Bertha M. Davis

Bertha Mae Davis was born to the late William and Lillie Burchfield on April 6,
1930, in Starkville, Ms. Bertha was the seventh of seventeen children and helped to
raise her younger siblings. She was the Matriarch of the Davis family, and it was shown
through her love and support for her children and grandchildren. Her generous spirit and
compassionate heart touched the lives of many.

Bertha was united in holy matrimony to the late John Calvin Davis and to that
union, eight children were born. She gave her life to Christ at an early age and served
faithfully as a member of the Christian Union M.B. Church and as a church Mother until
her health failed her. She spent some time as a crossing guard then most of her career
as a housekeeper. Bertha enjoyed planting her flowers, and frequent trips to Wal-Mart
and to the nail salon as well as traveling. She enjoyed spending time with her family and
friends and was often the life of the party with her granddaughters “The Bertha
Beauties”.

She was proceeded in death by her parents, William and Lillie Burchfield, her
husband, John C. Davis, twelve siblings: Maggie Louise Burchfield, Odessa McCann,
William James Burchfield, L. C. Burchfield, Ben Burchfield, Dora Green, David
Burchfield, Flanter Burchfield, John L. Burchfield, George Aron Burchfield, Addie B.
Herd and Dorothy Causey.

Bertha leaves to cherish her memories eight children: Lillie Nelson, Benard
(Geraldine) Davis, Doretha Davis, George (Lucy) Davis, Odessa (John), O’Neal, Lois
(Jerry) Hardwick, John Davis and Wayne (Thelma) Davis. Her four siblings: Lillie Quinn,
Margaret (John) Fowler, Jimmy (Vinnie) Burchfield and Harvey (Kathleen) Burchfield
and her grandchildren: Rodney (Janice) Nelson, Michael Sykes, Mario (Felicia) Davis,
Micheal (Natasha) Davis, Kenneth Davis, Brenda (Irvin) Garnes, Felicia (Anthony)
Griggs, Dawn Nelson, Sherry Davis-Bates, Demetria Davis, Quinton McKenzie, James
(Allicia) Holland, Tyrus Davis, Christopher Rogers, Shequela Fountain, Taniesha
Fountain, Jeffrey Davis, Nick Davis, Antwion West, Corey Romero, Marilyn (Isaac) Scott
, Janice Romero, Lakendrick (Yvonnie) West, Brittney Fountain, Charlie Keys and
Antwanette (Jimmie) Johnson; (54) great-grands, (17) great-great grands, a host a
nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.

Bertha helped to raise her granddaughter, Brenda Garnes, grandson James
Holland affectionately known to her as “Brother”, a great-grandson Clifton Griffin Jr.
affectionately known to her as “Swimming Boy” and (2) young men that were special to
her Reginald and Heath Shurden. It was her joy sharing her birthday with a great-
granddaughter Chasity Griggs whom she would often call “April 6”.