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PENDLETON – Erlene Perry Davis, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, born on May 11, 1929, in Bertie County, North Carolina, peacefully passed away on February 17, 2024, at ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville, North Carolina, at the age of 94.

Erlene’s life began humbly as a sharecropper’s daughter, facing hardships and responsibilities at a young age, instilling in her a strong work ethic and a deep sense of resilience. She had to spend her life working due to the fact that her husband was injured while serving his country. She spent many years dedicated to various roles from Tylon sewing factory until finding joy in cooking. Her heart overflowed with love for her family, faith, and the Lord.

In 1979, Erlene became a part of Meherrin Baptist Church, where she served as a devoted Sunday School teacher for 33 years and participated actively in mission groups. She was a member of the choir, and taught Bible School for 7 years. Her enduring commitment to her church family enriched her life and brought her immense fulfillment. Erlene loved the Bible and read it through more than 20 times during her life.

Married to Clyde Wilmer Davis for 54 years, Erlene shared a profound bond with a man who was not only a survivor of Pearl Harbor but also a highly decorated army veteran. Their love story was an inspiration, marked by mutual respect, unwavering support, and cherished moments spent together, including her reading to him every night until his passing. Erlene Perry Davis will be deeply missed but fondly remembered for her unwavering faith, kind spirit, and boundless love that she shared with all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Erlene’s legacy lives on through her loving daughter, Susan Hope Davis (Larry) of Murfreesboro; sons, Raymond Lee Davis (Becky) of Hamburg, AR, and Stephen Wayne Davis (Judy) of Pendleton; four granddaughters, Michelle Burgess of Conway, Jennifer Snipes (Dustin) of GA, Kimberly Davis of Charlotte, NC, and Melisa Holloman (Brad) of Jackson; six grandsons, Michael Davis (Jeanie) of Murfreesboro, Kenn Davis II, of Charlottesville, VA, Timothy Davis (Emily) of Murfreesboro, Tyler Davis (Suzanne) of Wilson, Frank Davis (Kelsey) of Hamburg, AR, and Joseph Holloman of Murfreesboro; three great-granddaughters, Hayley B. Draper (Brent) of Conway, and Taelynn Davis of Hamburg, AR, and KensLee Davis; two great-grandsons, Holden Burgess of Conway, and Bonham Smith of Charlottesville, VA; two great-great grandsons, Henry Cox of Jackson, and Waylan Draper of Conway; a brother, Earl Perry of Fairfax, VA; a special brother in law, Elwood Harris of Ahoskie; her fur baby, Peaches; along with numerous nieces and nephews. She found joy in nurturing and supporting her extended family, sharing her wisdom, warmth, and endless love with each generation.

She was preceded in death by her father, Percy Winborne Perry; mother, Hattie Copeland Perry; husband, Clyde Wilmer Davis; son, Kenneth Clyde Davis; grandson, Kris Davis; and sisters, Elsie Harrison, Jean Castellow, Edie Perry, and Judy Harris.

The family will receive friends on Monday, February 19, 2024 from 6-7:30 p.m. at Garrett-Sykes Memorial Chapel in Murfreesboro, NC and other times at the home of her son, Stephen Davis.

A celebration of Erlene’s life will be held on Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at 2 p.m. at Meherrin Baptist Church in Murfreesboro, NC, with Rev. John Porter officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Flowers are welcome or memorial contributions may be made to the Meherrin Baptist Church, 519 Meherrin Lane, Murfreesboro, NC, 27855, or online by visiting tmcfunding.com/search fund, type- Erlene Perry Davis

Garrett-Sykes Memorial Chapel is entrusted with the arrangements for Erlene, and condolences can be shared with her family at www.garrettsykesfs.com.