Birth Date: 07/18/1933
Deceased Date: 11/27/2017
Earlona Victoria Shannon Davis
Sunrise July 18, 1933 – Sunset November 27, 2017
Earlona Shannon Davis was born to Leroy and Pearl Harris Shannon on July 18, 1933 in Staten Island, New York. She was Leroy and Pearl’s second daughter, joining her older sister, Shirley.
Earlona’s family relocated from New York back to Elizabeth City when she was three years old. Leroy had strong roots in the area, and the small Shannon family rejoined their kin.
Earlona attended Training School across the street from Elizabeth City State University and PW Moore High School, where she sang in the Glee Club. She loved music and art. She was a social butterfly and had a wealth of friends. Church was an important part of Earlona’s life and she was a very active member of Cornerstone Baptist Church.
When it came time to go to college, Earlona chose to remain close to home and family. She attended Elizabeth City State University. At ECSU she was introduced to basketball star Ernest “Husky” Davis. He swept her off her feet. After a whirlwind courtship, they were married in 1953. Soon after, Husky went off to war. Earlona continued her education at ECSU. On December 17, 1954, she was initiated into the school’s chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.
With their education and military service complete, Earlona and Husky settled in Johnston County, in the small town of Selma, North Carolina. The couple worked as educators. Earlona taught first grade. As a young couple, they often reached out to family, friends and the community. On November 3, 1964, their son was born, Ernest Davis, Jr. (Ernie). Ernie joined a family that already included a sister, Elizabeth J Robinson.
Earlona had many hobbies, including sewing, cooking and cruising! She took many cruises with her sister, Shirley, her very good friend Barbara Baggett and many others. She made flower arrangements and remembrance items for weddings and parties, usually donating her labor as a gift. She was a talented craftswoman of local renown.
Earlona remained active in the community while her health and strength allowed. She was a founding member of the Johnston County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, The Order of the Eastern Star, The Modernettes, and other civic and social organizations. As a devoted and faithful member of First Missionary Baptist Church, she served as a Deaconess and other capacities.
There are scores of young people who call her Nana, because of the many ways she has mentored and mothered them. Her support included advice, shelter and other tokens of her immense generosity. On October 17, 1995, a new love of her life arrived to join her unofficial grandchildren, her grandson, Myles Shannon Davis, who calls her grandma.
She leaves to cherish her memory, a devoted son, Ernest R. Davis, Jr., (Chrystal) of Wilmington, NC; daughter, Elizabeth J. Robinson (Jimmie) , of Rosedale, New York; grandchildren, Myles Shannon Davis, of Houston, Texas, Henry J. Burwell (Shamika),of Durham, NC, Ruben C. Pierce, Jr., of Wilmington, NC, Shannon, Fray, of Raleigh, NC, Morgan P. Pierce, of Raleigh, NC. ; nephews Elmer V. Clark (Arlene), of Bowie, MD, Jeffrey Thomas (Denise), of West Orange, NJ.; nieces, Sheila Clark of Mitchellville, MD, Dr. Christi Davis, of Raleigh, NC, and Nicole Brayboy (Sterling) of Jupiter, FL..
After joining the Davis family, Earlona enjoyed special relationship with her relatives in love, who also cherish her memory. She leaves Brother-in-laws, Charles Davis (Josie) of Rocky Mount, NC, Otis Davis, Petersburg, VA, sister-in-laws, Thelma Alleyne of Petersburg, VA, and Margaret Pullens, of Chapel Hill, Texas, She is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews, special family and friends.
Donations may be made to:
Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research
1820 W. Webster Ave Suite 304
Chicago, IL 60614
Richard B. Harrison Alumni Association
314 Dogwood Circle
Selma, NC 27576
SSS Alumni Association
P.O.Box 570
Selma, NC 27576
Wake:
Friday, December 08
4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
First Missionary Baptist Church
403 Caswell St.
Smithfield, NC 27577
Visitation:
Saturday, December 09
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
First Missionary Baptist Church
403 Caswell St.
Smithfield, NC 27577
Funeral Service:
Saturday, December 09
12:00 PM
First Missionary Baptist Church
403 Caswell St.
Smithfield, NC 27577
Interment:
Saturday December 09
Selma Memorial Gardens
Selma, NC 27576
