Mrs. Erma M. Davis

Erma M. Davis, 83, of Peoria, IL passed away peacefully at 4:15 pm on Saturday, April 6, 2013 at Rosewood Care Center. Erma was born in Clarksdale, MS on April 2, 1930 to E.M. and Cora (Spillman) Moore. She married Charles W. Davis and together they had four children Sharon (Allen) Kilgore, Robert (Carmen) Davis, Michele Davis, Lisa Davis and Goddaughter Dr. Lona C. Bibbs. She was the Grandmother of Aaron (Amanda) Kilgore, Evan Kilgore and great grandmother of Alexander Davis Kilgore. She is survived by two sisters; Ruby (Kenneth) Williams and Gaye (Alvin) Wilson; one brother Eugene M. Williams; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and two brothers. In 1966 she became the of Executive Director of the George Washington Carver Center. During her 28 years of service she was especially proud of the following programs: Carver Center Day Care, Optometry and Dental Program, Computer Education Program, Annual Christmas Basket Giveaway, the Senior Citizens Program, and the College Bound For Excellence Program. Erma, with the help of Methodist Hospital, created the idea of a Carver Family Health Center to provide medical services for the residents of Peoria’s Southside. Nationally, she was one of twelve appointed by the American Health Care System to select an exemplary program that provided health care access for disadvantage people. She was one of the founding members of the Peoria Chapter Urban League Guild and later became the National President. Erma was the first African American Female to serve on the Board of Directors of Methodist Hospital. She was also appointed to President Ronald Reagan’s Task Force on Hunger. This Task Force documented hunger in the United States of America which ultimately led to an increase of federal funding for food assistance programs. Erma had a firm belief in human rights and a concern for all people. She loved and served GOD, Family, Country and Community. She was a member of First United Methodist Church for over forty years where she served as a lay person to the United Methodist Conference and was also involved with the Loaves and Fish Feeding Program. Her children, grandchildren and many others have benefitted from her dedication and generosity. Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Saturday, April 13, 2013 at First United Methodist Church, 116 NE Perry Avenue, Peoria, IL with a two hour visitation prior to the service beginning at 9 am. Rev. Dr. Rose Booker-Jones, Pastor of Bethel United Methodist Church will officiate. Erma will be entombed at American Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Carver Community Center 710 W. Richard Pryor Pl, Peoria, Il. 61605. Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the simonsmortuary.com website.

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Mrs. Erma M. Davis

April 2, 1930 - April 6, 2013