Johnnie Davis

Johnnie Mae Davis

...Passed peacefully on Wednesday, July29 (@ 1:15 PM) after a long illness.

She is survived by her three sons (Tedd, Tony, and Fred), six grandchildren (Ian, Trevor, Nicole, Aaron, Cea, and Te), one great granddaughter (Zoey Purchase), her younger brother Cleveland Campbell Jr. and various loving nieces, nephews and in-laws. As a loving and devoted mother, she considered the raising and supporting three sons through college and into successful professional careers her greatest achievement.


She was born and raised in Griffin / Warm Springs communities of Georgia in 1930s and 40s. As a strong willed and intelligent African American girl born in the depression era Deep South, she was determined at an early age to go to college. However,in the Depression era segregated Deep South, she had to pay her own expenses to take a bus to a high school that admitted African-Americans. She supported her educational goals by working throughout her teens, including working and saving money for two years prior to attending Tennessee State University where she earned a B.A. in Education in 1954.

She was an educator for more than 30 years. Prior to retirement she taught in California, Colorado Springs, and Longmont. In Longmont's St. Vrain School District, Johnnie was the first and often the district's only African-American teacher. She taught two kindergarten classes a day until she was seventy years old.

A faithful member of Second Baptist Church in Boulder, Colorado Johnnie is credited with starting Second Baptists's children's church. It continues to thrive today. She also a member of the church choir.

Described by those that love and admire her as captivating, inspiring, strong willed, independent and intelligent, Johnnie personified a person of high moral values. Her life pays tribute to knowing the importance of family and friends.

As a two time cancer survivor during her 70s and early 80s, Jonnie exemplified radiance and determination throughout her entire life.

In 2008, she was honored as a “Living Legend” by a Denver Metro based African-American women’s organization.