Funeral services for Mrs. Dora Davis, 91, of Orangeburg, SC, will be held 12:00 noon, Thursday, June 19, 2025, at Good Hope AME Church, 1849 Carver School Road, Cope, SC, with interment to follow at Heavenly Rest Memorial Park, Cordova.
Mrs. Davis passed away Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at her residence.
Mrs. Dora Dean Darby Davis was born on March 12, 1934, in Calhoun County. She was the eighth of nine children born to the late Mr. Thomas Darby, Sr. and Mrs. Maggie Dash Darby. She transitioned on June 11, 2025, at her residence. She was preceded in death by her husband, Mr. Booker T. Davis, Sr., and her beloved sons, Tony and Kenneth Davis. She was also preceded in death by a great-great granddaughter, Kali Davis.
Dora was the last survivor of the Darby’s siblings, whereas: Thomas Jr., Samuel, Louise, Eula, James, George (Joe), Willie and Wilhelmina preceded her in death.
Mother Dora believed in honest hard work and labored long hours as she provided for her family. She worked as a domestic worker, a CNA, sexton for her church, and retired from Orangeburg County Department of Mental Health as the Building Caretaker.
Mother Dora’s love of God was evident in her love for others as she extended compassion, generosity, and kindness to all. She used her gifts of singing and cooking while providing care and wisdom as she uplifted her family and friends. Her home in the community was a gathering place for family and friends where one was always fed and joyfully welcomed with a smile, conversation and often a song.
Mother Dora was devoted to God and was a servant within the church. She served with gratitude and joy as the Mother of her beloved Church, Good Hope A.M.E. She was past president of the Senior Choir, Stewardess emeritus and past chaplain of the Women’s Missionary Society (WMS). She was bestowed the distinct honor of being a Seventh Episcopal District WMS Torch lighter. Mother Dora possessed a servant’s heart, willing to serve others by using her gifts and God given abilities to bless those around her.
Mother Dora Davis leaves to cherish fond memories her devoted, loving and caring family: two sons, Minister Booker T. Jr., (Lula) and their children Shawn (Terri) and Dewayne (Tashika); Dannie Sr., (Neressie) and their children Dannie Jr., (Cassandra), Kevin (Stephanie) and Dominic; three daughters, Flossi (Thomas) McClellan and their children Sandra (Minister Rickey) Willis, Pastor Tyrone (Christine)McClellan and Jerome (Amber) McClellan; Rev. Roberta Jackson and her son George Jermaine Jackson; and Laurine “Sara” (Eddie) Hilliard and their children LaRon and Joseph Hilliard. She also leaves the children of her late son, Tony; Kendra Davis, Jana’e (Christopher) Wilson and Terrell Shelvin, as well as a special niece of love, Diane Darby Vasser.
Mother Dora was blessed with seventeen great-grandchildren and two great-great grandsons; two sisters-in-law, Susan Curry and Vinnie Ryant; two brothers-in-law, Kenneth Ryant and Gabriel Tyler; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
“Rest in peace with eternal love to our sweet mama, grandmother, auntie, cousin, and friend.”
Public viewing will be held Wednesday, June 18, 2025, from 1-6pm.
Family and friends may call Simmons Funeral Home and Crematory of Orangeburg.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.simmonsfuneralhome.com
Sarah Herring sent Beautiful Dreams for Mrs. Dora Davis - June 17, 2025
Amy Johnson sent Red and White Floor Basket for Mrs. Dora Davis - June 17, 2025
LYNN CHARLES sent Sweet Moments for Mrs. Dora Davis - June 12, 2025
Sorry for your loss. She was a sweet and hard working lady who always did the right thing. I have many fond memories of working with her and Sara and Roberta. Saying prayers for your family.
