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RETHA BELL JACKSON DAVIS
Retha Bell Jackson Davis, 88, affectionately known as Retha Bell, was born July 24, 1934, in Charleston, South Carolina to the late Ruth Alston and William Clark. She transitioned from Earth to her Eternal Resting Place on January 18, 2023, after a lengthy illness. She was raised by (Big Mama) Deaconess Unis Ravenel.
She was one of seventeen children, Bishop James Ravenel, Isaac Ravenell, Jesse Ravenel, Louis Greggs, Albert Clark, Betty Guess and Jenette Majors. In 1979, she moved to Baltimore, Maryland, where she was self-employed as a Licensed Daycare Provider. In 1986 she moved back to South Pittsburg, Tennessee, and worked until 1997, her retirement.
Retha Bell was joined in holy matrimony in 1950 to the late Elder John Wallace Jackson until his passing on July 13, 1969. From this union, there were two children, Yvonne, who preceded her in death, and Reverend James Cornelius Jackson Sr., who faithfully cared for her until her passing on January 18, 2023. On August 27, 1979, she was joined in holy matrimony to Deacon Wilbur H. Davis. To this union, there were five children, Irene and four who preceded her in death, Cheryl, William (Buddy), Lillian and Willette.
She received the Baptism of the Holy Ghost at a young age and was an active and faithful member of the House of God Church until its closing during the onset of COVID-19. She served as an (Usher, Local Trustee, Deacon and Local Missionary). Retha’s love for the Lord was evident even though her illness. She continuously would call out his name and give him praise and glory. She leaves to cherish her Loving Memory son, Cornelius and Lisa Jackson of South Pittsburg, Tennessee; daughter, Irene Davis of Baltimore, Maryland; brother, Bill and Barbara Davis of Baltimore, Maryland; sisters, Loretta Fowler of Baltimore, Maryland, Juanita Iverson of Fayetteville, North Carolina; eighteen grandchildren, twenty-nine great grandchildren as well as great-great grandchildren along with a host of nieces, nephews and family friends.
Retha also leaves two loving caregivers, Stephanie Willette, RN and Mary Ruth Whisnant. She also leaves three loving grandchildren who assisted in her care throughout her illness, James Jackson, Nicholas Jackson and Whitney Campbell. As well as lifelong friends and companions of Deacon Walter Wooding of Nashville, Tennessee and Deaconess Either Jackson of Knoxville, Tennessee.
She enjoyed serving God and also spending quality time with her family and friends.
Psalms 30:5 For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favor is life; weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. Deaconess Retha Davis.
Visitation will be on Saturday, January 28, 2023, from 12:00 Noon to 1:00 pm CST at Grace Baptist Church in South Pittsburg, Tennessee.
Funeral services are Saturday, January 23, 2023, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm CST at Grace Baptist Church in South Pittsburg, Tennessee with Elder Nicole Walker and Bishop William Carter officiating.
Burial will be on Saturday, January 23, 2023 at Sequatchie Valley Memorial Gardens immediately following the funeral service.
Pallbearers are Jerome Patton, Dale Winters, Ronald E. Cook, Deacon W. Wooding, Eddie Moore, Dwayne Scivally, Deacon Robert Moss and Jarvis Wooten.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to Tate Funeral Home, LLC, 950 Mel Dixon Lane, Jasper, Tennessee 37347, 423-942-9500.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.tatefh.com.
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