ELDER DEWAYNE DAVIS. Gabriel needed a new member in "The Heavenly Choir" and the Lord summoned for Elder Davis and he obediently took his place. Elder Dewayne Davis, age 53, of Birmingham, made his transition from Earth to glory on Monday, February 28, 2011 surrounded by his loving family. It was evident from early on that Elder Davis would be one of God's chosen and he would be instrumental in all aspects of the ministry. It is in the small town of Brownsville, at the New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church that the Lord began to mold the character and flavor of Elder Davis' anointing. Elder Davis was multi talented in the area of music learning to play more than seven musical instruments as well as a renowned vocalist. His musical savvy garnered him awards both vocally and instrumentally throughout his career. Elder Davis was honored with full music scholarships to Florida A&M University, New England Conservatory of Music and Oberlin University. Because he was the lead singer in the rising R&B Band River of Fire, and they were on the verge of producing their first recording, he forwent the scholarships and enrolled at the university of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. His accomplishments from college unto now have been numerous and trendsetting. Elder Davis was the Director of the Afro-American Gospel Choir at the University of Alabama, founder and director of Echoes of Faith of UAB, National Music Director for the Baptist Student Union, founder of the contemporary gospel ensemble Rejoiz , and his dynamic worship choir: Kingdom. Elder Davis has written for various national recording artist: The Birmingham Community Mass Choir, Prince Yelder and DFC, Trinity and Roosevelt Hatcher just to name a few. Elder Davis was instrumental in the musical ministries of Mt. Canaan Full Gospel Church, Ephesus Seventh-Day Adventist Church, New Salem Baptist and the United Christian Church of Prattville, AL. Most recently Elder Davis became the Executive Administrator of the Music and Arts ministry at Christ Temple Deliverance Church. Most notably Elder Davis was the founding Pastor of the esteemed More Than Conquerors Faith Church. Homegoing celebration is Saturday, March 5, 12 noon at Hopewell Baptist Church (Hillman Station) with inhumation to follow at Oakland Cemetery. Rev Dr. E. E. Rogers, Pastor, Elder George W. Stewart, officiant, and Pastor Willie Welch, eulogist. Survivors include a devoted and caring mother, Mrs. Shirley Jones Davis; one son, Dominique Agape'; one granddaughter, Destiny Arielle; one daughter/niece, Tonisia Giddens (Erik), one God son Darius D. Barlow; three sisters: Charlita Davis, Lavoya Moore and Brenda Baird; two brothers: Bobby Davis and Charles Davis (Margie) and a host of other loving family members and friends Calling Hours at More Than Conquerors Faith Church, Friday from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. Another quality service by The New Madden Funeral Home of Sylacauga, 256-249-3815.
Obituary
Janice Baskin (Berry) (1975)
DeWayne Davis, was a popular talented leader of Wenonah High School. The boy made history! His many musical abilities "brought him before great men." Proverbs 18:16. Under the supervision of Mr. Bill Harris, he lead the band victoriously with his drum major staff as we strode across the fields with "da dragon strut. DeWayne had the gift of dance, and we partnered together at many sock-hops and school functions. Elder Davis' magnificent voice of tenor, still vibrate through the atmosphere. Last year, DeWayne organized a committee and together we gave our band director, Mr. Harris' a roast (2011). At the roast, he received a request to sing an Earth,Wind, and Fire old song, "Keep your head to the Sky," and he sang it bab-ee without missing a beat. DeWayne played saxophone in the Marching Band and would memorize many sheets of music. He played and sang with Mr. Harris' group, Harambee. He was a trend-setter, who started the Echoes of Faith (of U.A.B) and The Afro-American Gospel Choir (of the Universith of Tuscaloosa). He was first recipient from Wenonah High School who travelled to the McDonald's All American Band in New York (1975). DeWayne, originated and pastored More Than Conquerors Faith Church and was ordained as an elder in the church. He won a citation for best tenor in Jefferson County while he was very young. He worked with the Birmigham Mass Choir and assisted with many other choirs. DeWayne, pardon my Ebonics, but "you a badd brotha that will sho' nuff be missed. I love you dearly.~
Janice Baskin, Th.D Wenonah High School Class of 1975