Obituaries

In Memory of
Esther Mae Benton Davis
June 16, 1938 - September 15, 2015

Visitation:
September 26, 2015 (Saturday) Gathering at 2:30 p.m.
Walker Chapel, 7272 Hamilton Avenue, Mt Healthy, Ohio (45231)

Service:
September 26, 2015 (Saturday) 3:00 p.m.
Walker Chapel, 7272 Hamilton Avenue, Mt. Healthy, Ohio (45231)

TO VIEW / PRINT / DOWNLOAD FUNERAL PROGRAM https://www.scribd.com/doc/282794150/Esther-Mae-Benton-Davis-Funeral-Program






Esther Mae Benton Davis was born on June 16, 1938 to Jacob Cephas and Callie Mae (Moten) Benton in Miller County, GA. After her graduation from Hutto High School in Bainbridge, GA, she matriculated to Spelman College. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology in 1959. She returned to her hometown and became a teacher. She later did graduate work at University of Cincinnati and Xavier University.
The Benton family was one of many families that began to leave the South in search of better opportunities during the great migration. Buffalo, NY was the chosen destination. While serving as a deacon at Calvary Baptist Church, JC Benton befriended a young preacher from Arkansas named Hosea S. Davis. The elder Benton introduced the young Davis to his daughter, Esther. They were married soon after. The Lord blessed their union with a baby girl, Ouida. Rev. Davis moved his family to Cincinnati, OH where Esther would reside until her death.
A lifelong educator, Esther taught in the public school systems of Bainbridge and Lyons, GA; Buffalo, NY and Cincinnati, OH. She retired from formal teaching in the early 90s. However, she continued to tutor students from elementary to non-traditional college age well into her 70s. She loved all children and was known for sending well wishes and tangible gifts to children across the country. Oftentimes, she sent care packages to children she had never even met. She possessed a quiet strength and a servant’s heart that remained constant throughout her life.
Esther departed this life on Tuesday, September 15, 2015. She was preceded in death by her parents Jacob and Callie Mae Benton and her brothers Aaron, Andrew, Elijah, Jacob Jr., and Louis Benton. She is survived by her daughter Ouida Davis Cole (Nashville, TN); granddaughter Jocelyn Imani (Washington, DC); sisters, Mary Benton (Buffalo, NY), Ruth Benton (Cincinnati, OH), and Barbara Benton (Buffalo, NY); and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, friends, and countless “little friends” – anonymous children she befriended along the way. She will be greatly missed
Memorial Service is from 3:00 pm until 4:00 pm, on September 26, 2015 , at the Walker Chapel, 7272 Hamilton Avenue, (45231).
You may express online condolences at www.HerbWalker.com.
Walker Funeral Home of Cincinnati is serving the Davis family.



TO VIEW / PRINT / DOWNLOAD FUNERAL PROGRAM https://www.scribd.com/doc/282794150/Esther-Mae-Benton-Davis-Funeral-Program