Ms. Earnestine Davis

Earnestine (Nicholson) Davis was born on March 2, 1947, from the married union of William Nicholson, Sr. and Bertha Mae (Decker) Nicholson in Charleston, Missouri.

When she was a young child, the family moved to Sikeston, Missouri and she recalled at the age of 5 years old, picking cotton alongside friends and family. Earnestine was educated at Oran, Morley and Grant City schools from grade school to high school. As a young adult, she would babysit her younger family members and friends’ children while also working at the compress, Anchor Toy and Wiggins Café (owned by her older sister Willie Mae Wiggins and her husband Pluitt Gayle Wiggins).

The night before relocating to Kansas City, Missouri, she met a handsome young fella named Melvin Davis, Jr., whom she married on March 20, 1969. Melvin and Earnestine had plans to relocate to Kansas City together, but Melvin was drafted to the Army so Earnestine would meet him there later. Upon moving to Kansas City, Earnestine was employed at Meyer Glass, Walker’s Laundromat, security and also caregiving in addition to mainly being a stay-at-home mom.

Earnestine always deemed her children and her family as her greatest joy. She hated most when there was any division amongst them. In fact, she would literally make her children kiss and make up after disagreements. Earnestine was a very strong believer in God and Jesus Christ. She was baptized in 1973 at Rejoice and Temple C.O.G.I.C. in Kansas City, Kansas. She also attended Faith and Deliverance C.O.G.I.C.

In her spare time, Earnestine loved dancing, singing, playing cards, laughing and having a good time with her family and friends. When she became ill, she remained strong and resilient living to see her 76th birthday, passing away a few days following on March 9, 2023 in Home Hospice Care provided by her family.

Preceding her in death- Her daughter Erma Davis; Parents William & Bertha Mae (Decker) Nicholson; Brothers Stanley Nicholson Sr., Eddie Nicholson Sr., James Nicholson Sr. & Melvin Nicholson; Sisters Willie Mae Wiggins, Evelyn Marie Brandy, Adell Nicholson & Erma Jean Hyler; One of her Best Friends Lue Washington, and a host of other family and friends.

Earnestine leaves to cherish her memory, her Husband Melvin Davis, Jr.; Daughters Marilyn Davis, Yancy Davis, Tiffany Davis, Natalie Davis, Lakhiyah Davis & Magen Davis; Sons Melvin Davis III, Aaron Davis & Nicholas Davis; Grandchildren Khristopher Davis, Yancey Smalls, Jr., Tyrice Davis, Kemora Davis, Jaylyn Davis, Nikysia Davis & Macaria Davis; Great Granddaughter Gianna Smalls; Lifelong Sister-in-Laws; Roberta Brown & Ethel Shelton; longtime friends Ervin Hyler, Earl Scott, Pearline Hatchett, Ethel Mae Davis & Alberta Brown; and a Host of other Family & Friends. Her older brothers William Nicholson (Last known address in Portland, OR) and Thurman Nicholson (Last known address in Phoenix, AZ) are presumed alive until proven otherwise.

The celebration of Earnestine Davis’s life will be held on Friday March 31, 2023, 12pm at Watkins Heritage Chapel.  Visitation will be from 11am-12pm at the chapel. Interment Forest Hills Cemetery. Service conducted by Watkins Heritage Chapel. Condolences may be shared on our website.

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