Delbert Davis Sr.

Celebrating the Life of Deacon Delbert Isener “Uncle D, Papa, and “church” Davis Sr. Deacon Isener Davis Jr., affectionately known as Uncle Del, Papa, and “church”, was born on March 30, 1958, in Kankakee, Illinois, to the late Jeffery Joseph Davis and Mary Elizabeth (Smith) Davis-Eggleston. Delbert was a lifelong baseball enthusiast; he once aspired to play professionally and even had the opportunity to try out with the Chicago Cubs. In 1976, Delbert married the love of his life, Yolanda Hawkins. Their union was blessed with four children: Shelina, Delbert Jr., Shlonda, and Shlynda, and later their adopted daughter, Trevia Marshall. Delbert joined New Mt. Zion Primitive Baptist Church in St. Anne, Illinois, in 1979. There, he was ordained as a Deacon and faithfully served the Lord and his church family until his passing on September 28, 2025. Professionally, Delbert was employed by Aventis-Behring as an operator. He later pursued studies in Respiratory Therapy at Kankakee Community College. His dedication to healthcare extended into his work transporting oxygen and home medical equipment for Riverside Hospital and Lincare, where he served families with compassion until his retirement. Delbert leaves to cherish his memory his beloved and devoted wife of 49 years, Yolanda Davis, who faithfully walked beside him through life’s many seasons. Their marriage was a true testament of love, commitment, and partnership. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, and friends. Delbert was a proud and loving father, blessed with children who will carry forward his legacy of strength and resilience: Shelina Davis-Jessup of Bourbonnais, IL; Delbert I. Davis Jr. of Bourbonnais, IL; Shlonda (Dion) Suber of Defiance, OH; and Trevia (Jon) Jones of Bourbonnais, IL, as well as Tawonda Davis and Victor Jessup. He was preceded in death by his cherished daughter, Shlynda Davis, whom he now joins in eternal rest. Delbert also found great joy in his role as a grandfather. He leaves a beautiful legacy through his grandchildren: Yunyque, Jakail, Jaiden, Ryan, Taron, Kyle, Joseph, Hope, Brielle, Malcolm, Michael, and Kenneth. Each one was a source of pride and joy to him, and he took delight in watching them grow, sharing wisdom and laughter along the way. His influence will continue to shape their lives, reminding them always of the depth of his love. His memory lives on through his siblings: Robert (Vonnie Jean) Davis, Theopolis “Top” Davis, Theodore “Ted” (Mary) Davis, Charles “Tim” (Kathy) Davis, Lottie Sims, Ethel (James) Carr, and Jimmenia Eggleston, Sister In-Laws: Susan Davis, Michelle Davis, Keturah Hawkins of Greensboro, NC, Jonlynn Hawkins of Momence, IL Chantelle Lucas of Kankakee, IL., and Virginia E. Hawkins of Bourbonnais, and brother-in-law: John R. Hawkins Jr. of West Memphis, AR., and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbors and many friends. Deacon Davis will be remembered as a man of faith, a devoted husband and father, and a pillar of strength to his family, church, and community. His life was filled with service, love, and dedication, and his legacy will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Tributes

Delbert Davis Sr.

March 30, 1958 - September 28, 2025