Davis, Jefferson, Jr. – age 82, went home to live with God on Saturday, March 17, 2012. “Jeff” was a veteran of the United States Army, retired Captain of the Knoxville City Police Department, former member of the Holston Masonic Lodge and co-founder and Chairman of Unity Mortuary. He was a lifetime member and trustee of Rogers Memorial Baptist Church. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. Mr. Davis was predeceased by his loving wife of 39 years, Arcelia, his parents, Jefferson (Mamie) Davis, Sr. and a grandson, Matthew McAllister. He leaves to mourn his passing: daughters, Christine Clarke of Powell, TN, Mardest Crosby of Toledo, OH, and Yvonne M. Andrews; son, Danny McGrew; grandchildren: Nicole and Alicia Clarke, both of MD, Kevin (Amanda), David (Erica) of KY and Brian Andrews, Jamie (Ozzie) Carela of SC, Sharon Hensley of OH, Natalie, Kristen, Sydney of WA and Ryan (Krystal) McGrew; fifteen great grandchildren; cousins: Mary Ruth Reed, Essie Smith, Raleigh Wynn, Sr., Brenda Anderson and Ronald Martin; sister-in-law, Eveline Norman of OH; a host of other relatives and many friends to include those who were like family, Brian L. Buckmon, Dr. Lula C. Powell, AV Powell of Atlanta, GA, Margaret and Felix Gaiter, John Davidson, Brenda Colbert and the entire staff of Unity Mortuary (past and present). We extend a special thank you to Dr. Janet Lubas and her caring staff. The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 22, 2012 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. with the funeral service to follow at Greater Warner Tabernacle AME Zion, 3800 MLK, Jr. Avenue. Reverend Leroy Franklin officiating and Reverend Michel S.E. Caldwell, eulogist. Friday, March 23, 2012 at 11:30 a.m., the interment will take place at TN State Veterans Cemetery, 5901 Lyons View Pike. The service will conclude with full military honors and a full dove release. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Dr. E.V. Davidson Recreation Center, 3124 Wilson Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37914 or the Beck Cultural Exchange Center, 1927 Dandridge Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37915.
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The staff of Burnam & Son extend our deepest condolences to you and your family on the passing of Bro. Davis. Please accept our heartfelt sympathy for your loss. May our thoughts and prayers comfort you during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Cedric C. Burnam, Owner
Burnam & Son Mortuary, Inc.
Thought and prays go out to eveyone in the Davis Family. Jeff was a good friend to me for more than 30 years. Jeff will be deeply missing. He was a true gentleman.
Regards,
Tim Kalthoff
Matthews Casket Division
I would like to extend my sincerest sympathy to the family and entire staff of Mr. Jefferson Davis, Jr.
Mr. Davis extended to me his professionalism and guidance at the age of 15 yrs. old. God used him to introduce me to a ministry that serves families at the most vulnerable time in one’s life, the lost of a loved one.
Being a license Funeral Director/Embalmer for over 14 years, I have not forgotten the words of encouragement, the times shared and many heartfelt memories. Mr. Davis will truly be missed and I am grateful to God; He used Mr. Jefferson Davis, Jr. as an instrument in my life.
The Wolfe Brother’s Funeral Home & Staff would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Jefferson Davis. We pray the love of God enfolds you during your journey through grief. We send you thoughts of comfort to each of you at this difficult time.
Kindly,
Larry and William Wolfe, Owners
Wolfe Brother’s Funeral Home
West Memphis, Arkansas
We extend our deepest sympathy to the family of Mr. Jefferson Davis, Jr.
During your period of mourning please be comforted by words of Paul to the Thessalonians:
1Th 4:13 But we do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, about those who have died, so that you may not grieve like other people who have no hope.
1Th 4:14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so through Jesus God will bring those who have died with him.
1Th 4:15 For we declare to you what the Lord has told us to say: We who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who have died.
1Th 4:16 With a shout of command, with the archangel’s call, and with the sound of God’s trumpet, the Lord himself will come down from heaven, and the dead who belong to the Messiah will rise first.
