Katie

Davis

Humble Beginnings

Katie Wilbourn was born May 6, 1936 to Reba (Bullock) and Richard Wilbourn Sr. She was one of ten children, two of whom died in early childhood. Born and raised on a farm in Marks, Mississippi, Katie was a hard working and resilient young girl who was well acquainted with the demands of farming and fieldwork.

Onward and Upward

Having lost her father at a very young age, Katie and her family struggled for many years. As a result, Mother Reba migrated to Ohio with her three youngest children, then teenagers, Reba, Katie, and James. Here, in Toledo, Ohio, Katie met and married Willie Chester Davis. They would remain married for 59 years, until Willie transitioned in 2016. Together, they had five children.

Though Katie came from humble beginnings, she and Willie provided a stable and comfortable home for their children. They reared them in the reverence for and admonition of the Lord. Katie mastered the art of saving and learned to stretch a dollar. Often, she sacrificed her own needs for those of her children. Together with Willie, she was able to assist in the advanced education of their children, and subsequently, their grandchildren.

A Loving Legacy

Katie, a pillar of strength, was truly a blessing from the Lord! Graced with the gift of helping hands, she was dedicated to serving God and those around her. Katie was a full time caregiver to both her mother, in the early years of her marriage, and her mother-in-law, in the later years. She opened her home to familial Mississippians over the course of her life, giving them a place of refuge as they migrated north. Hospitality was the expected norm in her home, as well as a homemade melt-in-your-mouth dinner roll.

Enjoying the Journey

Katie lived a full life beyond the many relationships she nurtured. She lent services to the Lion's-Dillard's department store for over 22 years. She enjoyed baking and was renowned for her German chocolate, pound, and red velvet cakes, as well as a host of other family favorites, including pecan pie and homemade preserves. She planted and tended a garden full of fresh vegetables, and was still producing juicy tomatoes up until last year.

Katie enjoyed exercising and was known to be an exceptionally strong woman. Family might attribute her grip strength, that would make kids and adults rethink their choices, to her dedication to working out and staying fit. Katie was strong by every definition of the word, in body, mind, soul, and faith.

Katie was a faithful member of Third Baptist Church for over fifty years. She took delight in being a long time member of the Senior Usher Board, and the Twentieth Century Club. Scripture reading and prayer were a part of her daily routine. In many aspects, Katie can be compared to the Proverbs 31 woman. She watched over the affairs of her household and did not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arose and called her blessed; her husband also, and he praised her.

Finally Home

Katie declared that Jesus Christ was her Lord and Savior. She went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, August 31, 2025. She was preceded in death by her husband Willie Davis and seven siblings. Katie is survived by her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren (as shown in her legacy), as well as her older sister, Reba Young.