Ida Davis

Obituary “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” Revelations 2:1-4
Our loss was intense on Tuesday, September 11, 2018 when our beloved left this world and found peace while accepting her redemption. One of the most courageous Prophetesses of the past decades was called by name; as God whispered, “you have fought the good fight, you have finished the course and you have kept the faith.” She was born Ida Belle Foster on August 1, 1938 to the late Theodore and Janie Foster in Rock Castle, Alabama.
Early in life Prophetess Davis, simply known as Ida Belle, was touched by an angel and accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior; she was baptized and remained a faithful member at First Baptist Church in Abernant, Alabama. During her spiritual journey, her faith and divine inspiration blessed her to foresee future events. Before acknowledging this gift and sharing it with others her conviction, she served faithfully in the church.
Within the community where she grew up, she received her early childhood education. While attending school in Coaling, Alabama, she met and later married the love of her life, the late Marshall (Cricket) Davis. She became his right hand partner in his living and faith. After making a home and family together for more than 37 years, she and her loving husband devoted themselves to parenthood as they shared in the joy of raising their six children.
For more than 40 years, she labored in several different capacities. About ten of those years were spent with the U.S. Postal Service. Her mission field in the workplace extended from home to home and family to family. Her warm and nurturing spirit as a caregiver was the most rewarding, because it also included family members. She was kind, affectionate and delicate performing all duties with dignity.
Throughout the years, Ida Belle developed an exceptional talent. This, her second gift was recognized through arts and crafts. These gifts in her lifetime, influenced her life far beyond her immediate family as she planned special events for others. The more she broadened her skillset, the more she wanted to develop and speak God’s word from her spirit and praise His name.
Through song and as a member of the church choir, she used her bold vocals to sing praises over the years. There were countless instances where she was requested to lend her vocals at nursing homes, banquets, revivals and special events.
The impact she had on the religious community as a champion for the next generation, helped to favorably bring a lot of delightful young people to the gospel. Her many triumphs were victorious as she provided a Christian home environment for three generations; her many insights were genuine as she shared with friends and strangers alike the bounty from her table. Her generosity as a motherly figure spoke volumes and made her deeply loved by her siblings and within her family as well as made her well known and greatly respected throughout the community.
Lastly, she was an awesome comedienne, with the skill to make the whole world laugh. This ability allowed her to bring joy to everyone in her midst with her quick wit and beaming personality.
Now, our beloved Prophetess Ida Belle Davis has bowed at her Savior’s feet, retired to glory and took a seat in His heavenly home where she can live forever through Christ. Along beside her: brother, Ivory, Sr. and many other predeceased loved ones.
The Abernant community has lost a loving matriarch to three generations, an amazing elder sister, devoted spiritual leader and an outstanding friend. Yet today we believe wholeheartedly under the sanctuary of God’s wings; she has found refuge where she will live out the true meaning of her two favorite songs. Some know and some don’t; guardian angels never left her alone. She would tell you, “all night, all day – angels keep watches over me.” Family members we count one by one; Ida Belle Davis would tell you, “Count Your Blessings.”
The candle of her life shall shine on and a lifetime of memories will be cherished in the hearts of: three daughters, Evelyn Franks of Bessemer, AL, Janet Davis of Buffalo, NY and Valerie (Tommy) Boles of Bessemer, AL; three sons, Ronnie (Anita) Davis, Larry (Reola) Davis of Birmingham, AL and Barry Davis of Auburn, AL; special grandson, Nigel Johnson; grandchildren, Shonte’, Demetrius, Brandon, DeMarcus, Ryan, Austin, Ryan, Reginald and Ashley; great grandchildren, DeAngelo, Chantel, Donte’, Kayla, Rihanna, Brandon, Jr., Nadia, Cameron, Raylan, Kendeah and Demetrius; sisters, Shirley (Hazel) Stoudimire, Tewonia Foster, Carrie (Jim) Bradley and Betty (Ronald) Knox; brothers, Theodore Foster, Gene Foster, Michael (Susan) Foster and James (Joyce) Foster; special daughters, Kanesha (Edward) Davis and Beverly Daniels; goddaughter, Anna Reynolds; special niece, Jamie Foster; three uncles; special friends, Sister Willie Bonner, Brother Isaiah Griffin and a host of other relatives and friends.