Robertann

Davis

Celebration of Life

Sunrise: July 15, 1940 Sunset: May 3, 2023

Life for Robert Ann Downs began on July 15, 1940, in Georgetown, South Carolina.

Before You Were Born

Robert Ann Downs, affectionately known as: Biddy, Robert Ann-O, Mrs. Davis, but was originally born as Hestella Downs by the midwife.

Robert Ann was loved, nurtured, and raised by her parents, Thelma R. Downs and Robert Downs, who are both deceased. She was the third of six children. She is predeceased by her husband Prince Davis, a daughter Cynthis Davis. Five siblings Peter Downs, Frances D Shaw, Albertha R Perez, Paul H Rutledge, Dorothy Robinson.

Living This Life

Robert Ann spent her childhood years being raised in Georgetown, SC, where she attended and graduated from Howard High School in 1960. She also worked in the tobacco fields to cover the cost of books.

Shortly after graduation Robert Ann moved to New York where she got a job working as an in-house nanny for the Hecht family. She took pride in this job because it filled her life with passion. She also worked at Evyan Perfume Company. After leaving Evyan, Robert Ann became the Head cook at Teaneck Headstart while also working at Neighbors Inc. She worked at Hackensack Headstart until she retired.

While getting settled in New York, Robert Ann ran into her husband, Prince Davis. They were married for 57 years. Together, the couple had three girls, Cynthia, Darlene, and Stephanie. Together, Robert Ann and Prince moved to Teaneck, NJ with their family and opened their home to family and friends.

At an early age, she was reared in Arnett AME Church in Georgetown, SC. After relocating to New Jersey, she became affiliated with Mt. Olive Baptist Church, with Rev Michael Jordan as the Pastor, where she was also Baptized. She would often frequent other churches, Varick Memorial AME Zion, and online services with the following churches: Arnett AME Church, Dickerson AME Church, New Hope Baptist, and many others she could view online.

Robert Ann was a mother figure to all who came into contact and needed that mother nurturing. Over the years she would take in family members and take care of them as if they were her own. She welcomed everyone with open arms, especially the children. You could always find children around her at home at any given time. She also had a special place in her heart for her dogs, as if they were people too. She spent most of her time with the people she loved the most, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Each had a special name for her: Geeka and Old Grandma

In her down time, Robert Ann would often complete crossword puzzles, scratch-offs and watch the ID Channel and Steven Colbert at 12:30am every weeknight. Robert Ann loved to travel and have a good time while doing so. She would go to Las Vegas and spend time with Roberta (Cousin). Then she liked going on cruises with Cousins Lena Prior and Estelle Rutledge and other family members. Even though Robert Ann legal birthday was July 15, 1940, she had celebrated July 1-15 for a very long time. She expected to be told happy birthday each day, and enjoyed the party that came along with it.

The Journey's End

The life of Robert Ann Downs Davis ended on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 in New Jersey. Robert Ann's journey with life was well fought, but it was God 's time to pick another beautiful flower from His "Garden of Life".She was known to all as a kind, sweet, caring and loving soul fulfilling God's purpose. Robert Ann was a true matriarch of her family. She was a woman of knowledge and wisdom. She left a lasting impact on everyone she encountered. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin, and faithful friend.

Robert Ann leaves many to mourn her departure: children: Darlene Davis, Stephanie Davis, Jonathan Davis (Berky); 8 grandchildren: Cynthia Davis, Vanessa Fields (Torry Fields), Rashod Rochester, Connie-Mae Rochester, Boris Tripp Jr., Sierra Rochester, Andrew Gooden and Felicia Churn; 10 great-grandchildren: Allure, Amani, Torry Jr., Ryleigh, Logan, Kensie, Alicia, King, Cleopatra, Ayana, and two on the way; sister: Michael Ann Marshall and Pearletha Downs, both of Georgetown, SC; sister-in-law Elizabeth Davis of GA; Brothers-in-law: Charles Davis of GA, Tommy Geathers of VA, and George Simmons of FL; devoted cousins Roberta Reed Walker of Las Vegas, Lena Mae Prior, and Estelle Rutledge of Accokeek, MD, Pastor Franklin E. Rutledge of Georgetown, SC Robert Lee and Doris Dozier of Fayetteville, NC; hon. daughter: Denise Shepard; goddaughter Robinessa Prior; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.