Doris Jean (Howard) Davis

Doris Jean Davis was born on June 1, 1941 to the late Carl and Ester Mae Rogers Howard in Birmingham, Alabama. Doris was the oldest of 12 children. This arrangement enabled Doris to quickly establish skills in human relations as well as dealing with multiple personalities and keeping things in order. With Doris’ skills and experience in managing her siblings (when needed) she was now prepared for a lifelong journey of interacting with individuals on a number of different levels.  

Doris attended Lewis Elementary School and Parker High School in Birmingham. After the family moved from Birmingham to Fort Wayne, Indiana in 1974, Doris ultimately obtained her G.E.D. at Fort Wayne Community Schools. Most importantly, Doris professed Christ as Lord and Savior when she joined St. Mary’s Catholic Church in 1983.

Doris’ employment history included stints at the following: Caraway Hospital in Birmingham, Simon & Miglian Manufacturing in Birmingham, Essex Wire and International Harvester in Fort Wayne, The Fort Wayne State Developmental Center (where she retired from) and Chick-fil-A in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Doris married the late Neal Davis, Sr. in October 1961. As a result, 6 children became a part of this wonderful union. The children are: Roderick (Sandy) Howard of Fort Wayne, Michael (Allison) Howard of Snellville, GA, Derrick (Vicki) Davis of Conyers, GA, Neal Davis of Fort Wayne, Dale “Tony” (Tess) Davis of Decatur, GA and Angela (Wesley) McGruder of Fishers, Indiana.

Now Doris was well loved and adored by so many of those she met. She was warm, caring and generous. She was an excellent cook and she thrived in the kitchen. Her scrumptious soul food meals were the rave of both the projects in Birmingham and the East Side neighborhood of Fort Wayne. She enjoyed social gatherings at the family home, she was a true road warrior that blazed trails back and forth from Indiana to Alabama or Georgia when the mood struck. Doris had a sharp wit, she truly adored her family and has aided in nurturing nieces, nephews, cousins and grandchildren.  Doris loved music of all genres however, her favorites include Luther Vandross, Frankie Beverly & Maze, Johnny Taylor and Bruno Mars.

As you can see, Doris enjoyed a simple yet extraordinary life. She brought joy and happiness to everyone who encountered her. Doris was extremely proud of her children and would tell anyone about their individual accomplishments whether they wanted to listen or not. Doris was a great mother, sister, employee, confidant, self-claimed comedian and friend.

Doris departed this life on Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at Parkview Regional Hospital in the presence of family members. She was a true soldier that exhibited a work ethic that is second to none.  Doris leaves a great legacy and she will be truly missed. Doris was preceded in death by her parents, husband and her brother, Horace Howard and brother-in-law, Eddie Lee Tyus,. Those left to cherish her incredible memories include: Brothers Carl (Sharon) Howard, Charles (Ernestine) Howard, Ricky (Freta) Howard, Larry Howard and Cedric (Robin) Howard, sisters Earnestine Tyus, Patricia Ann Howard, Donna Denise (Willie) Melton, Adrenna (Michael) Jemison, Wilma “Lady” Johnson and sister-in-law Eva Howard; all six children, 11 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and a host of additional relatives and friends.

For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

2 Corinthians 4: 17-18

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