Ernestine Johns Davis

Ernestine Johns Davis, 87, walked into her Savior’s arms on July 25, 2025. For over 65 years, Ernestine has been a wife, friend, and the most awesome support to Clifton Davis. Mom was an amazing mother to Glenn and Donald, excellent mother-in-law to Jeanne and Kathryn, a one-of-a-kind Nana to Hunter, Hayden, Heather, Kade, Jake, Shawn and Nanny to Morgan, Sidney, Landon, Julian, and David. She is also a great-grandmother to Tripp, Braxton, and Early. Words cannot express the love she had for her family, which she demonstrated each and every day. Mom displayed her love through the actions in her life. She would do anything requested of her, especially if it came from one of the grandchildren.

Mom made the decision to follow Christ at an early age and never wavered from that path. She was unashamedly vocal about her faith and what Christ had done in her life, and she wanted to share it with everyone—never missing an opportunity to point someone to Him. She taught Sunday School for more than 50 years, and we could fill a stadium with all the kids and adults that were in her classes through the years. Mom’s faithfulness to God, her steadfast prayers, and her teaching have yielded untold fruit for the Kingdom of God—and only now is she seeing the rewards for her earnest work for Him.

Mom came from humble beginnings, born in Callahan, Florida, on December 7, 1937, to Lessie and Leah Johns. Shortly after her birth, the family moved to Jacksonville, Florida, residing on Paul Ave. She had six siblings: one brother, AJ, and five sisters—Florine, Claudia, Christine, and Genoa—all who have gone home before her, and Casey Coleman, her last remaining sister.

Mom met Dad right before he headed into the Korean War, and they were married once he returned. They spent 65 glorious (IYKYK) years together and created an enduring legacy that is our family. The family holidays, meals, trips, activities, and stories are far too numerous for this brief writing. Suffice it to say, the memories of our Wife, Mother, Sister, Nana, Nanny, Friend, and Teacher have permeated our lives, and Mom’s legacy will live on through us for many years. Our extreme grief at her leaving us is only assuaged by the confidence that we will be with her again—a reunion we do look forward to.

A visitation for Ernestine will be held Wednesday, July 30, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 11801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32223. A funeral service will occur Wednesday, July 30, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 11801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32223. A committal service will occur Wednesday, July 30, 2025 from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM at Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32218.