RICHAREN MARIE DAVIS

Our mother, Richaren “Marie” Davis, a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, friend and esteemed United States Air Force veteran, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on Monday, 2nd September 2024 at the age of 70. Born on 11 December 1953 to Patsy Jean Jones and James L. Davis in Clovis, New Mexico, she was a remarkable woman known throughout her life for her strength, style and unwavering devotion to her family.

The dedicated eldest daughter of Patsy Jean, “Shannie”, as she was affectionately called by her close family, nurtured and cared for her younger siblings – Clifton, Veranda (Gordon) and Mattie (Carl) from childhood into their early adult lives.

Marie served with honor in the United States Air Force as a contracting specialist, demonstrating exceptional work ethic and dedication before her retirement. As evidenced by her timely promotions, awards and accolades, Marie was a smart, ambitious professional and a force to be reckoned with – in the best of ways. Upon retirement, she continued to serve her country through civilian service.

Despite the profound mental health challenges she endured for almost forty years, Marie lived a full and autonomous life, deeply influencing those around her with her love of God, sense of humor and strong will. Her deep faith provided solace and strength and she nurtured many, meaningful relationships. Her passing has left a void that extends beyond her immediate family to include the many bonds she formed with friends and acquaintances.

Loving our mother through this journey has laid the foundation for a legacy of mental health awareness. Her life has taught us the importance of setting healthy boundaries, embracing and accepting our differences and uniqueness, and advocating for ourselves and those around us. It has also elevated our individual and collective self-awareness, helping us to seek to understand and support mental health with greater empathy and resolve.

Though her journey included struggles, her legacy is defined by the love she gave and the lessons we gleaned from her. We, her family, honored and respected her wishes throughout her life, supporting her with dedication and compassion up until the very end. We find solace in knowing that she is now free from pain and we are grateful to be free to reflect on the good times shared with her.

Richaren Marie Davis is survived by her children, Dionne Dunham (Richard), Jacob Jenkins III and Crystal Stampley (Rae); grandchildren, Dominique Matthews (Xavier), Danielle Dunham, Damion Jenkins, Jalen Jenkins, and Ascher, Aevan and Amaris Stampley; and great grandchildren Zhuri and Micah Matthews. She is also survived by her siblings, Bishop James Brown, Chaplain Clifton Randolph, Veranda Washington (Gordon) and Mattie Robinson (Carl) and 5 nephews and 3 nieces.

Our mother, Richaren Marie Davis, will be missed and lovingly remembered by those who knew and loved her.

With Gratitude,

Dionne Dunham, Jacob Jenkins III and Crystal Stampley

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Any monetary gifts received to honor our mother’s memory will be donated by the family, in her name, to organizations supporting mental health awareness for and activism on behalf of veterans and Black women, including:

The Loveland Foundation
https://thelovelandfoundation.org/therapy-fund/

Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective
https://beam.community/donate/

US Veterans affairs
https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/