Frances Neil Davis

Frances Neil Davis was born in Cleveland, Ohio on October 29, 1953. She was the youngest of four daughters born to O’Neil and Marylene Howard. Frances, who was affectionately known as “Frankie,” accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Providence Baptist Church by her great uncle, Rev. John Dobbins. She attended Cleveland Public Schools and graduated from John Adams High School in 1971.

As a teen and young adult, Frankie enjoyed hanging out with her favorite cousin, Denise Powers (aka Porky). Frankie had a great sense of humor, an infectious smile, and a giggle that would brighten up the room. She had a powerful tenor voice and sang in her high school choir, as well as in church. Frankie was very active in the music ministry. She played piano for the Missionary Choir at Providence Baptist Church, and she sang in the choir at Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church and at Liberty Hill Baptist Church.

Frankie married Willie Frank Woods in 1975. They raised an adolescent daughter together, Juanita Louise Woods, and shortly after marriage, they gave birth to another daughter, Denise Michelle Woods. In the late 1970’s, Frankie met a musician named Clarence Howard, and they had a daughter named Monica Charisse Howard, who was born in 1979. In 1986, Frankie wedded Don Edward Davis and they were married for 20 years.

Frankie was employed at Ohio Bell (now AT&T) as a customer service representative and union steward. She retired from the company in 2001 after 30 years of service. Frankie spent her retirement doting on her grandchildren and enjoying her favorite westerns and “I Love Lucy” reruns. Frankie loved to stay connected with family and friends, and she could always be counted on for a good laugh or a spirited debate about almost any subject.

Frankie departed this life suddenly on  January 29, 2021. She leaves to mourn her passing, three daughters― Denise McCory (Reginald), Monica Howard, and Juanita Woods; six grandchildren― Taylor McCory; Reginald McCory, Jr., Breanna McCory, Marquita Jackson, Marcus Jackson, and Mariah Jackson; three sisters―Roylene Dues, Roberta Turner, and Ethelyn Gavin (Roger), as well as a host of relatives and friends.