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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.
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Acknowledgements In this time of bereavement, we still say God is in control. Keep
praying for our family that God will get the glory from our lives.
The family would like to acknowledge with deep gratitude the
expressions of love and concern towards us. Thank you to all the
family and friends for your prayers, loving support, contributions,
flowers, cards and gifts of love during this time of Esther Mae
Benton Davis' promotion to glory!
The Family of Esther Mae Benton Davis
God’s Garden God looked around His garden
And found an empty place.
He then looked down upon the earth
And saw your tired face.
He put his arms around you
And lifted you to rest.
God’s garden must be beautiful
He always takes the best.
He saw the road was getting rough
And the hills were hard to climb,
So He closed your weary eyelids
And whispered "Peace be thine".
It broke our hearts to lose you
But you didn’t go alone,
For part of us went with you
The day God called you home.
Known for Excellence. Trusted for Value
www.HerbWalker.com
(513) 251-6200
In Loving Memory
Esther Mae Benton Davis
Service Saturday, September 26, 2015 - 3:00 p. m.
Walker - Mt. Healthy Chapel
7272 Hamilton Avenue
Mt. Healthy, Ohio 45231
Minister Larry Southall, Officiating
June 16, 1938 - September 15, 2015
Memorial Service
Opening..........................................Min. Larry Southall, nephew
Scripture Readings.........................Min. Verdette Bagley, friend
Selection...................................Ms. Ouida Davis Cole, daughter
Acknowledgements........................Ms. Charlotte Howard, niece
Reflections..............................................Ms. Ruth Benton, sister Miss Jocelyn Imani, granddaughter
Selection.......................................Family and Friends Chorale
Eulogy..........................................................Min. Larry Southall
Musical Benediction........................Family and Friends Chorale
Obituary
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.
