Jessie D. Davis Sr.'s Obituary
Jessie D. Davis, Sr., died on October 1, 2025 at the age of 71 years old. It is with profound sadness that we announce the homegoing of our father, Jessie D. Davis, Sr.
Jessie was born on May 30, 1954, in Cairo IL, a son to Jessie Homer and Thelma Davis. He lived a life filled with zeal for life, purpose and unwavering determination. He embraced every challenge with prayer, grace and faced adversity and unwavering strength. Throughout his journey, he touched the hearts and lives of so many people with his kindness, wisdom, and infectious laughter.
As a devoted father, Jessie nurtured a loving and close knit family. He was the cherished husband of the late Maxcine Christine Battles Davis and together they created a beautiful legacy of love and devotion.
Jessie was employed over 30 years at Cairo Public Schools where he later retired and also Gilster-Mary Lee were he retired from as well. He had a great love for God and founded his own church in DuQuoin, IL as the Pastor of House of Prayer and Deliverance which served the community with regular church services and vacation bible school to feed the children.
Jessie loved to cook outdoors and perform outdoor activities. He loved the chance to share the goodness of God, to whomever wanted to listen. He made a long lasting impression on everyone he meets and inspirational to young men.
Survivors include his children, Jessie (Nina) Davis, Jr., of Cape Girardeau, MO, Craig Davis, Sr., of Carbondale, IL, Jeremiah Davis, Sr., of Dallas, TX, Melissa Smith of Dallas, TX, and Latanya Davis of Gosnell, AR; seven sisters Carlene Miller of Cairo, IL, Brenda Garner of CA, Carla Woods of Cairo, IL and Beverly Davis of Cairo, IL, Lorrie Kizer of Cairo, IL, Rosa Smith of Champaign, IL and Jasmine Allen of Crestview, FL; fourteen grandchildren, Troy McKinnies, Jr., of Dallas, TX, Jarael McKinnies of Temple, TX, She’Nequia Bailey of Charleston, MO, Jessica Davis of Cape Girardeau, MO, Jasmine Davis Of Cape Girardeau, MO, Tyrell McKinnies of San Antonio, TX, Craig Dawson of Charloette, NC, Tyesha McKinnies of Dallas, TX, Tiana Span of Gosnell, AR, Craig Davis Jr. of Carterville, IL, Jabrae Thomas Jr., of Carbondale, IL, Aveonia Davis of Nashville, TN, Armondo Davis Carbondale, IL and Jeremiah Davis Jr., of Dallas, TX; and many great-grandchildren that were his pride and joy. He also leaves to cherish his memories beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends. His warm presence and unconditional love will forever be missed.
He was preceded in death by his parents; loving wife, Maxcine; one granddaughter, Alicia Davis; one brother, James Davis; and one sister, Shirley Davis.
Funeral services will be held at Pyatt Funeral Home, DuQuoin, IL, on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at 1:00 p.m., with Pastor Zachariah Green officiating. Interment will be at I.O.O.F. Cemetery, DuQuoin, IL.
Visitation will be held at Pyatt Funeral Home, DuQuoin, IL on Saturday from 10:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.
Memorial contributions can be made to the family.
Pyatt Funeral Home, DuQuoin, IL has been entrusted with the arrangements.
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