Bess Davis

Bess Ward Davis, 77, of Fayetteville, NC went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, May 15, 2022, peacefully at home with her family by her side.

Bess was born on February 23, 1945 to Bernard O. and Thelma P. Ward in Bladenboro, NC. She graduated from Bladenboro High School in 1963. After receiving her bachelor's degrees from Meredith College in Religion and Education, she began her teaching career in the Raleigh School System, then taught in the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School System until she retired in 2002 as an elementary teacher.

She was a faithful member of Cary First Baptist Church,  Becks Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, NC and later Snyder Memorial Baptist Church in Fayetteville, NC. She was active in her Sunday School class, and lived out her faith every day.

Bess was a loving wife, mother, and Mema to her family. She married her high school sweetheart, Richard Davis, and they were married for 54 years. Together they had two children and two grandchildren. She loved them tremendously, and will be remembered by all for her pure and sweet spirit.

She leaves behind her husband, William Richard Davis, Sr. of Fayetteville, NC daughter, Karen Davis Matlack (Robert) of Fayetteville, NC, son, William (Bill) Richard Davis, Jr. of Wilmington, NC, brothers James B. Ward (Faye) of Goldsboro, NC and John P. Ward (Lorraine) of Ft. Mill, SC, granddaughters Lauren and Anna Matlack of Fayetteville, NC and many nieces and nephews.

Bess was preceded in death by her parents, Bernard O. and Thelma P. Ward of Bladenboro, NC, and sister Mary Cecile Ward White (Robert) of Raleigh, NC.

The family would like to thank the nursing staff at Highsmith Rainey Hospital, 5th floor, and the staff at Health Pavilion North Cancer Center for their loving and compassionate care, as well as the many friends and family members who supported us throughout her long illness.

Memorial service will be at Snyder Memorial Baptist Church, 701 Westmont Dr, Fayetteville, NC on Wednesday, May 18 at 11:00 a.m, officiated by Reverend Bruce Herrmann. The family will receive friends at the church prior to the service beginning at 10:00 a.m. Graveside service will follow at Pinecrest Cemetery, Bladenboro, NC at 2:00 p.m., officiated by Reverend Samuel VanSlyke.