Ethel C Davis

The Lord closed the eyes of Ethel Culver Davis and rocked her gently to sleep on Thursday, September 11, 2025. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend to many and will be deeply missed.

Ethel was born on March 20, 1937 (the first day of Spring) in Skipperville, Alabama, to parents Orlando L. Culver and Mary Lee Culver. She was the eldest of four children from that union. Ethel sadly lost her mother at the age of 13. The family moved to Jacksonville, Florida shortly thereafter. Ethel graduated from New Stanton High School in 1954. She then attended the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, where she pledged Iota Alpha Theta. In the 1950’s, she moved to New York City to care for a family friend. She also worked as a seamstress. The day she met Warren Davis she knew he was the man she would marry. Four girls, Althea (perinatal death), Donna, Dadriane Ethel, and Danielle were born from their 29-year union.

Ethel was an active member of Sharon Baptist Church (Bronx, NY), where she served for many years as a nurse’s aide and sang in the choir. Ethel retired from the U.S. Postal Service in 1997, after 31 years of service. She was an esteemed member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1896 Ladies Auxiliary, where she was a dedicated president. Additionally, Ethel proudly served as Worthy Matron for St. Helena’s Chapter #11, Order of the Eastern Star of New York.

Ethel was a world traveler. She visited Alaska, London, Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels, Africa and Spain, where she saw the running of the bulls. Ethel worked for Trans Continental Travel Agency and was a group leader for Bill Lockett’s Travel and Entertainment Productions for many years. She enjoyed great trips, and many cruises with her friends and family. Ethel sold Avon, Sara Coventry, and participated in the Just 20 Broadway Club.

In the early 1990’s, Ethel reunited with her college school sweetheart, Charles Maxwell. They married in 1991 and shared several years together. Ethel also purchased her beloved retirement home in Central Florida, which she lovingly referred to as her little doll house.

In 1998, Ethel met George Upton, who she fondly called the love of her life. They spent twenty years as sweethearts, traveling, and enjoying friends and family. Ethel spent many years in New York. In 2018, she returned home to Florida where she lived until her passing.

She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Dorothy Culver Flemming, Benjamin Lawrence Culver, Linda Faye Culver, Gregory James; stepmother, Vernell Culver; and stepson, Warren Davis, Jr..

Ethel leaves to cherish her memory, three loving and devoted daughters, Donna Bagnall (Mark), Dadriane Ethel Townes, and Danielle Davis; stepdaughter, Cynthia Davis Smith; sister, Lola Bowman; sister-in-law, Louise Culver; grandchildren, Brandon L. Townes, Diara J. Townes, Damina E. Townes, Bryan Bagnall, Brennan Bagnall, Delise M. Bagnall, Darissa Townes, Bria Collier, Byren Collier, Brielle-Nicole Ottley; God-daughter, Mary Ellen Friday; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, who became extended family.