Tressie L. Davis

Tressie L. Davis was born in Jonestown, Mississippi on January 8, 1922 to John I. Battreece and Iraner E. Phipps. Tressie was the first born from that union which also included other siblings, Albert, Irene a.k.a. Marie and an adopted brother, John Carter a.k.a. J.C. Iraner's second union brought forth three more siblings, Henry, H.C. and Roosevelt Stewart. Tressie's early childhood was spent in MS. She received her initial elementary education here. She enjoyed family life on her father's farm, as she tended to all the plants and animals. She was also blessed with a spirit of taking care of everyone and anything that Jehovah God gave life to. It was that spirit that made her decision easy to choose nursing for her continued education. The family moved from Jonestown to Ruesville, MS in 1941, where Tressie met her husband,Robert L. Davis of Starksville, MS. The couple moved to Chicago, Illinois during the Great Migration in 1942. From that union they were blessed with six children, Robert III, Edward, Shirley, Ava, Johnaton and Terry a.k.a. Tahir. Tressie was a working mother with many talents, including employment in nursing, clinical reception and retailing. Her talents seemed unlimited. She was exceptional in millinery, cooking and baking. She was also renowned for her delicious cakes and pies that graced many a table. She received many citations for her abilities. In her quest for deeper spiritual answers, Tressie accepted the invitation extended to her from Jehovah's Witnesses, by making her public declaration of baptism and dedication on July 22, 1971. Tressie was obedient and served Jehovah wholeheartedly, even during her prolonged illness, until she fell asleep in death on Wednesday, June 20, 2012 at 8:22 p.m. at home, with loving family members surrounding her. Preceding her in death were her husband, Robert; two sons, Robert III and Terry "Tahir"; and three brothers, Albert, Henry and H.C. Tressie leaves to cherish her memories, two sons, Edward (Carolyn) and Johnaton; two daughters, Shirley and Ava; one sister, Marie; two brothers, J.C. and Roosevelt; one sister-in-law, Patsy; nine grandchildren; fifteen great grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, congregations of spiritual brothers and sisters, other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Tressie L. Davis

January 8, 1922 - June 20, 2012