George Norris Davis, Sr.

Obituary GRORGE NORRIS DAVIS, SR. George Norris Davis, Sr. departed his earthly body and gained his wings on May 31, 2019. He was born on September 17, 1926 at the family home, 939 Splitlog Kansas City, Kansas, to John William Davis and Eleanor Wilburn Davis. George was the youngest of a close-knit family of seven, including his parents, brothers John and Robert, and sisters Mildred and Gloria, all of whom preceded him in death. George’s dad, John was born a slave in Clay County Missouri. John’s owner was also his father. After “liberation”, John’s mother was forced to sneak him off the property in order to save her children from being kept as laborers by their former “owner”. This newly liberated family then settled in Kansas City, Kansas. As an adult, George’s dad found work as a porter on the railroad. Following in his dad’s footsteps, George worked on the rails where he discovered the travel bug. In the early 1900’s, his mom was educated at Kansas Teachers’ College (now K-State) as a home economist. Her education also included the development of great musical talents which she passed along to her son, George. He excelled at music which became an integral part of his life. George attended Sumner High School (Class of ’44.) He played woodwinds in the school’s marching and jazz bands. He also participated in and excelled at track, qualifying for State in the 440-yard dash. After graduating high school, George continued to use his musical talents. Upon enlisting in the Army Air Corps branch of the military, he played various instruments in the band. This segregated, all-black band was affiliated with the Tuskegee Airmen, earning him the designation of Documented Original Tuskegee Airman (DOTA). After being honorably discharged from military service, George used his GI benefits to continue his education. He attended the University of Kansas at Lawrence where he obtained a degree in music. George later went on to earn a Master’s equivalent from the University of Missouri at Kansas City. During his early college days, he married his first wife, Alice Mitchell Davis. They had three children. After several years of marriage, Alice’s untimely death, left George a widower. In 1957, George met and married Ernestine L. Davis, with whom he shares 57 years of love and devotion. Along with her two children and his three, they added two more to the union - making a total of seven children. They raised their blended family, exposing them to many character-building influences and experiences. Raising his family, George sometimes worked three jobs in order to provide a safe and secure home. In the summer, he taught summer school and worked two other jobs. However, when summer-school ended, he packed the station-wagon and motored across America with his family, traveling the countryside. However, it was his time and caring that mattered most. As an educator, George influenced thousands of students over the course of his 30+ year career. Most of his years in education were spent teaching music. All seven of his children took lessons on at least two instruments. Some of his former students include such international greats as Kevin Mahogany (jazz vocalist), the McFadden Brothers (multi-talented entertainers) and many more. As a youngster, George sometimes worked as a bicycle delivery boy for pennies a day, giving his earnings to his mother in order to help the family. His generosity continued throughout his life and touched not only his family but was felt by a multitude through his charitable works including his involvement with church, the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity and the Kiwanas. When George retired from the Kansas City Public School system in 1987, he and Ernestine spent the next three decades traveling the world. Until her transition in 2015, Ernestine and George’s travels included visiting their children and grandchildren wherever they were, visiting all 50 states and traveling to five of the seven continents of the world. Accustomed to family life and to fill an empty void, George decided to marry again. In May 2017, he married Arleta Lee Jennings Davis. Suffice it to say, George N. Davis is a legend. His wisdom, kindness and generosity have touched us all and will be fondly remembered. In addition to his parents, siblings and wives; his granddaughter, Sonda L. McCoy and great-grandson, Kareem D. McCoy-Lee preceded him in death. George is survived by his wife Arleta Lee Jennings Davis. He leaves to honor and cherish his memory, sons Norris D. Davis (Juanita), Woodrow Austin, Jr. (Vicki) of Dallas TX, George Davis Jr. of Castro Valley CA, Eugene Davis (Ramona), Marla Davis, Cheryl Williams (Philip), Angela Weatherspoon; grandchildren David Hoard, Monica Johnson, Kamilah Murphy Crouch, Damon Weatherspoon (Leigh), Joshua Williams (Joy), Joel Williams, Kimberly Montalbano (Michael), Kristen Davis, Travis Davis, Trenton Davis, James Williams; great-grandchildren Michael Weatherspoon, Essence Akins, Germanii Murphy, Andre Bynum, Patrick Crouch II, Victoria Crouch, Jon-Michael Crouch, Myles Weatherspoon, Tyson Weatherspoon, Josiah Williams, Jadon Williams, Coral Williams, Justus Williams, Joseph Williams, John Montalbano, Sophia Montalbano; great-great grandchildren Mykkah Weatherspoon, Kingmichael Weatherspoon, Duane Roth III, Elijah Roath, London Bynum and Chase Bynum. He also leaves a host of other family and friends. On Monday, June 10, 2019 at Ward Chapel AME Church a visitation will be held from 9:00 A.M. until 9:30 A.M. An ALPHA KAPPA Fraternity Service will be held at 9:30A.M. until 10:30 A.M. Funeral Services 10:30 A.M. Interment 1:30 P.M. in Leavenworth National Cemetery. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of George Norris Davis, Sr., please visit our floral store. Read More

George Norris Davis, Sr.

September 17, 1926 - June 5, 2019