Stella Mae Irving

on September 30, 1936, in Clayton, Louisiana, to the late Gus and Mary Davis.

She peacefully transitioned to eternal rest on July 26, 2024, at the age of 87.

Stella was the third child in a family of eleven, growing up in Monroe, Louisiana.

From a young age, she embraced her Christian faith, was baptized, and lived with

a deep commitment to her spiritual beliefs. Later in her life, she attended Lambfold

Church of Lord Jesus Christ under the leadership of the late Elder Wilkins. She

was baptized in the name of Jesus Christ and received the Holy Ghost. She was

also a member of the Apostolic Tabernacle Church under the leadership of

Dr. Lester Roch. Close bonds marked her formative years with her siblings

and a nurturing family environment that shaped her values and character.

1956: Stella began a new chapter by relocating to Houston, Texas. She met and

married Phillip Irving Sr. of Huntsville, Texas. Stella and Phillip wedded in October.

1956 - 1982: Celebrating 26 years together. Their union was blessed with seven children

and one bonus son. There, she built a diverse career that included housekeeping, retail,

PBX operator, and data entry roles. Stella continued her education, obtaining a certificate

as a data entry specialist in Houston, Texas. Despite the demands of her professional

life, Stella always found joy in her pursuits. She had a profound love for attending church,

teaching Sunday school, praying for and with others, reading her bible, a passion for

watching church on TV when bedridden, and an enduring interest in gardening, cooking,

and sewing. Her home was a sanctuary of warmth and hospitality, where she welcomed

family and friends with open arms, creating a legacy of love and togetherness that will

forever be remembered.

Stella was a woman of deep faith and unwavering spiritual strength. Her favorite saying,

“I am blessed and highly favored,” reflected her outlook on life and unwavering gratitude.

She drew strength and comfort from the scripture Psalms 37:25: “I have been young, and

now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed

begging for bread.”

Stella’s love for her family was boundless. She was preceded in death by her father, Gus

Davis Jr.; her mother, Mary Davis; and four brothers: Johnny Edward, Floyd, Willie Edward,

Gus III; one sister, Jessie Lee, granddaughter Telina; and grandson Marcus and one brother-

in-law Robert (Sonny) Dickey. Her seven children will cherish Stella’s memory: Phillip Jr,

Craig Sr. (Brenda), Phyllis, Kenneth Ray (Martha), Mary E. (Jeff), Brian K. (Verlene), Stella

D. (Christopher), one bonus son Bennie Ray Mathis Sr. She is also survived by her brother,

Bobby V. Davis (Marsha); and her sisters: Gloria D. Bell, Irene Thomas (Anthony), Mary

Jean Dicky, and Shirley A. Davis.

Stella’s legacy lives on through her extensive family, including her grandchildren, great-

grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a wide circle of friends.

Her life was a testament to love, faith, and generosity, and she will be deeply missed

by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

In honor of Stella’s memory, the family invites friends and loved ones to celebrate

her remarkable life and the many ways she touched those around her. Her spirit

of kindness, devotion to family, and enduring faith will continue to inspire and

guide those who knew and loved her