Hudie Davis Obituary

Hudie was born July 12, 1941, in Fort Valley, Georgia. Hudie was one of four children born to Lizzie Mae Tucker, including Ada Dinkins and Ernest Jolly (who both preceded him in death), and younger sister Rose Mary Woods. He was one of three born to Jafus Jefferson, including Sammie Mae Jefferson and Shelia Green.

Hudie was a family man. Where you saw Hudie you usually saw his mother, Ms. Tucker, by his side, and he by hers. Whether it was at the Detroit Auto Show or City Temple Seventh-day Adventist Church he took care of his mother. He enjoyed his family and you could always count on Hudie to take care of his friends, family, and neighbors. He was a welcoming and inclusive man who many looked to for mentorship, friendship, and laughter. 

Hudie retired from the Detroit Public School system after over 30 years of teaching. He also played significant roles in the Detroit Federation of Teachers and American Federation of Teachers Union. Hudie was educated primarily through the Detroit Public School system, graduating from Wilber Wright (now Wilber Murray Wright) High School. After graduation he pursued a college education at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan.

During his first summer at Andrews he hitch-hiked to Jackson, Michigan, and worked at a funeral home owned by the Hiblers. He did odd jobs while there which helped him pay his way through college that first year. His second year of school at Andrews he held three jobs. He worked as a dorm monitor, at the furniture factory, and the print shop. When asked which one he liked the most he said, “They all paid so I didn’t have a favorite.” In the print shop he did everything from running the press to layout. In the furniture factory they made everything from chairs to cabinets. These jobs, as well as grants and scholarships, helped him finance his way through college.

His teaching career started when one summer he met a man by the name of Mr. Palmer who was the principal at Pine Forge Academy. Mr. Palmer took notice of Hudie due to his involvement at the church on the Andrews University campus. Mr. Palmer noticed his enthusiasm and energy for ministry. He asked Hudie if he would like to work at Pine Forge Academy after he graduated. When Hudie graduated from Andrews University in 1964 someone from Pine Forge picked him up and drove him to his first teaching position, which started his high school educational career. He impacted numerous youth by teaching them industrial arts or how to drive. Hudie eventually moved back to Detroit and taught at a number of Detroit Public schools, including Durfee Elementary School, Post Middle School, and Southwestern High School.

Hudie married Mary Jean Penny July 22, 1973. Out of that union came Hugh, better known as Desi, and Justin. But Hudie and Mary had more children than just their biological two. They were mentors and supporters of youth and young adults in many different ways. It was common to see either one of them taking care of kids within their families, community, or church family. Hudie loved young people and it showed by the sacrifices he made to make sure they felt included in various events or programs and had opportunities to be successful in school, whether in Christian schools or public school. He saw them all the same as God’s children who needed to feel valued and loved, even if it was tough love. 

Hudie was a very active and faithful member of the City Temple Seventh-day Adventist Church holding many positions over the years from Sabbath school teacher to the treasurer department. He also was the treasury for the Motor City Youth Federation.

He survived COVID, but due to his long battle with Alzheimer's and prostate cancer he passed away on February 18, 2021. Although he was a man who always took care of other people, Hudies' family, care providers, and others took care of him in his later years. We will always remember his strength, his love for family and friends, his servant leadership mentality, focus on education, dedication to youth, his laugh, and his love for God. He can rest now. We have this hope that when he opens his eyes again he will see Jesus!

Hudie was a devoted son, brother, father, uncle, and friend. He affectionately leaves to cherish  his memory three sister’s Rose Mary Woods, Sammie Mae Jefferson, and Sheila Green; Mary Davis; two sons, Hugh (Elizabeth) Davis, and Justin Davis; his grandchildren Desmond, Daniel, Grace, Hope, Justin II, Olivia; nieces Monika (Jason) Smith, Chynita (Dwayne) Richards, Jacqueline Jolly, Betty Jolly, & Marcella Jolly; nephews Ernest Jolly Jr., Hayward Jolly, and Gregory Mitchell, Jr.; and other family, friends and loved ones.

Final Arrangements Entrusted To:

QA Cantrell Funeral Home, 22121 Kelly Rd., Eastpointe, MI 48021

Internment

Elmwood Cemetery

Services Streamed by 3K Productions. Watch the virtual service.