1Th 4:17 Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up in the clouds together with them to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.
1Th 4:18 So then, encourage one another with these words.
Cousin Uncle Jeff,
You will be missed here on Earth, but I know you and Daddy are laughing again in Heaven ! Love You ! Ivy
I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to the Unity family at this time of their great loss, May the legacy left behind by Mr. Jefferson Davis an the community he has served bring hope, peace, and extended comfort to you in the days ahead. May God bless you labor and remind you that his memory lives on in you.
To the family may you rest assured that you will remain in my prayers as you go through this difficult time.
Donnie Ownby / Funeral director , Berry Funeral Home
I am very saddened over the death of my friend, Jefferson Davis, Jr. He played a vital role many years ago in the opening of my business in East Knoxville. I was very proud to be a neighboring East Knoxville business with Unity Mortuary and still am. But not only that, I was very proud to have known Mr. Davis and to call him my friend. He was always very kind to me. I feel as if my life has been made better by having known Mr. Davis. Robin and I are praying for the family and the staff of Unity Mortuary.
-Larry L. Baldwin, President
Baldwin Cremation & Mortuary Service
Cousin Jeff
My prayer’s go out for you and your family. My regret is that I was not able to visit while you were alive. We all will drop everything to attend a funeral, and say that this is the only time families come together. But you will not know who is in attendance. My pledge is to visit my family members while they are alive and can still enjoy the memories and fellowship of by-gone years. I will miss you and the stories you always passed on about my daddy and uncles in their youth. But I know you are in a better place, with no more pain and suffering and still serving the lord. God bless you and those left behind. Sonny!
To the Unity Mortuary family – I am deeply sorry for the loss of Mr. Davis. When I looked at the obituary page in the News Sentinel, I saw Mr. Davis’ smiling face. It was an honor knowing Mr. Davis for over 25 years. He will be greatly missed by the many who knew him.
Eddie Willis
Owner
Dande Printing Service
Chrissy, Nicole, & Alicia,
I am really sorry to hear about the loss of your Father & Grandfather. Our thoughts and prayers are most certainly with you during this difficult time.
Wayne & Faith (LaShawnda) Keels, IL
My deepest sympathy to your family. I so enjoyed the years spent with Jeff at the Knoxville Police Department. May he rest in peace.
I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to the entire Davis Family,and Unity Mortuary.Jeff will be missed by all of us who loved him.
Take comfort in knowing that he is with the Lord in Heaven no more pain and suffering. You will always be in my prayers.
Bernda Colbert
My son and I express our heartfelt condolences to Mr. Jeff’s family and staff during this time of his homegoing. He was a very sweet and special gentelman. I will never forget how he assisted me during the passing of my husband. May God give you the comfort and peace that only He can. Our prayers are with you at this time.
Requitta and K’nori Bone
Jeff was a fine individual who served the Knoxville community for many years, highly respected, and will be greatly missed by his friends. I met him many years ago while serving as a detective for the City of Knoxville Police Department. I saw him occasionally over the years – last at the Lunch House. My thoughts and prayers are with his family -Bill Petty
The staff of Trinity Memorial Funeral Home- Florence & Muscle Shoals, Alabama would like to express our deepest sympathy in an hour such as this. We are praying that God strengthens the family and the staff. God is in control and He knows when we need strength to make it in hard times. God will help you all through this time. Blessings to all of you.
Rev. Christopher Mayes & Staff
To the Family of Jefferson Davis, Jr. each of you have my Deepest Heartfelt Sympathy. Daddy Jeff will be forever missed he was a true friend and a great supporter to me, my family and the community. A special icon has been lost, but we will meet again. May God continue to watch over his family, and Bless the entire Staff at Unity Mortuary for his smile and laid back gentle spirit will be greatly lost. May God Bless You All & Give You Peace.
“Then when we who are alive and remain will be caught up in the clouds together together with them to meet the the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever”. 1Thess. 4:17
Love & Blessings: From Renee’ P. Thompson & Family
The Thompson, Stone, Sherril, & Taylor Families send ther Love & Prayers