Ernestine Marshall Davis

Obituary Program Link

Live Streaming Link

God saw you getting weary, so he did what He knew was best.  He came and stood beside you and whispered, “Come and Rest.”

Ernestine M. Davis, known to many as Jessie Mae, was born December 28, 1946 in Orrville, Alabama to the late Alice Irby and Will Marshall.  Ernestine accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at the New Shady Grove Baptist Church Barker.  She was married to the late James Theo Davis.  Four sons were born to this union.  James, Lovelle, Anthony Charles, Horace Lee, and Donald Gene.

Ernestine spent most of her adult life in Pensacola, Florida.  She retired from St. Regis Paper Company.  Later moved to North Carolina where she spent many years supervising group homes and owing her own assisted living home.  She was a member of the Christian House of Prayer where she served as an usher.  Later, Ernestine moved to Selma, Alabama to help take care of her mother. During this time, she joined the Mt. Olive #2 Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Anthony Shears.  She served as an usher until death.  She was also the secretary of the food bank.

Ernestine received her wings and departed this life on Thursday, October 2, 2025.  She was preceded in death by her mother, Alice Irby, Stepfather Jake Irby; Aunts:  Etta Becton, Mille Pearl Turner, Lula Mae Nettles, and Maelester Jackson; Uncles: James Jackson and Leon Jackson

Ernestine leaves her precious, devoted, and loving memories to be cherished by her two daughters:  Felicia Lashuan Thomas and Kimberly Lynn Patrice Thomas both of Selma, Alabama.  Her four sons:  James Lovelle Davis of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Anthony Charles Davis of Selma, Alabama, Horace Lee Davis of Dover Delaware, and Donald Gene Davis of Pensacola, Florida.  Her six grandchildren and one great grandchild.  Special grandson Torey Vonshae Sanders; Four Sisters: Dorothy Robinson of Detroit, Michigan, Luvernia Willoughby of Selma, Alabama, Elnora Dower of Long Beach, California, Janice M. Irby of Douglassville, Georgia; three Brothers: Jake Irby, Jr., Catoe McNeal (Sharon) Irby both of Selma, Alabama and Leroy (Dolores) Irby of Hanover, Maryland.  A special niece: Tamara Young.  As well as bonus children Clarissa Evans and Joshua Davis.  She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.

Ernestine was a mother to many.  Her doors were always open and she helped all who needed her.  She was one of the best cooks around!!

Funeral arrangements have been scheduled for Saturday, October 11, 2025 at 1:00pm from the Mount Olive #2 Baptist Church with Reverend Eddie Story, officiating.  Interment will follow in the churchyard cemetery with Aubrey Larkin's Lewis Brothers Funeral Home of Selma serving with excellence through professional service.  

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.