Clarine Davis

Clarine Davis was born January 10, 1944 in Greenville, Alabama. She was the tenth child to be born to Bill Simpson Jr. and Jessie Lee Little. Clarine had 16 brothers and sisters. Comer, Sarah, Ernestine, John Dee, Lula Mae and Leanner were called home along with her parents. Clarine grew up in a small town surrounded by family and friends who loved her and nurtured her. She came from a very religious family and accepted Christ at a very young age. She was baptized at the age of 6. Growing up in Alabama wasn't easy. There weren't many job opportunities for Blacks. You needed to have a skill and/or education to make ends meet. Her mother taught her how to cook and sew at a very young age. Clarine loved to sew and later used that talent to make things such as: wedding gowns, curtains, comforters, suits, dresses and upholstering small pieces of furniture. Clarine left home at eighteen years old and moved to New York City for job opportunities. Before leaving, her father advised her to become a part of a group that would look out for her while she was up north. After arriving in New York, she became a part of the Eastern Stars. In New York, she met Harvey Belton and the two had one daughter, Alica. Years later, she met and married Harold Davis. Clarine always had a strong work ethic. After moving to New York, she held various jobs such as a live in maid in Oyster Bay, Long Island until she came to work for Human Resources Administration (HRA). Clarine worked for HRA for 31 years and retired in 2006. Even after her retirement, Clarine still enjoyed helping others. It was this quality that led to her becoming a Deaconess in the Brownsville Community Baptist Church. On Saturday August 11, 2012, Clarine was called home to be with the Lord. Clarine had a deep love for her family. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She leaves behind her daughter, Alica, three grandchildren: Darius, Kristofer and Anthony, 10 brothers and sisters: Mary Lee, Lille Bell, Ettrue Jean (General), Lois Jean, Annie Ruth, Lou Hellen, Dorothy, Ezell, Joe Lee (Lu Nell), and Percy (Florence), a host of nieces, nephews, church family and a many special dear friends.

Clarine Davis

January 10, 1944 - August 11, 2012