Jessie Bernadine Carroll Davis

The long journey of our beloved Jessie Bernadine Carroll Davis, 92, ended when she was called home by her Heavenly Father on January 20, 2021.  "Berna", as she was called by family, was born August 2, 1928 to the late Henry Carroll, Sr. and Viola Johnson Carroll in Enfield, N.C. and received her education in the Halifax County public schools, where she graduated at age 16.  Jessie furthered her education and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Elizabeth City Teachers’ College, Elizabeth City, N.C. and a Master of Education degree from N.C. Central University, Durham, N.C.

At an early age, Jessie accepted Christ as her personal Savior and joined White Oak Baptist Church in Enfield, N.C.  She married her one and only sweetheart, Alexander Davis, Jr., whom she met while in college. They were married for 71 years, and to this union was born one son, Gregory. The family moved to Sanford, N.C. in 1964 and united with First Calvary Baptist Church (formerly Wall Street Baptist Church).

At First Calvary, Mrs. Davis was a member of several organizations: Deaconess Ministry, Senior Choir and Sanctuary Choir, Missionary Department and served many years as a Bible school and Sunday school teacher.  She also received the First Calvary’s “Woman of the Year” Award. Mrs. Davis was loved and respected by all at First Calvary and served as church secretary for 16 years after retiring from teaching. 

Mrs. Davis had a passion for helping young people, and her love of teaching was exemplified during her 43 years of employment in education.

Before moving to Sanford, Mrs. Davis taught 14 years in Clover, S.C. Her first teaching position in Sanford was at Lee Elementary School. She also taught at Sanford Middle School and later at Jonesboro Middle School before retiring in 1992. Many of her former students have often commented that Mrs. Davis was their favorite teacher and had a lasting effect on their lives.

Mrs. Davis received numerous awards and recognitions during her employment in Lee County, and she was the first African American to receive the  Lee County “Teacher of the Year” award. Additionally, Jessie was a former member of the Mental Health Board of Lee County and the Sanford Housing Authority Board.

Above all, Mrs. Davis was devoted to her family whom she loved and adored tremendously, especially her grandchildren. She was a fabulous cook and loved any opportunity to cook scrumptious meals for her family and friends. Everyone’s favorite was her pound cake, which you could always count on having at any special church gathering. Family and friends were all nurtured by Berna’s kind and sensitive spirit and her warm and inviting smile. God blessed her life with riches untold: wisdom, compassion, unyielding faith, joy, and harmony with life. She leaves the sincere desire to light a path and ignite a fire for others to follow.

Jessie was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, Ulysses Carroll, and son, Gregory. Her cherished memory will forever resonate in our spirits leaving an indelible mark in the hearts of her husband, Alexander Davis, Jr. of the home; daughter-in-law, Stephonia Leak Davis of Winston-Salem, N.C.; granddaughters Kimberly Davis, Krystle Davis, and Kandace D. Farrar (Dante); great-granddaughter, Jianni Davis and great-grandson, Davis Farrar; one sister, Mildred Gray of DeBary, FL; three brothers, Henry Carroll, Jr. (Elaine) and Wayne Carroll of Enfield, N.C. and Harry Carroll of Upper Marlboro, MD; a godson, Guy Morgan and goddaughters, Sharon M. Brown and Susan Morgan; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

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Professional Services Entrusted to Knotts Funeral Home, Sanford