November 2, 1929 — May 6, 2020
Created space for herself and others in cosmetology, politics
Over his nearly ninety years Julius Joseph Davis Sr. found myriad ways to do the things that he loved. A man of music, he taught thousands of Cleveland Public School students at Patrick Henry Jr. High and Glenville, East Tech, and Aviation high schools over a 30-plus year career before he retired in 1990.
A man of faith and service, he also served as Minister of Music for more than 20 years at Antioch Baptist Church, where he directed the Sanctuary Choir and the Men’s Chorus. He also taught Sunday School and mentored countless numbers of students, helping many to obtain music scholarships so they could attend college.
Mr. Davis died January 28, 2020, in hospice at Menorah Park, Beachwood. He was married to the love of his life, Inez Lawrence Davis, for 64 years prior to her death in 2018. He is survived by their three children: Julius Joseph Jr. (Liz) of Ft. Myers, FL, Inajo Davis Chappell (John) of Solon, and Juli Anne Harkins (Derrick) of New York City, NY.
Julius J. Davis Sr. was born April 10, 1930, in Minden, Louisiana to the late Varie Johnson Davis and the late Joseph “Joe” Davis. He was their only child. In 1932 the family moved to Shreveport where he was enrolled in Blessed Sacrament, a Catholic elementary and middle school. His high achievements in school and music led his parents to send him to Xavier University Preparatory HS in New Orleans, where he continued to excel academically while also starring as “Big Joe Davis” as a defensive tackle on the football team.
Mr. Davis continued his education at Xavier University on an athletic scholarship, graduating in June 1951 with a B.S. in Music Education. While an undergrad, he was an active member of the Xavier University Chorus and performed in several operas. Most notably, he met Inez Lawrence, a New Orleans native who was a music major at Dillard University. They courted and became engaged, but wedding plans were deferred as Julius was drafted into the United States Army during the Korean War.
PFC Davis served in the Army from September 1951 to June 1953. He was awarded the Silver Star for Valor in Combat while serving in Korea as a member of Company L, 3d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division.
Returning home, he married Inez in June 1954 and began his music teaching career at Booker T. Washington HS in New Orleans. They moved to Cleveland in 1964 with their first two children to take advantage of opportunities for black teachers in the North. They settled in East Cleveland on Farmington Road. The following year they joined Antioch and began to serve in the church’s music ministry. Their family was completed with the birth of their youngest child, Juli, in 1967.
Among Mr. Davis’ passions was a strong love of sports, over which he bonded especially with his daughters. His special teams were the Browns and the Georgetown Hoyas of Coach John Thompson. And of course, he loved to see Broadway shows, opera at the Met, and all kinds of music.
In addition to his son and daughters, Mr. Davis is survived by his niece and Goddaughter Allison Lynne Jackson (Charles); daughter-in-law Linda Davis; three sisters-in-law, Shirley M. Lawrence, Geraldine Millinie McCarley (Vanuel), and Charlene Olga Lawrence; four grandchildren, Julius J. Davis III, Lauren Allison Harkins, Shannon Leigh Harkins, and Chelsea Lael Davis; great-nephew Bradford Lawrence Jackson, great-niece Taylor Kennedy Jackson, ten cousins and a host of friends.
A memorial service was held on Saturday, February 8 at Antioch Baptist Church, and included military rites in honor of his valorous military service. Interment was at Lake View Cemetery.
The family suggests that donations can be made in memory of Julius Davis to the Julius and Inez Davis Music Fund at Menorah Park, 27100 Cedar Road, Beachwood, Ohio 44122 or online at www.menorahpark.org.
- • •• • •
