Josephine R. Davidson

Josephine Rebecca Davidson was born to George and Jennie Edwards in Lincolnton, North Carolina on July 26, 1931. Mom attended grade school in Poplar Springs, North Carolina in a one room school, all 12 grades and a pot-bellied stove that kept the students warm. After moving to the city, she attended Oak Lawn High School. She completed her degree at Patterson in Dayton, Ohio where she also received her degree as a Licensed Practical Nurse.

Mom comes from a very religious background. She would often tell stories of her father who could quote the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. Mom was baptized into Christ in the late 1950’s at the Adelite Street Church of Christ in Dayton, Ohio. Her friends would tease and say Mom went in the water head first. After baptism, she immediately came out of the water passionate and a zealous for the Lord. She wanted to save the world. She was faithful to the Lord whether in Texas at Fifth Ward, Greenville Avenue or West End Church of Christ.

Mom was enthusiastic about everything in life. Her spirit lit up a room. She was always an enthusiastic Sunday school teacher while in Ohio and when she co-taught VBS with her daughter, Catherine, at Greenville Avenue. She was enthusiastic when speaking at Ladies Day programs, when socializing with her Golden Girls in Houston or the Young at Hearts at Greenville Avenue. She was even enthusiastic when meeting strangers, when talking to her dog or babies. Her dog would talk back to her. It was an amazing sight to see them conversing!

Her biggest accomplishment can be found in following the words in Timothy. She is “well known for her good deeds, such as raising up children, showing hospitality…helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds.” Her motto is, “If I can help somebody, as I walk along, then my living will not be in vain.” She opened her home to many. If you were hungry there was always a place at the table. Once she met a woman with five children in downtown Dayton. The family was hungry. She invited them to her home, then cooked and fed them. Mom always put her hope in God; she would pray to God night and day to ask for help, guidance, and blessings for her children.

Mom was the biological mother of six and the spiritual mother of many. We, her children, “arise and call her blessed.” We feel as the poet in Proverbs, “Many women have done wonderful things, but you’ve outclassed them all! Charm can mislead and beauty fades. The woman to be admired and praised is the woman who fears the Lord.”

Her biological children are Jerry (Deceased); Robert (Gladys) Edwards; George (Katherine) Edwards; Ima Wideman; Catherine Williams Abouzar; and Dr. Reba Williams White. She has eight grandchildren, nineteen great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.

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