Romay Catherine Davis (née Johnson), aged 104, passed away on June 21, 2024, in Montgomery, AL. Born in Dahlgren, VA, she was the cherished daughter of the late Fairfax and Catherine Hamlet Johnson. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Jerry Davis; her brothers, Thomas, August, Preston, & Purcell Johnson and niece Karen Johnson.

Romay was a beacon of inspiration throughout her vibrant and multifaceted life. Following her education at Paul Laurence Dunbar High in Washington, DC, and earning a Master's degree in Education from New York University, she embarked on a diverse career path. She initially worked at the US Mint in Washington, DC, before her patriotic service in the Women's Army Corp during WWII as part of the 6888th Central Postal Battalion where she was a driver in the Motor Pool. Post-service, she attended the Traphagen School of Fashion in New York City, which led to a successful 30-year tenure in the garment industry with Glenn of Michigan where she designed children's clothing. Her entrepreneurial spirit flourished in Montgomery, AL, where she delved into real estate, operated a vending machine business, and later worked at Winn Dixie until age 101.

Romay's life was enriched by her deep faith, having been baptized at Little Ark Baptist Church in Dahlgren, VA, and serving as a Deacon at Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church in Montgomery, AL. Her passions included painting, sewing, landscaping, furniture making, traveling, and singing. She notably achieved a 2nd-degree black belt in Taekwondo at age 79.

Romay's life story has been captured and recognized in many ways. Her name is etched on the 6888th Central Postal Battalion Monument at the Buffalo Soldier Military Park in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. On the 74th Anniversary of the desegregation of the Armed Forces, she received the 6888th Central Postal Battalion Congressional Gold Medal. Winn-Dixie has established the “Romay Davis Belonging, Inclusion & Diversity Grant” in her honor. This program continues her life-long community commitment by supporting organizations that address racial disparity in health care, food insecurity and education. This grant has awarded 104 grants totaling $1 million since 2020. On Veterans Day 2023, she was able to attend the opening of the new exhibit at the National WWII Museum in New Orleans highlighting Women's Service in WWII. Using cutting-edge technology and interactive video displays, "We Were There" allows guests to hold conversations with three WWII women veterans, an effect made possible through artificial intelligence. Produced by StoryFile, Romay's interview includes questions about her life and wartime experience. She was thrilled to experience the interactive exhibit of herself.

Romay leaves behind her brother, Stansbury Johnson; niece, Lydia Gadeleta; nephew, Clint Johnson; nephews-in-law, Robert Earl and Calvin Robinson; and devoted friend, Stacia Robinson.

The viewing is scheduled for Thursday, June 27, 2024, from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Ross-Clayton Funeral Home, 1412 Adams Avenue, Montgomery, AL. A graveside service will be held on Friday, June 28, 2024, at 12:30 pm EST at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery, 553 AL-165, Fort Mitchell, AL.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the 6888th Monument Committee, c/o 9701, Weatherby Lake, Missouri, 64152-1825, the National WWII Museum in New Orleans, or the Winn-Dixie SEG Gives Foundation under “The Romay Davis Belonging, Inclusion & Diversity Grant” at https://bit.ly/RomayDavisGrant.