Laverne Davis
October 11, 2017
Carmelita Laverne Brady Davis , 85, died of natural causes at home on October 11, 2017 surrounded by family in Whispering Pines, NC.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, October 20, 2017 at 3:00 pm at Tabernacle United Methodist Church in Robbins, NC, the church she was baptized in, grew up in, was married in and later returned to play the organ for when her husband Jack Davis retired. Rev. Mamie Alley will conduct the service.
The graveside service will take place at 4:30 pm at Pleasant Grove Christian Church in Bennett near her parents, grandparents and other family. The interment will be followed by hors d’ouevres at the Pleasant Grove Fellowship Hall.
Laverne Davis was born in Robbins, NC on August 23, 1932 to Carl and Ora (Forkner) Brady. Laverne’s interest in music started when she took piano lessons and sang in the choir. She attended Elise High School where she was named Class Prankster, Most Athletic, Most Popular, and played on the girls’ basketball team. She attended Elon College’s School of Music where she graduated in 1954 with a degree in Music.
During college, she traveled to Le Chambon-sur-Lignon, France to help with building projects. During her time in France, she met the Rev. André Trocmé who spoke out against Nazis prior to World War II and who urged his Protestant Huguenot congregation to hide Jewish refugees from the Holocaust . Listening to him preach and having discussions about the atrocities and injustices of WWII influenced her own feelings about the nascent civil rights movement. While at Elon, she participated in a youth retreat lead by an Elon professor that introduced Elon students to students of color and leaders of the civil rights movement.
After graduating from Elon, Laverne enrolled in Union Theological Seminary in New York to continue her theological and musical studies. While in the north, she met her future husband, electrical engineer and former Air Force Officer, Straud Jackson (Jack) Davis and later married him in Robbins on February 20, 1960.
Laverne continued participating in activities that promoted civil rights and was active in the Fair Housing initiatives during the 1960s. She continued her love of music by playing rehearsal piano for the Plays and Players theatrical group in Haddonfield, NJ. Later, when the family moved to Wyckoff, NJ, Laverne joined the Pro Arte Chorale, a nationally renowned, professional-level choir and sang at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. She fostered her children’s life-long love of performing arts by taking them to Broadway shows, the ballet, and the New York Philharmonic in addition to passing her commitment to the civil rights movement and standing up for the less fortunate to her children.
After retiring to North Carolina, she started a senior women’s basketball team and went to the National Senior Olympics.
Laverne was predeceased by her husband of 55 years, Jack Davis and her sister, Mary Ann Brady Brown. Survivors are her children Elizabeth Brady Davis, Julia Kathryn Davis and spouse Kevin Oshinski, Jonathan Jackson Davis and spouse Rebecca Boucino Davis; grandchildren Alexander Brady Thierer, Samantha Rose Davis, and Emily Kathryn Davis; siblings Elbert Carl Brady Jr., Samuel Lawrence Brady, and Eunice Adele Brady Andrews.
Fry & Pickett Funeral Home is honored to serve the Davis family.
Condolences may be made at pinesfunerals.com
Laverne was my good friend and cousin. We spent so much time working on family history together. I shall miss her greatly. I express my deepest sympathy to all of Laverne’s family.
I am sorry to hear of Laverne’s passing. The was a talented, progressive individual who was living proof that being raised in a small town is no barrier to achieving great things in life, especially with wonderful parents.
Laverne was a wonderful, fun-loving lady. Family gatherings at the Brady/Davis house in Robbins were always fun for everyone. I liked that Laverne always included the children by passing out musical instruments, having them line up and parade around the h
Pat and I were saddened to learn of Laverne’s passing. She and Jack were our neighbors for a number of years in Longleaf CC. She was a very sweet lady and a good neighbor. She will be missed by many. Our condolences to the family.
Pat and George Rya
Praying for the Davis family during this difficult time. May God comfort your heart.
The Sims family would like to send our deepest Condolences to the Davis Family for the loss of your mother. Wishing you strength for today and hope for tomorrow.
Our Lord brings you and your family needed comfort and peace during this sad time. My Condolences to you and family.
Our deepest condolences for the Davis family. We pray God will surround them with strength and love during this difficult time.
Prayers for the Davis family that God will provide peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Glen and I are so sad to hear about Laverne’s passing. She was a wonderful friend and neighbor. She always showed so much interest in and caring for others. A friend like this is hard to find. We’ll miss you, Laverne.
What a gift she was to her friends and family. She would come over and play my piano and sing with Dick. We went to her granddaughters piano recital and saw the glow on her face when they played. I walked her dog when she was away and Jack was unable to d
Our sympathies, prayers and love go out to all of you at this time. Laverne was a special lady and she will be missed. May God comfort each of you.
TRADITIONAL FUNERAL BASKET was sent by Jill Viles-Decker.
We are so very sorry for your loss. Keeping you all in our prayers.
Jill & Amanda Decker