Iola Davis

Iola Davis was a kind, courageous, and spirited woman. The 4th and last child of Nell Cotton and Willie Mathews, Sr., Iola was born in Selma, Alabama on September 17, 1922. She  departed this world on Sunday, August 4, 2019. She was baptized and taught the love of the Bible and the Lord.  She had three siblings: Alice, Ethel and Willie Jr. (Ted).

The family moved to Chicago, IL in the early 1940’s.  Iola attended Coleman Elementary and Dusable High School.  Iola married Willie R. Jackson who was killed in action in World War II.  To this union was born William Jr. and Lonnie Jackson.  She later met and married James P. Davis (deceased veteran of World War II - 1991).  They were married on June 4, 1949 and to this beloved union, Iola became the loving and caring mother of seven more: Leonard, Frank, Claretta, Armetrice, Vinava, Patrice, and Cedric.

The family lived in Chicago and soon moved to Morgan Park. With no formal training, Iola was a counselor, a mentor, a teacher, and a strong woman with God fearing upbringing.  She raised her children the same way.  A member of Holy Name of Mary Parish in Morgan Park for many years, Iola soon joined Ascension-St. Susanna Parish when the family moved to Harvey, IL in 1973. She loved her church family and they loved her.  She participated in many church groups, always with an emphasis on helping those less fortunate and spoke highly of the pastors, the deacons, choir members, as well as her good friends and church members.  Iola attended services until she could no longer, and even encouraged her grandchildren to join her in services and church events.  Her love of God never wavered and she was a shining example of Christian faith, hope, and love!

A retired member of the U.S. Postal Service, Iola worked proudly for them for 30 years. Her Postal Service family was special to her as were many of her co-workers.  Her family was special- she loved them.  She made sure that her husband, sisters, brother, in-laws, children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, cousins, aunts, uncles, etc. all knew her love either through her words of encouragement or her giving spirit!

Iola was a “soldier in God’s Army!”  She “fought the good fight” and now rests with the Lord and in loving memory of her eight loving children:  Lonnie (Elizabeth), Leonard (Ottie Marie), Frank (Agnes), Claretta, Armetrice, Vinava, Patrice (Art) and Cedric (Jayne). Also a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren, as well as a bevy of loving in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives , neighbors, and friends.

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