Mavis began her career as a teacher, beginning a lifelong love of teaching and young people. She later felt called to ministry and, alongside her husband, Jerry (Jerome Nehemiah) Nkosi and their friends Lori and Alan Lutz, helped begin Youth Alive in Soweto, South Africa. What began in the 1960s with a few young people grew into a vibrant ministry serving hundreds of youth through clubs throughout Soweto; incredible youth who went on to serve Christ in many ways.
That calling eventually brought Mavis and Jerry to the United States, where they continued their work through Black Evangelistic Enterprise and later founded Urban Action Ministries. Through Bible clubs and youth programs, their ministry reached generations of children and young people, many of whom went on to serve others, work with youth, and share their faith.
She and Jerry had three children: Lena May Thornton, who preceded her in death; Howell Emory Nkosi; and Hazel Irene Davis.
She was a loving mother and grandmother, and her nieces and nephews were especially dear to her. She loved them as her own, and they loved and admired her deeply. Some preceded her in death, but each remained close to her heart.
She leaves to cherish her memory Howell and Hazel; her grandchildren, Corey Nkosi, Ashley Eden, Cameron Thornton, Saja Davis, and Alex Nkosi; her daughters-in-law, Rene Nkosi and Deborah Nkosi; generations of beloved nieces, nephews, and their families; and dear friends and loved ones around the world who enriched her life and loved her dearly.
We are deeply thankful for Mavis’s beautiful life: a life of faith, family, friendship, teaching, and loving service
