Mrs. Wilma Dean (Rucker) Davis

Today, Wilma Dean Rucker Davis, the third child of Samuel DeLeon Rucker and Clarice Rucker, is memorialized. On October 27, 2021, Wilma was called home to her Lord and Savior. Her purpose on this earth, which our Heavenly father had ordained, has been completed, and in faith, we sustain God has now granted her eternal life.

Wilma Dean Rucker Davis was born on July 23, 1946, in Vallejo, California. She, along with her parents and siblings, later made Bakersfield, California her home. Here is where Wilma accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. At eight years old, she was baptized and became a member of St. Paul Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in Bakersfield, California under the leadership of Rev. Collins. She sang in the youth choir and as a teenager, she served as a Sunday School Teacher.

Wilma received her formal education through Bakersfield schools. She started her educational journey at Potomac Elementary School, progressing to Lincoln Junior High School, and eventually graduating from the home of the “Rams”, Garces High School. She later embarked onto higher education. Following her parents’ footsteps, she attended Wiley College in Marshall, Texas. She was a proud Wild Cat and at Wiley College, she was initiated into and was a very active member of the Phi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She later graduated, proudly earning her B.S. in Elementary Education.

Wilma fell in love with Texas and after graduation, she decided to make Dallas, Texas her home. This is where she began her 25-year teaching career in the Dallas Independent School District. She taught second through sixth, teaching all subjects including Math, Health & Science, Language Arts, and ESL. She excelled at this career, earning a variety of accolades including Teacher of the Year and mentor teacher honors. In Dallas, she also became a chartering member of Omicron Mu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Dallas is where Wilma also started another exciting journey. This is where she met, fell in love with, and on December 21, 1974, married Marvin Davis. This union introduced Wilma to the Church of Christ where she afterward, was baptized as a member of the Church of Christ. Through this marriage, she also became the proud “bonus mother” to Marvin’s children he had through a previous marriage. Soon after, they were blessed with two wonderful but spoiled children, Marcie Charlene Davis, and Steven Dale Davis.

In 1993, Wilma, along with her husband and children moved back to Bakersfield, California. Her father’s legacy was passed to her, and for the next 25 years she served as the owner and operator of Rucker’s Mortuary. Until her death, this position was one of her greatest and most rewarding endeavors. She was a very accomplished businesswoman, even humbly receiving the prestigious honor of Southern California’s Businesswoman of the Year. She remained in this position until her death.

Although she is physically no longer with us, her spirit lives on through the many lives she touched. Her strength will never be forgotten. Her words will continue to encourage. Her laughter will remain in our hearts. She leaves with us a great legacy of courage, endurance, friendship and love. She will be greatly missed.

Preceded in death by her father, Samuel Rucker; mother, Clarice Rucker; brother, Samuel Rucker, Jr.; sister, Jeanette Rucker; stepsons, Marvin Davis, Jr. Jimmy Davis, John Davis, James (Skeeter) Davis; and stepdaughter, Pamela Davis-Taylor. Wilma leaves to cherish her memory and celebrate her life: her husband of 46 years, Marvin Davis; daughter, Marcie Charlene Davis; son, Steven Dale Davis; brothers, Joel Rucker and Dr. Burnett Rucker; stepson, Bobby Davis; stepdaughters, Maxine Walls, JoEda Davis, Kathy Davis, and Jackie Davis and a host of grandchildren, nephews, nieces, and friends.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.laurellanddallas.com for the Davis family.