The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord. Job 1:21b What a gift to family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers was the boy, Shelton Davis, born to Mable Twine Davis and Roosevelt Davis, Sr. on November 17, 1940. With a big smile, an ever-helping hand, wise counsel, generosity of time and talents, Shelton (or “Big Daddy” as he came to be known by many) would fill the world of those he loved, and even perfect strangers, with kindness and abundant provision. His life was a gift to all who knew him. The grandson of one of the founders of the first black bank in Elizabeth City, NC, Shelton was born and raised on a farm in the Weeksville section of the city. He was a dedicated member of Rebecca AME, a loving family church, and enjoyed biking as a child when he was not working. A star football player who diligently pursued his studies as well, he graduated from P.W. Moore High School in 1960. As a young man, Shelton worked in several industries and received a series of promotions as he caught the attention of adults who recognized his management talent, trustworthiness, and facility with people. Eventually, however, he followed the advice of a favorite high school teacher who regularly intoned to his students: “Get a job with the government.” When offered employment as a welder in Norfolk Naval Shipyard in 1973, Shelton accepted. At the Shipyard, he again advanced and became a recognized leader, not retiring until 2006 after he had served 33 years. Even after retirement, he was frequently called and asked if he would return to do some work on whatever work hours he wished. In 1965, Shelton married the women he had an eye on since high school, Brenda Joyce Beasley. For the 57 years of their marriage, they took morning walks; day drives; travelled; hosted family; managed rental properties; watched the Dallas Cowboys; gardened; put up the annual display of Christmas reindeer in the yard; sang bass and alto together for 40 years in the Choir at the Third Baptist Church, Portsmouth, of which they had both been members since 1965; and befriended anyone who came close to 313 Avondale Road. Shelton was the neighborhood “mayor”– greeting newcomers, checking on old-timers, picking up trash, and defending Brenda from stray dogs. To their union was born one treasured son, Dr. Shelton Avery Davis, a retired Colonel in the U.S. Army and physician at Walter Reed Hospital. Shelton’s presence filled a room. His hearty laughter lured others to joy. His stories of life on the farm called the generations behind him to remember the advances of African Americans in the decades since his birth. His observations about life, medicine, politics, health, government, farming, psychologists, and both young people and old people (fondly called “The World According to Big Daddy”) were filled with keen observation, wit, and wisdom. When the Lord decided to take him away on July 2, 2022 at Maryview Hospital, the world became an emptier place. Shelton leaves to treasure his memory his wife, Brenda Beasley Davis; his […]
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