Dr. Lewis Davis, a retired educator, philanthropist and community servant, of North Branford, Conn., passed away on December 8, 2019. Lewis was born in Gadsden, South Carolina. He was one of seven children born to the late Reverend Clem and Margaret Davis.
He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree from Allen University, Master of Arts degree from Atlanta University, now Clark Atlanta University, and a Master of Science degree in Counseling and a Sixth Year Certificate in Administration and Supervision from Southern Connecticut State University. He also attended the University of Massachusetts Amherst, completing coursework toward a Doctor of Science degree. Allen University bestowed the honor of Doctor of Humane Letters Degree to Lewis in 2007.
Lewis spent his 38-year education career in one county in North Carolina and the New Haven Public School System. He taught at Troup Junior High School, James Hillhouse High School, where he also served as an assistant softball coach, as well as Roberto Clemente Middle School. He retired from Troup as a guidance counselor.
Lewis served in leadership roles within his church home of more than 50 years, Christian Tabernacle Baptist Church in Hamden, Conn. He was a member of the Deacon Board, and previously served on the Trustee Board and Men’s Club. He was a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and the NAACP. He was a member of Oriental Lodge #6, a 33rd Degree Mason, Prince Hall Affiliation, and the East Rock Lodge Elks No.141, IBPOE.
Lewis leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 48 years, Catherine Barrett Davis, as well as his children: Amin Davis (Tamara); Ayana Davis Hernandez (Bryant); Tyrone Boykin (Patricia), and Matasha James (Wallace). He was the grandfather of seven and great grandfather of 14. His four living siblings and in-laws are: James Davis (Irma Jean), Helen Williams (Cornell), Sam Shiver and Sally T. Peay-Griffin, and sister-in-law Evelyn Davis and brother-in-law Eddie Bowman.
He is preceded in death by his parents, son, Ronnie D. Tucker, and four of his siblings: Clem Davis, Jr.; John Prince Davis; Ethel D. Bowman; and Herbert Davis.
A viewing and the Omega Chapter service for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and other fraternal services for the Prince Hall Masons and Elks Lodge will take place on Friday, December 13, 2019, from 5:00-8:00 P.M. at Curvin K. Council Funeral Home, 128 Dwight Street, New Haven, CT 06511. On Saturday, December 14, 2019, at Christian Tabernacle Baptist Church, 425 Newhall Street, Hamden, CT 06517, a second viewing will be held from 8:00-9:00 A.M., followed by a celebration of life tribute at 9:00 A.M.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations are made to either of the following: St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, c/o Dr. Lewis Davis Memorial Fund, or Christian Tabernacle Baptist Church c/o Scholarship Fund.
Deepest sympathy to you ? and your family. May God bless you and your during this time of mourning. Sara Lee Brown Webber & family.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Be bless
Katherine my sincere condolences in the passing of Lewis My prayers and thoughts are with you.
To the Family of Dr. Lewis Davis:
It is with deepest sympathy that I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family of a sister whom I love, admire, and respect, Ayana Davis Hernandez. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with each of you as you experience such a difficult loss. Your father was a well respected member and leader of the Greater New Haven community, and will be greatly missed. If there is anything I can do to help in this time of transition, please do not hesitate to contact me, and know that my prayers and thoughts are with each of you. ??
My condolences to you Mrs. Kathy. It was always a pleasure to talk to you and Mr. Lewis. Praying for you and your family ❤️❤️.
Soror Cathy, My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
My deepest sympathy to the family
We are saddened to learn of Lew’s passing and express our deepest condolences. Lew was such a genuine man of God. He was loved and we will miss him dearly.
My sincerest condolences to the family. May the Holy Spirit continue to comfort and strengthen you now and in the days to come.???
CATHERINE, AMIN, AYANA & FAMILY. I was so saddened to hear of your loss and I can’t begin to think of words that will help you feel better. Please accept my deepest condolences anyway and I’ll be praying that God will help you through this difficult time with much love, peace and strength. God bless you always.
Dear Cathy and all of the Davis Family,
Please accept my sincere condolences for the loss of your beloved husband, father, relative, and friend. His presence and contributions to his community and family will be sorely missed. May God continue to bless and keep you in His special care. If I can ever support you in any way, please do not hesitate to call me.
The Boyd family sends it deepest sympathy and will keep your family in prayer he will truly be missed God Bless The Davis Family
May the words of our Loving and Dear Heavenly Father give each of you strength and love during this time in life. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
I was very saddened to hear of Lew’s passing. With heartfelt sympathy I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the Davis Family it was a pleasure to have him as a neighbor for all these years I will miss speaking with him and regret that I couldn’t speak with him more I would like you to know Mis Kathy if you need anything I’m right across the street anything I can do or help please let me know I was always there to give Lou a hand when he needed it and he to me as well and I will be there for you if you ever need anything…… again the Mazzarella family is very sorry for your loss God bless all of you and may he, Mr Lew Davis rest in peace.
Words can hardly express what a tremendous blessing you have been in my life. Brother Lewis, you are and will continue to be extraordinarily missed.