Bettie (Harrison) Davis

Bettie Joe Leonard was born January 13, 1939 in Goodwater, Alabama to her parents Joe and Margie Leonard; she had seven siblings. She relocated to Cleveland, Ohio after holy matrimony with Thomas Harrison, Sr. To this union eight children were born. She accepted Christ at an early age at the Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Goodwater, Alabama. She continued her Christian walk at Antioch Primitive Baptist Church in Cleveland, Ohio, then later at the First Community Missionary Baptist Church where she was a member for over fifty years. She is recognized as a deaconess and a church mother to her church family. Mother Davis had a loving spirit serving God all her life. She had lots of compassion which was demonstrated in her work at Baldwin Manor Nursing Home for over 36 years. She loved cooking, giving spiritual advice and giving family gatherings. She liked barbequing and socializing with family and friends. Mother Davis encouraged so many in her congregation.

She loved listening to Gospel music and often attended musical programs all over the city – her favorite group was the Canton Spirituals. During devotional service she would offer prayer for our congregation and lead songs like “I Love The Lord, He Heard My Cry” and “We Come This Far by Faith.” She loved being the mistress of ceremony for church programs such as the First Community Gospel Choir Pre-Anniversary celebrations. She was very supportive of the Tri-Unity Gospel Choir and once traveled to Washington DC to provide support to the group. An Angel that God put on this earth whom has cared for us and guided us in love. God blessed us with an Angel we are proud to call our own. She always did the best she could and has taught us like no other and we are thankful for the many years she was with us and she will be greatly missed.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Margie Leonard; her long-time partner, Mr. Chester Williams; four brothers: Joe Leonard, Virgil Leonard, Norman CD Crayton, and Aubrey Lee Leonard; two sisters: Alberta Hawkins and Annie Hunter; two daughters: Hester Lee Harrison and Rebecca Harrison Word; one son, Thomas Jefferson Harrison, Jr.; three sons-in-laws: Terry O’Bannon, Robert Jones and Larry Darnell Ruffin; one grandson, Christopher Jones and one great-granddaughter, NeTae Pritchett.

She leaves to cherish her memories her husband, Donald Davis; her children: Fredrick Wayne Harrison (Juanita), Berneda Ruffin, Rose O’Bannon, Melodie Harrison, and Margie Hollins (Anthony); step-children: Donella Davis and Samuel Davis; brother, Samuel (Daisy) Leonard, Sr.; sister, Karene McKinney; sisters-in-laws: Betty Leonard, Adoris Zackery, Berthene Ferrell, Aurwilther Smart; brothers-in-law, Charles Davis and Willie James Harrison; sons-in-law: Anthony Price Hollins and Oscar Word; a very special Sister-In-Christ, Deaconess Christine Crumbs; 19 grandchildren including her very special Latonia “LT” Hollins; 39 great grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and many friends. Mother Bettie Davis took her final flight to Glory on March 26, 2025 enjoying a pleasant rest.  

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