Pastor Clifford Cleveland Davis, affectionately known as “Rev” or “Doc,” passed away peacefully at the age of 100, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering faith, compassionate leadership, and deep devotion to family and community.

Born in Above Rocks, St. Catherine, Jamaica, Clifford was the eldest child of Josephine Waller and Oscar Davis. As the firstborn of eleven siblings, he embraced responsibility early in life, guiding and supporting his brothers and sisters: Adessa (Sister Pearl), Leo (Brother Dilly), Monica Datton, Vivolyn (Sister Birdie), Mavis Williams, Raphine (Sister Cherry), Gertrude (Sister Essie), Bernadette (Sister Berna), Mary (Sister Jacinta), and Zen, who passed away in infancy. Known lovingly as Brother John, Clifford was a steady and nurturing presence in the lives of those around him.

Clifford’s spiritual journey began humbly as Assistant Pastor of Central Missionary Bible Church under the mentorship of Pastor Clifford Edwards. His dedication, humility, and passion for ministry led him to remain in Belle Glade, Florida, where he later served as Lead Pastor of Wesleyan Community Holiness Church for over 40 years. Under his leadership, the church became a spiritual home for a small but vibrant, largely Caribbean congregation and a beacon of hope and integrity in the community.

Throughout his decades of service, Pastor Davis founded the Family Day Union, a groundbreaking initiative that united twelve local churches of varying denominations. As president, he fostered monthly gatherings that celebrated spiritual fellowship, shared meals, and joyful community bonding—an embodiment of unity and love across faith traditions.

Clifford first married Ventris Marriott Davis, and together they raised five children: Elaine Davis Coombs, Edmund C. Davis, Faith Davis, Bibian Davis Scantlebury, and Louis A. Davis. One child from this union passed at birth and remains lovingly remembered.

Later, Clifford married Doris Beatrice Sanford Davis after relocating to the United States. Their union was filled with love and mutual respect, and together they welcomed four children: two sons, one of whom passed at birth and Sylvester Clarence Davis, who passed shortly after birth, and two daughters, Clarissa L. Davis-Lindsey (married to Adrian Lindsey) and Cathy A. Davis.

In 2014, Pastor Davis retired from active ministry and was formally recognized for his lifetime of service with one of the highest honors of his lifetime, acknowledgement by the then President of the United States of America. In his later years, he moved to Virginia to live with his daughter Clarissa and son-in-law Adrian, where he continued to inspire those around him with his wisdom, warmth, and enduring grace.

Pastor Davis outlived his parents, both of his wives, one daughter, three sons, two brothers, and four sisters. He leaves to cherish his memory his surviving siblings, his six children, a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, extended family, dear friends, fellow pastors, parishioners, dedicated long-term and short-term caregivers and countless members of the communities whose lives he touched.

He will be remembered not only for the life he lived, but for the lives he shaped—with gentleness, wisdom, and a heart full of grace.

Scripture

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7 (KJV)