ROSIA MELVIN DAVIS

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7(NKJV) 

Rosia Melvin Davis was born June 10, 1931, to her parents James and Sallie Forte in Forest, Mississippi. She was the tenth child of their eleven children. She was raised on a farm, where her father owned 110 acres of land. That was no small feat in the late 1800's and early 1900's. Her mother maintained the house, raised her children and was an entrepreneur. 

Rosia and her family worshipped at Green Grove Methodist Church (her father's family church) and the Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church (her mother's family church), both of Forest, Mississippi throughout her childhood. At an early age, Rosia accepted Christ as her personal Savior at the Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church. She loved the Lord and developed a relationship of faith in Him. The church was the focal point of the community. Many stories were told about riding in a wagon and sometimes walking the country roads to church where she not only worshipped, but met family members and friends. 

Rosia's early education experience was in a one room schoolhouse in the rural south. After her father's death, her mother moved the family to the capital city of Jackson, Mississippi. Her mother, a very industrious and smart lady, created income through a variety of business endeavors to care for her family. Rosia graduated from Lanier High School and briefly attended Jackson State College. Within her upbringing, she was taught the value of hard work and the importance of an education. 

Rosia married Emanuel Thador Davis, a military serviceman. From that union, she bore three children: Emanuel, Edward, and Shirley. Due to her husband's military career, she was the primary parent raising their three children. She proudly instilled in her children and grandchildren an exceptional work ethic and the value of education resulting in them earning multiple college degrees. She did what she could to help them. 

Rosia loved and valued her family and friends. She extended southern hospitality in her home with delicious soul food and fellowship. Rosia was integral to the planning and organizing of the family reunions to gather everyone together from different parts of the country. She did not miss a family reunion. She treasured seeing beloved family near and far. Even though she and her brother, Henry, were in their nineties, she took great joy in referring to him as her "baby brother". She was always available to help family and friends. She especially cherished her friendship of many years with Dorothy Jackson and Shirley Junior (both deceased). As a woman of faith, many sought her out for wise counsel. 

Rosia was a life-long learner. After various occupations, including day work, a housekeeper at a hotel, a restaurant worker, and a classroom aide, she pursued her goal of becoming a teacher. She attained a Bachelor of Arts degree, a multiple subject teaching credential, and a Master of Arts degree from San Diego State University. In 1973, she began working as a teacher for the San Diego Unified School District. She was an exemplary teacher and obtained the distinction as a mentor teacher, providing collegial support to her colleagues to improve instruction in their classrooms and across the district. 

Rosia loved teaching and learning. During her educational career, she worked as a classroom teacher, mentor teacher, taught Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) students, and passionately taught in the systemic mathematics initiative to raise the achievement of African American students. She worked tirelessly with her students teaching them at a high caliber to ensure they were prepared for the next grade level. Rosia retired from the San Diego Unified School District after 30 years of service. 

Throughout her years of service, she received numerous education and community awards and acknowledgments. A high point for her was when she was selected to be the 1999 Western Region recipient of the National Council of Negro Women "Excellence in Teaching Award" promoting excellence in the teaching profession and instilling in students a "thirst for education" in the African American tradition of Mary McCleod Bethune. She recalled fondly attending the National Council of Negro Women "Black Family Reunion Celebration" in Washington, D.C. where she presented her educational platform. 

Rosia had a strong faith in the Lord; she was a praying woman. As a longtime member of the Bayview Baptist Church, she served under the leadership of Pastor L.L. Henderson, Pastor Timothy J. Winters, and Pastor Terry Wayne Brooks. She loved glorifying God and attending church worship. Rosia was a devoted Sunday School Superintendent, bible teacher, Women Ministry Leader, and a member of the Bayview Church choir. She loved singing in the choir. Rosia, along with Celester Lee, worked diligently beautifying the church with floral decorations as well as other artistic artifacts for church service and special events. When healthy, she attended church in-person every Sunday. With her health failing, Rosia continued to worship virtually. In addition, she praised God while listening to gospel music daily. 

On May 26, 2024 at 9:02 a.m., Rosia Melvin Davis peacefully departed from this life to her heavenly reward surrounded by family. She was preceded in death by her parents, nine siblings and grandchild (Erica). She leaves to cherish her fondest memories: sons, Emanuel Davis (Ada) of Whittier, CA and Edward Davis of San Diego, CA; daughter, Shirley Wilson (Jim) of San Diego, CA; brother, Henry Forte of San Diego, CA; four grandchildren: Tomika Davis Nwaudobi, Danielle Jackson, Edward Davis Jr., and Michelle Davis; four great-grandchildren: London I. Goolsby, Cairo A. Udobi, Brooklyn O. Udobi, and Marley C. Jackson, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, church family, neighbors, and so many others who loved and will miss her. 

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