Betty Jean Davis

Betty Jean Davis, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 20, 2025, in Portland, Oregon, from complications of vascular dementia. She was 80 years old.

Born on June 11, 1944, in Montgomery, Alabama, Betty was the cherished daughter of Annie Gilmer and Louis Jiles. Betty was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Mary, Roosevelt and James, and is survived by her sister, Annabelle.

Betty married her real true love, Jeff Davis Sr., on September 2, 1961 in Montgomery County, Alabama. Together, they raised four spirited sons and, in 1968, made the courageous decision to relocate to Portland, Oregon, seeking a more peaceful and prosperous life for their young family during the height of the Civil Rights Movement.

Betty was also preceded in death by two of her sons, Michael Jerome Davis (Tanna) and Cedric Earl Davis, and her grandson, Anthony Davis. She leaves behind her loving sons, James Lee Davis (Joan) and Jeffery Davis (Asia), along with her grandchildren: James Davis II, Jerome Davis, Julius Davis, Shyanna Davis, Cory Davis, Delvonta Davis Sr., Justin Davis, Jordan Davis, Janea Scales, Tyler Davis, Jordan Dunn, Jeffery Davis III, Christain Davis, Lariah Davis, Nyleaq Blakey, Nemiahya Hogg, Jeremy Wade and Mi’Asia Davis. Her legacy continues through them and her many beloved great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and the countless “adopted” sons and daughters who came to know and love her as “Grama Betty.”

Betty never met a stranger—her warmth and kindness were immediate and unforgettable. She was raised in the church, and her heavenly singing voice was only matched by her deep and abiding faith. Over the years, she was a faithful member of St. Mark Baptist Church, New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, and later, Highland Christian Church. Her love for the Lord was unmistakable in the way she greeted others, shared love freely, and offered heartfelt prayers at every opportunity.

Professionally, Betty had a distinguished career with Meier & Frank, where she rose to become the Fragrance Department Manager. Known for her impeccable taste and eye for elegance, Betty made sure everyone she encountered left feeling special and smelling great!

In her personal life, Betty was a devoted caregiver – caring for her son Cedric during his illness, as a loving caregiver for her brother James during his battle with dementia, supporting her son Michael during his courageous battle with cancer, supporting her son Jeffrey during his battle with lung cancer and helping her son James through his successful heart transplant. Her strength and compassion was evident in how she showed up for others and always gave the Lord credit with her anthem “Never Would Have Made It,” if it wasn’t for the Lord.

Betty Jean Davis leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, and fierce love. Her memory will be cherished always by those fortunate enough to know her. She showed us how to live with determination, laugh with joy, and love without limits.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:23

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