My prayers and sympathy goes out to all of her families. I know she will be missed. Love, Wendell & Malice Hilliard
My heart was heavy when God called you home. But I smile, thinking of the days as a kid playing outside with your grandsons, Dannie, Kelvin, and Dominic. I even called you my grandmother. Because of that, my heart became light. I am deeply thankful to have experienced your light, your shine, your smile. Thank you Miss Dora, grandma, for being a part of my life.
With love and condolences,
Nathaniel Prophet
The Abundant Life Outreach Ministries family is saddened to learn of the passing of Mrs. Dora Deen Davis. It is with heartfelt sympathy that we extend our condolences during your time of bereavement. We want to remind you of the words from Psalm 18:2, "...the Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower...." The Lord is there for you, and He will not abandon nor forsake you. In Him, you will find strength, salvation, and compassion to face the coming days. This moment may be quite challenging for you, but with God, you are stronger. May God's peace wrap around you like a blanket. And may you be forever reminded that you are being held securely by the overcoming love of God. You are not alone (Romans 8:35-39). For the Father will comfort and keep you during this time of bereavement. Jesus Christ came to heal the brokenhearted and has promised you everlasting consolation and hope through His grace.
As we continue to intercede and pray the Father's perfect and direct will for you and your family, we pray that you will stand still and know from whence your help cometh. Be blessed knowing that you are not alone.
Aunt Dora, even though we did not see each other often, the moments we shared—when you visited Boston and again in South Carolina with my mother, Betty Lou White—meant so much to me. Your kindness and spirit will never be forgotten. On behalf of the White family, I hold your memory in my heart with love and gratitude. Please hug my mother for me. With love, Carolyn White – Boston
Aunt Dora, even though we did not see each other often, the moments we shared—when you visited Boston and again in South Carolina with my mother, Betty Lou White—meant so much to me. Your kindness and spirit will never be forgotten. On behalf of the White family, I hold your memory in my heart with love and gratitude. Please hug my mother for me. With love, Carolyn White – Boston
Sincere love and prayers to the Davis and Darby Family. Mrs. Davis was a joy to be around. She shared her love and talent with the Senior Ministry of St. Paul Baptist Church. We will certainly miss her beautiful singing voice and guitar playing. She was a great inspiration to the ministry. She was always willing to serve and she did it with a smile. We will always cherish the memories. St. Paul Baptist Church Senior Ministry
Dearest Aunt Dora! You accepted the CLARION CALL. I will miss our connections/chats we had together ❤️. I will not taste the great potato pies you prepare for many that comes and goes. My reflections of guitar playing and elegant ✨️ style of dressing will be followed. Thank you for being that nursing aid to many and the Dora taxi doing for many who had not transportation to and from. Yes, many will miss you and it will be for more reason than one. Go forth and enjoy 😉 what is ahead. Family release her she has landed a great holy ground where we will be looking to join her.
WHATS HER NAME?? DORA DEAN DASH DARBY DAVIS
Much ❤️,
Dianne Darby-Paul, Summerville, S.C.
I'm going to miss you so much aunty all those summers i spent at your home with my cousins n your food was the best lol love ❤️ you aunty may you r.i.p. 🙏
Words cannot describe how much you are to me every I see you always make me happy and I always love when you hug me going to miss those hugs and kisses 💋 😘 😗 😚 going to treasure those memories I have with love you my beautiful great aunt you not gone but you just resting. Love you always . Prayers are with my family love always .Cynthia A Darby and entire Darby family.
We are so deeply sorry for your loss. Your mother was a wonderful person who touched the lives of many. May you find strength and solace in the memories you shared together. Please accept our heartfelt condolences on the passing of your precious Mom.
To The Family of Dora Davis You are in my heart and prayers during this time of mourning. I pray that God strength and courage your need to face the days ahead without the Love of Dora.Please accept my deepest condolences
Those we love, don't go away they walked beside us, unseen, & unheard but your mother will always be beside you.💚
I hate I wasn't able to see you auntie. My condolence to my cousins and the Davis and darby family, 🙏❤️😔
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.