Annie Mae Davis

Annie Mae Davis of Columbus, Ohio, was born in Springfield, Tennessee, on January 24, 1930, to George Andrew and Lizzie Etta Gatewood. She completed her journey on her 93rd birthday at home surrounded by her family.

Annie was the second oldest of eleven children. At an early age, she was responsible for helping her father on the farm. She found working in the soil therapeutic and restorative. She adored her “daddy” and this relationship was the source of her dedication to God and family. Her dependability and strong work ethic earned her the nickname “Rock”, coined by her father. At age 14, this strong foundation was put to the test by his sudden passing. Annie, along with her eldest brother, without hesitation, rose to the occasion to provide for their family.

Annie found her life’s passion in nursing. She had an expansive, 55-year nursing career that began at Benjamin Franklin Hospital. Upon its closing, Annie transitioned to private-duty nursing where her reputation preceded her and provided her with jobs from Columbus to the Florida Keys. She believed in providing exemplary care for her patients and their families. Her work spoke for itself and inspired multiple family members to go into the nursing profession.

Annie was especially proud of her family, her beloved husband Ambrose, adoring sons, and cherished daughters. She was the rock of her household, and her love and emotional availability were a vital part of their well-being. Annie made sure her family understood the value of obtaining a good education, working hard, and saving money.

Annie was a true southern belle and always showed her southern hospitality. Annie never met a stranger. She spoke to and lent a helping hand to everyone she met. Annie was an avid cook and often offered to make her mother’s famous homemade rolls for numerous family functions. She loved gardening, fishing, quilting, and crocheting. Annie could often be found in her garden, where she grew vegetables for the family table, or inside tending to her plants. She was in close contact with her ten siblings, hosts of nieces and nephews, grandchildren, and friends. Annie had a keen gift of knowing what was going on in the family whether it was spoken or unspoken.

Annie was a long-time member of the Central Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses and a proud servant of Jehovah. Her dedication to her faith was a stronghold through life’s transitions.

Annie was preceded in death by her husband Ambrose Davis, sons: Micheal and Eicheal Sharpe, step-daughter: Juanita Noel Carter, father: George Andrew Gatewood, mother: Lizzie Etta Jones, brothers: George Andrew, Mims, Robert Nathaniel, and John Gatewood, sisters: Ida Lou Mixon, Maudie Jean Jones, Alice Tuck, Alberta Gatewood, and Katherine Douglas.

She is survived by her beloved daughters: Angela (Donald) LaFollette, Tracy (Erwin) Raphael, Loretta (Charles) King, step-daughter DeLois (Richard) Perry, sister: Peggy Gatewood, sister-in-law: Cynthia Gatewood, grandchildren: Junedella Galloway (Keith Hampton), Latoya Galloway, Di’Mesha Redd, Micheal (Pebbles) Sharpe Jr., Heather (John) Gutierrez, Samuel (Vanessa) LaFollette, Kati (Alex) Richards, Taylor (Chris) Smith, Bobby Wilson, Haleigh Wilson, Malaika Raphael, Brian (Stephanie) Davis, Nicole (Robert) Jackson, Kevin (Rosalyn) Perry, Doretta (Unice) Rice, Roxanne Kennerly; great-grandchildren: Trey Galloway, Michael Rife, Dylon Sharpe, Daylin Sharpe, Devin Sharpe, Omenuko Davis, Isaac Lide, Amelia Richards, Jensen LaFollette, Brian Davis, Keith Davis, Olivia Jackson, Orien Jackson, Jonathan Jackson, Amanda (Daniel) Washington, ShaVara (Paul) Johnson, Shane (Angelica) Rice, Austin Kennerly, Cameron Kennerly, and a host of great-great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Arrangements entrusted to Schoedinger Northeast.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Mount Carmel College of Nursing Annie Mae Davis Memorial Scholarship.

Online:

https://donor.mountcarmelfoundation.org/mccn, select designation MCCN Our Legacy of Learning – Scholarships and in the Comments section write The Annie Mae Davis Memorial Scholarship

Mail:

Please make check payable to the Mount Carmel Foundation, note The Annie Mae Davis Memorial Scholarship and mail to: Mount Carmel Foundation, 3100 Easton Square Place, Suite 300, Columbus, Ohio 43219.

A visitation for Annie will be held Saturday, January 28, 2023 from 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM at Creekside Conference and Event Center, 101 Mill St #300, Gahanna, OH 43230, followed by a celebration of life at 12:00 PM.

Annie will be laid to rest in Green Lawn Cemetery, 1000 Greenlawn Ave, Columbus, OH 43223.