, to enjoy the country life.

Willie B. enjoyed traveling and made many special road trips. She loved her children, grandson, and her great-grandson. She was at her happiest when surrounded by her family. She enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, laughing, joking, sharing stories with family, and talking about their aspirations. Though she always stood firm on her convictions and followed a deep binding moral compass, it never stopped her from showing love.

To say family was important to her is an understatement. Willie B. devoted herself to attending and planning many family functions. While she always was devoted to her Rayford family, after marrying into the Davis family, they became just like her own family. She always looked forward to her annual pilgrimage back home to Mississippi for Davis family reunions. Though living miles apart, Willie B. always was intentional about keeping in contact with her loved ones. She kept the phone lines hot, ensuring that the family was always informed about what was going on with everyone. Even during her recent illness, her thoughts were on the condition of others above herself, as usual. As the years passed and physical limitations were placed on her, Elmo and her children became her eyes and extra set of hands to complete the tasks at hand. All who had the privilege to know her will miss her loving, kind, and loving concern for others.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.elliott-hamil.com for the Davis family.