Mrs. Romay Catherine Davis Obituary in Montgomery at Ross-Clayton Funeral Home, Inc.

Obituary For Mrs. Romay Catherine Davis

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.

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Standing on the Promises of God, and the shoulders of a valiant Black Military, I praise the transition of Comrade Romay Davis to Post Everlasting. The sacrifice and service of the 6888th. Postal Battalion is still unknown to too many of us. My prayers of condolence extend to her family and all who loved her. Charles Johnson, Chaplain Emeritus American Legion Post 259 Clinton, MarylandQR79A

Deepest Sympathy to the Davis Family . It was a great honor to meet Mrs Davis and take a picture with her when she was Honored at the Winn Dixie Store. Thanks and Praises be to God for all her services.
Ms Dorothy J Roberts Bethel Missionary Baptist Church

Mrs. Romay Davis I had the pleasure of meeting you many years ago through your niece Annette. You were so amazing and Godly and spoke of your life experiences that made me feel like anything is possible. Your kind spirit and will to help others will always stick in my mind. It was an honor to have crossed paths with you dear sweet lady. Heaven has gained an Angel. Rest Well In Love! And God Bless Your Family. My condolences. Latrina Williams Womack

RIP Mrs. Davis. Your service made it possible for so many Black women like myself to have a career in the US Army. We will forever cherish your contributions to our culture and our lives. Bonita Carney Washington

My condolences to Mrs. Romay Davis' Family. It was an honor for the Williams Sisters to sing at Mrs. Davis' birthday celebrations in the pass. She was such a sweet lady that loved the Lord. Thank You for your service.
TaMara Williams

Thank you, Mrs. Davis for your service and making it possible for little black girls like me to serve.

PRAYING FOR THE FAMILY OF MRS.DAVIS. I HAD THE PLEASURE OF CARING FOR HER AT MVAC. SHE WAS TRULY A TRAILBLAZER FOR JUSTICE. REST WELL SOLDIER. ASSIGNMENT GIVEN. MISSION COMPLETED. WILLEASE JENKINS LPN

RIP...from Nuri Abdurrahman

Romay was a friend n gifted speaker. I had her speak at Unity of Montgomery several times during the time I was responsible for the weekly speakers. She never disappointed. She actually remembered me at her 100th birthday party. A life well lived!!!

Ms. Davis's lifestyle was an example of living life to the fullest! Rest easy sweet lady. You are appreciated! 🕊 May your joy be full, Your Montgomery Neighbors

Thank you for your services and for paving the way for so many people. Rest in paradise! The Taylor Family.

A life well-lived. Thank you for your service. Rest in Peace.

It was a honor to serve as your Pastor! Thank you for paving the way for so many of us!Rest well my Sister! Rev. Dr. Allen J Sims Sr.

"The mortal coil is shaken". May family and friends be comforted with precious memories and by standing on the promises of God. Mrs. Carolyn Olivari

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

Ross-Clayton Funeral Home, Inc. | Montgomery, AL