Mother Berta Lee Davis (Sweetie)

Our beloved mother, grandmother, godmother, aunt and friend, Berta Lee Davis “Sweetie”, took the morning train home to be with our Heavenly Father on Sunday, June 21, 2020 at 0745 hrs., at the age of 86 years. She was born July 17, 1933 in Sicily Island, Louisiana. The baby of 5 children to the late Yank Harris and Judy Ann Douglas Harris. As a child and young adult, she was very athletic with basketball being her favorite. She was a powerful point guard for the Sicily Island High School Wildcats of Peck, Louisiana. Her education was cut short when a Caucasian man threaten, stalked and attempted to steal her away from her family. She was forced to flee from her home for safety and moved up north to Saginaw. She met and married Grover Lee Davis, Jr. This union was blessed with 6 children. Even though she was unable to finish high school as a youth, she was determined to graduate from high school and received her diploma. She attended Saint Joseph Adult Education Program of Saginaw and graduated in 1974 in the top of her class. Mother Davis was a member of Saint Paul Missionary Baptist Church over 55 years. She was an active member, using her gifts and talents in any capacity that they were needed. For many years she sang in the Mass Choir; coached the girls basketball team; was chairperson of the 1988 Church Dedication Souvenir Book; was an original member of the Saint Paul Christian Daycare and Pre-school Board; enjoyed attending Bible Study, Mission, and Prayer Service, until health complications hindered her from doing so. Mrs. Davis led the way to re-organize the Saint Paul Baptist Church Mothers Board under the leadership of Interim Rev. Roosevelt Austin, Sr. She spears headed the organization of the Saint Paul Baptist Church Mothers Annual Green Tea. Mother Davis enjoyed singing. You could always hear her singing one hymn or another. Some of her favorites were; Precious Lord Take My Hand; May the Work I’ve Done Speak for Me, Amazing Grace and In the Garden. She was very gifted in understanding God’s Word and Intercessory Prayer; she had the gift of dreams and interpretations of dreams. Berta was a life member of the International Free and Accepted Modern Masons, Inc. and Order of Eastern Stars, Edith Sampson Grand Chapter of Michigan; Past District Matron of District #8 of Saginaw MI. Sis. Davis has held numerous offices and has traveled the USA representing this organization. She organized the Berta L. Davis Youth Chapter #196, Saginaw MI; was a member of Queen Deborah #110, Saginaw MI. Berta was a woman of class who was well known for her stylish flair. Mother Davis received child care provider training through the Saginaw Intermediate School District, Michigan Department of Social Services in July 1980. She owned and operated the Berta L. Davis Licensed Day Care Center for over 15 years. She loved her family and enjoyed spending time with them, often cooking and sharing food with whoever came to her home. Berta was affectionately known as “Sweetie”; she was internationally known as “Lady Queen Bee” manning the KEE1686 base station (CB-Citizen Band). Sweetie leaves to cherish her precious memory, her children, Alga (L.J.) Smith, Jr., Marquietta Davis, Yolanda Davis (Eugene) McGee, and Grover Lee Davis III, all of Saginaw, Michigan; one god-daughter, Michele Brown (José) Douglas, Grand Rapids, Michigan; 14 grandchildren, Felicia Thomas, Alga Smith III, Anquonn Smith, Ervin Smith, Anthony Lyle, Jr. Zephaniah Davis, Javaris Lyle, Minister Thurman (Brandy) Stanton II (Mama’s Fabulous Four), Tangena Davis McGee, Grover L. Davis IV, Elijah Cooper, and Sandrana Cooper, all of Saginaw, and Sergio Thomas of Flint MI; 27 great-grandchildren; 6 great-great grandchildren; 3 grand god-children; 2 great grand god-children; one sister-in-love Juanita Smith of Saginaw; two cousins, Frances Watson, Louisiana and Emma Jean Brooks, Illinois; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other children she raised, including two special nephews, Walter J. Harris and Larry L. Whiting, and many other relatives and friends. Berta had the following angels awaiting her arrival on the blissful shores of heaven, her husband, Grover Lee Davis, Sr., parents, Yank Harris and Judy Ann Douglas Harris, one son, Reed E. Smith, one daughter, TeVeldia Davis Lyle, her siblings, Cleveland, Walter, Henry (Snook) Harris and Judy Ann Carradine and many other uncles, aunts, and relatives. The family wishes to express sincere thanks and gratitude to everyone who offered kind words, prayers and condolences. A special thanks to Pastor Vincent D. McMillon and the Saint Paul Baptist Church Family; Dr. Nader, Dr. Hoeksema, Dr. Hollandworth, and the Covenant Cooper CVICU staff for their extraordinary care and compassion; Bruce Bailey, Louise M. Johnston and Audrey C. Smith for the extra care and attention they gave her. Visitation will take place from 2:00 until 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 30, 2020 at Evans & Browne's Funeral Home, 441 N. Jefferson Ave., Saginaw, MI 48607. A private funeral service will be held. Pastor Vincent McMillon will officiate.

Mother Berta Lee Davis (Sweetie)

July 17, 1933 - June 21, 2020