Prophetess/Evangelist Earlene Davis, also known spiritually and affectionately as "Mother Davis" exhaled her last breath on Saturday, July 20, 2019 and inhaled her first breath into eternal life in the presence of her family. Born as Earlene Williams, in Lawrence, Mississippi on Sunday, March 13, 1932 to the union of Joe Nathan and Bessie Mary Kathryn (Kidd) Williams, she was the second eldest child.

Earlene was preceded in death by both parents; her husband, Deacon Leon Davis, Sr.; sister, Harania Scott; brothers, Willie Williams, Sr., Joe Allen Williams, Rodney Williams and Terry Williams; granddaughter, Danielle Shareef; and son, Eric Larond Davis, Sr.

After receiving her education in Mississippi, Earlene joined her (late) Aunt Minnie Payne and relocated to Kansas City, Missouri in 1950 at 18 years old. "Mother" worked at Purity Textiles, Danny and Debbie Dare Children's Wear, King Joy Lo and the House of Toy restaurants in the 1950's and early 60's.

In 1950, she united with the Emmanuel Baptist Church spending many years in dedicated service as a Sunday School Teacher, member of the Ladies Chorus; Women's Missionary Union (WMU); a Deaconess and was also honored as "Queen of the Year" for her tireless efforts in assisting with the church building fund. "Mother" received her Missionary License from the Emmanuel Baptist Church at 920 Olive Street, KCMO under the pastoral leadership of Dr. W.H. White, Sr. on February 21, 1990. Missionary Davis became licensed April 8, 2001 as Prophetess/Evangelist, and later received her Certificate of Ordination on June 25, 2001 under the leadership of her current Pastor, Rev. Donald R. Akers of Lift HIM Up Evangelistic Ministries.

After marrying Leon Davis in 1963, Earlene spent the next 22 years of her marriage as a "stay at home Mom" known back then as a "Domestic Engineer". She raised her children and reared her grandchildren for many years. Returning to work after the death of Leon, Mom worked at Little Lambs Christian Child Care Center in the infant area. Staff, parents and children looked upon her as a cornerstone of faith, hope and charity (love). For many years, Mother Davis was called upon for special prayer, words of wisdom, encouragement and comfort.

In her community and neighborhood, Prophetess would provide shelter to many who had to start over or had no place to live. Those who knew her through her children and grandchildren embraced her as "Grandma" or "Mother" because of her selflessness and love. Mother was determined to let her light shine as her favorite gospel hymn said. You could hear her singing "This Little Light of Mine, I'm Gonna Let It Shine". Not only did "Mama" believe in teaching her children the fear of the Lord, she instilled in them the fear of her with switches fresh from the trees of your choice along with the nearest broom. Prophetess did not spare the rod or spoil her children.

Mrs. Davis can be fondly remembered for having the neighborhood "Candy Store" in her dining room where children young and old looked forward to shopping. You could hear someone knocking or ringing the doorbell early mornings and late evenings just to buy some "zoo zoo's and wham whams". Everyone had a tab and could buy anything from soda, chips, candy bars, Twizzlers, hot pickles, hot chips, Doritos, oatmeal pies and the list goes on. You name it, she had it! You could pay up front or she would let you use credit. Mrs. Davis would write your amount due by your name in her book. Forget to pay your bill, you would get a gentle reminder and sometimes would have to pay something before she extended you more credit. Although Mother remembered who owed her, she gave more than was paid to her. She knew sometimes young people had nothing else to eat. Mrs. Davis relished seeing her patrons' eyes light up with all of the snack and candy choices set before them.

During her early years, Mother enjoyed making tapes, writing letters and sending cards for encouragement to her friends and family. She loved fishing, gardening and listening to music, dancing (because she was light on her feet), cooking, baking and raising money to help with the building of the Emmanuel Baptist Church. In her later years, family and friends of her children, grandchildren and neighbors would be drawn to that house on the hill which later became known as "The Block". For many years, people returned to her home just to say hello, get a word of wisdom and counseling. Mother will be missed by all who came to know her.

She leaves to let "their" light shine: two sons, Leon Davis, Jr. of Fort Worth, TX and Myreon Davis of KCMO; five daughters, Gloria (Samuel) Shareef of Atlanta, GA, Pastor Cassandra (Pastor Calvin) Wainright of Raytown, MO, Minister Karla (Jesus) Jackson, Dana (Donald) Cannon, and Vickie (Daniel) Richard all of KCMO; one brother, Larry Williams of Oxnard, CA; one sister, Annie Lou Woodard of Flint, MI; sisters-in- law, Eddie Mae Booker and Sheila Hatten Williams of KCMO; one dear friend, Carolyn Bailey of KCMO; 31 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren, a great-great grandchild, her Lift HIM Up Family Worship Center Family, innumerable nephews, nieces, cousins, spiritual children and grandchildren, neighbors and friends worldwide.

Funeral services Saturday, July 27, 4:00 p.m. at Memorial Church International. Private disposition. Visitation 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the church. Services conducted by Duane E. Harvey Funeral Directors. Condolences may be shared on our website.