Lillie Mae Davis

With hearts full of love and eyes filled with tears, we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Lillie Mae Davis, who entered eternal rest on the morning of Friday, April 25, 2025, at the blessed age of 93.

Born in the quiet beauty of Silver Creek, Burke County, North Carolina, on October 27, 1931, Lillie Mae was a bright light from the start. She was one of two precious children born to the late Elizah and Eula Bell Thomas Owens. Her early years were filled with faith, family, and the kind of wisdom that only grows from strong roots.

Lillie Mae completed her education in Burke County and later pursued vocational training at Margaret Murray Washington School in Washington, D.C., setting the foundation for a life built on perseverance and purpose.

On September 30, 1950, she married the love of her life, the late Herbert Lee Davis. Their bond was strong, their partnership true, and together they raised seven beautiful children in a home overflowing with love, laughter, and faith.

After moving to Washington, D.C., Lillie Mae joined Randell Memorial Baptist Church, where her spirit found peace and her faith found community. She devoted over 40 years to the Federal Government, working at Cameron Station in Alexandria, and later at Fort Belvoir, where she retired from the Defense Technical Information Center with grace and pride.

But her greatest work was done at home.

To know Lillie Mae was to be loved unconditionally. She was the heart of the family—our historian, our memory keeper, our anchor. Whether you needed to know who was married when, which cousin belonged to whom, or the unfiltered truth behind a family tale, you went straight to her. She didn’t just remember facts—she remembered feelings, faces, and every heartbeat in between.

To the neighborhood, she was “Mrs. Dee”—a second mother, a safe place, a warm meal, a kind word. Her home was a sanctuary where all were welcome, and her dining table was never too full. She raised her children with fierce love and firm hands, never letting them out of her sight. Wherever Lillie Mae went, her “seven stair-steps” followed, and that image—of a mother leading her children in perfect rhythm—is one we’ll never forget.

Stylish and full of flair, Lillie Mae and her husband were always dressed to the nines. She adored music—gospel to soothe her soul, jazz to make her smile, and reggae to make her dance. Her spirit was vibrant, joyful, and forever young.

Though our hearts are heavy, we take comfort in knowing she is reunited with her beloved Herbert and their sons Spencer, Herbert Jr., and Andre. Her journey on Earth is complete, but her love continues in all of us who remain.

She Was Preceded in Death By:Her husband, Herbert Lee Davis.Sons, Spencer Davis, Herbert Davis Jr., and Andre Davis. Brothers, William and Bynam Owens. Sisters, Mazelle Forney and Ruth Thomas.

She Leaves to Carry on Her Legacy: Children:Maurice Davis – Washington, D.C. Vicki Paige (Michael) – Triangle, VA, Michael Davis (Angela) – Washington, D.C., Michele Davis-Montague (DuRay) – Philadelphia, PA

Grandchildren: Mia Miller, Michael Paige Jr. (Thea), Akila Davis-Drayton (Ronald), Marcus Paige (Karolyn), Trenton Paige (Tasia), Isaiah Davis, DuRay Montague II, Lindsey Montague

Great-Grandchildren: Micah Drayton, Anli Drayton, Aalayah Davis, Kai Weikel, Ever Paige, Josiah Paige, Brielle Paige, Artica Paige, Echo Paige

Siblings: Sister – Shirley Jackson of Cincinnati Ohio, Sister-in-law – Mary Jackie Davis of Sarasota Florida

Special Loved Ones: Kenneth and Shirley Edward, Mrs. Janie Keys, Linda Miller, Francine Gassaway,

Gregory Johns, Claressa Lloyd, Barbara Mosley, and Dwayne Mosley

And a loving host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and dear friends whose lives were touched beyond measure.