Sarah Berry Davis

Mrs. Sarah Berry Davis , 79, of Charlotte, NC passed away Friday, April 15, 2022 at Novant Health Main. Celebration of her life will be held Saturday, April 23, 2022 New Waves of Joy Baptist Church 4739 E WT. Harris Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28215. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am and the Service will follow at 11:00 am. Interment will be in the Forest Lawn Cemetery West 4601 Freedom Dr. Charlotte, NC 28214. April 25, 2022 at 10:00 am.

Deaconess Sarah Berry Davis was born on October 14, 1942, to the late James and Burdette Berry. On April 15, 2022, she entered into eternal rest. Sarah grew up in Charlotte, NC and graduated from Plato Price Senior High School in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System. After graduation, she attended what was then called Winston Salem State College. In the eighth grade she met the young man who became the love of her life, Lloyd Allen Davis. They married on February 24, 1963 and built a life together in Charlotte. To this union was born three children, Wanda, Lloyd “Allen” Jr., and Karen. Sarah worked as an Administrative Assistant for various businesses. She was a Senior Administrative Assistant in the Testing and Assessment Department of Charlotte Mecklenburg School System for over 20 years before retiring.

There were a few things that Sarah was known for. First of all was her love for the Lord which included the church and God’s people. She was a faithful and an active member for over 55 years at New Zion Baptist Church. There she served as a Deaconess, alongside her husband Deacon Lloyd Davis, Sr., President of the Mt. Peace Deacon Wives and the Group 3 Missionary, and a member of the Kitchen Committee and the Budget Committee. She also volunteered at the local food pantry, Loaves and Fishes.

Sarah was also known for her fashion, particularly her stylish hats and shoes. She had hats in a variety of colors and one for any and every occasion. Hats big and small, she loved them all!

Also, she was known for her good southern cooking.  While many enjoyed, her candied yams, dressing, and macaroni and cheese, even more experienced her talents with the desserts that she baked. Her specialties were 7-up pound cake and strawberry cake.

Additionally, Sarah was all about family. She often hosted many family gatherings at her home. A few things were a guarantee when you went to one of her gatherings…good cooking, great fellowship, many laughs, and a to-go plate! An annual family gathering that was dear to her heart was the “Celebration of Royalty” for all the Davis children. Sarah, known as “Gramma” by her grandchildren and “Aunt Sarah” by her great nieces and nephews, wanted to instill in them that they are children of the Most High God and that they were of a royal priesthood as written in I Peter 2:9 “ But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light”. During this celebration, the Davis youth were treated like royalty by celebrating their achievements (academic, athletic, growth and development, etc.) Gramma/Aunt Sarah provided a scrumptious meal and gave gifts to each person that followed the theme of royalty. No matter the gift, the word “prince” or “princess” was included on it somewhere.

Sarah was preceded in death by her husband Lloyd and her youngest daughter Karen. She was one of seven children and was also preceded in death by her brothers James “Sonny” Berry, Joseph Berry, Robert “Bob” Berry, Phillip “Phil” Berry, and her sister Cuba Wallace.

She leaves to cherish her memories and continue her legacy:  her daughter Wanda Gabriel, of the home, her son Allen and his wife Stephanie Davis of Summerfield NC; four grandchildren Karen Gillespie and Andrew Gillespie of Charlotte, NC; Ariel Davis and Alyson Davis of Summerfield, NC; one sister Sherry Sumlar of Garysburgh, NC, two sisters-in-law Kay Berry and Gloria Berry of Charlotte, NC; three brothers-in-law, James Davis, Charles (Alphia) Davis, Gary (Judi) Davis, all of Charlotte, NC, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.