THE LIFE STORY OF IVONNIA LOUISE DAVIS

“

Anyone who knew Ivonnia knew that laughter was never far away.

Ivonnia Louise Davis was born on August 27, 1937, in Dorsey, MS., to the late Missouri Hussey and Pearlee Davis. She spent her early years in MS., where she received her formal education in the public schools of Pleasant Grove, MS.

As Ivonnia grew into adulthood, her journey as a mother began with the birth of her son, Gerald Wayne. She later married Robert Lee Ward, Sr., and during their union, they welcomed Robert Jr., affectionately known as “Yogi,” Senecca “Nita,” and Cedric “Pedro.” Together with Gerald Wayne, the children were reared as a family in the Ward household.

Following the conclusion of this union, Ivonnia’s family continued to grow with the births of Walter, Joe, and Henry George.

In the late 1960s, Ivonnia began a new chapter in her life when she relocated to St. Louis, MO. There, she welcomed Vernecca “Niecy,” Vadie Inecca “Tisha,” and Aurelias “Reco.” From MS. to MO., motherhood remained one of the most meaningful parts of Ivonnia’s life and legacy. Her family would grow far beyond the children she gave birth to, as throughout her life she opened both her heart and her home to many others.

A LIFE OF FAITH AND SERVICE

“

Ivonnia had a way of leaving people with something they needed.

In 1971, Ivonnia became a member of Full Gospel Assembly Church under the leadership of Bishop Lawrence L. Maldrow in St. Louis, MO. She remained an active and faithful member, lending her voice in song and serving others through what is now known as the Culinary Ministry until her failing health in the early 80s. Her years of service reflected a faith that extended beyond the walls of the church and into the way she cared for others.

Ivonnia began her working years as a housekeeper, providing for her family through hard work and determination. In 1976, chronic asthma and declining physical health left her unable to continue working. Although her health changed the course of her working life, it certainly did not take away the personality, humor, and giving spirit that made Ivonnia who she was.

A LIFE FILLED WITH LAUGHTER

Anyone who knew Ivonnia knew that laughter was never far away. She was witty, quick with a joke, and could bring about gut-busting laughter simply by opening her mouth and saying exactly what was on her mind. Making people laugh was simply a part of who she was.

When she wasn't cracking jokes, Ivonnia could often be found watching her favorite game shows or keeping up with the latest news. She enjoyed knowing what was going on in the world and, of course, usually had something to say about it.

Yet, behind all that humor was an open and giving heart. Ivonnia opened her doors to anyone who needed a place to stay and extended a helping hand whenever she could. She gave freely, often helping others simply because there was a need. Whether it was a place in her home, something she had to give, a helping hand, or a good laugh at just the right time, Ivonnia had a way of leaving people with something they needed.

A LEGACY OF AN OPEN DOOR AND AN OPEN HEART

Ivonnia leaves behind far more than names, dates, and generations. She leaves memories of a woman who loved her family, helped people when they needed her, opened her home without hesitation, and understood the gift of laughter.

She leaves the sound of jokes that will be repeated for years to come, memories of game shows and the news playing in the background, stories that will make her family laugh even while they miss her, and generations of people who are better because somewhere along the way, Ivonnia Louise Davis opened her door, or her heart, to them.

HER FAMILY, HER LEGACY

Throughout her life's journey, Ivonnia experienced both the tremendous joy of a growing family and the profound sorrow of saying goodbye to loved ones before her own passing.

She was preceded in death by four of her children: Gerald Wayne, Cedric “Pedro,” Walter, Henry George. Though their earthly time together ended before hers, a mother's love does not end with death. She was also proceeded in death by her parents, sisters Erdice Huddleston and Mary Lee Shumpert; brothers Henry Davis, Cleaton Davis, Erskin Davis, and Bearlee Davis.

Those left to carry forward her love and legacy include her children, Senecca “Nita” Westbrook (Twana) and Andrew “Joe” Fields of Tupelo, MS.; Robert “Yogi” Ward (Charlene) of Richmond, VA; Vernecca “Niecy” Day-Ellis (Kenneth) of Houston, TX; and Vadie Inecca “Tisha” Vaughn and Aurelias “Reco” Davis of St. Louis, MO.

Ivonnia's family was never defined by biology alone. Her heart had room for many, and she was blessed with bonus children whom she loved and embraced as family: Debra Shumpert, Jennifer Tucker (Reginald), Molitha Johnson, and Terry Ward of Tupelo, MS.; and Ametrius Ellis of St. Louis, MO.; Pamela Roberson and Kendra Kelley of Houston, Texas.

Her family circle also includes her surviving sisters, Geraldine Walker and Barbara Davis of St. Louis, MO., and Navajo Thomas of Verona, MS.

Her legacy continues through her 21 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, each carrying a piece of the family story forward. She also shared a special bond with her nieces Nora Denman, Tara Mitchell, and Mae Wade, who held a special place in her life and heart.

And then there was her grandson, Samuel Vaughn; her “ride or die.” Their bond was one all its own. Samuel was her companion, her helper, and someone she knew she could count on to be right there by her side.

Ivonnia was also blessed with the gift of true friendship in her best friend, Patsy Coleman. Their friendship held a special place in Ivonnia’s life and added yet another treasured relationship to the many she held dear. Ivonnia also leaves to cherish her memory a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives were touched by her presence.