Mrs. Viola W. Davis

Viola Williams Davis was born on February 15, 1950, in Millen, Georgia. She was reared in the loving home of her mother and father, Lesley Williams, Sr. and Veola Cooper Williams. She was the fourth of seven children. At an early age she developed a passion for helping others. She often cared for her great-grandparents, Alonzo and Eva Williams, during their twilight years. She also joined the Second McCoy Baptist Church in Sardis, Georgia. She served in various positions to include Assistant Secretary, Secretary, Choir Member, and Finance Clerk. She served Second McCoy Baptist Church faithfully until her health failed. Even after she was no longer able to attend, she ensured that the church was supported financially. She was a 1968 graduate of Burguess Landrum High School in Millen, Georgia. She worked in the fields of education, retail, and social service. Her most cherished position was that of mother. During her marriage to Carlis Shumake, Jr., Giovanni and Alfago Shumake were born. She loved them with all her heart and ensured that they were productive citizens, even if it meant utilizing tough love. Mrs. Davis was a woman of faith. She often stated that she prayed for a husband to help raise her two sons. God answered her prayer in the person of the late Deacon Charlie James Frank Allen Davis, Sr. When one wanted to view a picture of true love, they would simply observe them. They did not have a perfect marriage, but a relationship that was solid and lasted almost four decades and was truly blessed by the Creator. Her memory and the lessons that she taught will live forever in the hearts and minds of those whom she came in contact with. We are forever grateful that she passed along this way during this span of time. Loving survivors include: children, Dr. Giovanni Shumake of Millen, GA, Alfago (Irenette) Shumake of Snellville, GA, Cynthia Davis Butts of Millen, GA, Reverend Charlie James (Deloris) Davis, Jr. of Augusta, GA, and Charlie Dickerson of Macon, GA; grandchildren, Alfago, II and R. Jackson Shumake, Tonya and Crashun Turman, Anita Shumpert Caffie, Dr. Berry Shumpert, Jamil Powell, Torey Davis Bogan, Dr. Arthur Dewayne Caffey, Jonathan, Jessica and Stephen Edwards, Quincy Davis, and Racheal Evans; great-grandchildren, Dominique Turman, Courtney Thompson, Brandon and Colby Caffie, Naomi, Mikayla and Lydia Shumpert, Shentonia and Quentin Williams, Xavier Bynes, Roney Croney, Jr., JaNiya, Jamira, Laiani, Aishiana, Aiden, and Nicolas Edwards; great-great-grandchildren, Marquise and Quace Turman, J’Naejah Lazarus, Jackson Powell, Kayla Williams, and Malachi Thompson; sisters, Karee Newsome, and Daisy (Anthony) Nixon; brothers, Robert Williams, and Lee Ward (Laura) Williams; sons-in-law, John Arthur Edwards and Arthur Caffey; sister-in-law, Eloise Williams; goddaughters, Tamia Lovett and Tammy Scott; as well as a host of other loving relatives and devoted friends.

Tributes

Mrs. Viola W. Davis

February 15, 1950 - January 12, 2023