Dorothy Jean Gardner Davis

Dorothy Jean Gardner Davis was born Sept. 1, 1949 in Blytheville to Thomas and Leah Webb Gardner. As a child, Dorothy attended Southside Church of Christ and later in her adult life she united with New St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church. While living in Little Rock, Dorothy became a member of Christway Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Roderick Torrence.

Dorothy was a local business owner in the 1980s and 1990s as part owner in the original Ebony Social Club and the owner and operator of Stewart and Brothers Grocery. She was a 1967 graduate of Richard B. Harrison High School, later becoming secretary of the Harrisonites, Inc. for several years. She attended Mississippi County Community College (MCCC). Dorothy received her Bachelor of Business Administration from Philander-Smith College in Little Rock and in 2012 her Master of Business Administration Degree from Webster University.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Leah; her husband, John Davis; four brothers, Thomas Gardner, II, William Gardner, Arthur Glen Gardner and Jimmie Gardner.

Dorothy transitioned from this life Wednesday, June 10, 2020, at Baptist East Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., at the age of 70.

Her memories will be cherished by her children, Reginald (Carolyn) Stewart, Valerie Stewart, Derrick (Wyvonia) Singleton and Jeffrey Walker all of Blytheville, Lahronda Davis, LyTrone Davis and Nicole Davis all of Little Rock; her sisters, Pricilla Russell of Indianapolis, Ind., Tammy Gardner of Blytheville and Jean Gardner of Missouri; her brothers, James Douglas Gardner of Blytheville and Vincent Gardner; her grandchildren, Tierra Stewart, Swaniqua Jordan, Jacqueline Williams, Raven Stewart, JeKyra Walker Beal, and Nicole Davis; many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

A one hour walk through visitation will be held Saturday, June 20, at 11 a.m.

Private funeral services will be conducted at 12 noon at New Immanuel Baptist Church, South Elm Street. Reverend Burton Furlow is the pastor. Reverend Roderick Torrence will deliver the eulogy.

In accordance with the State of Arkansas COVID-19 guidelines, no more than 50 people will be allowed to gather inside of New Immanuel Missionary Church at one time during the visitation. The practice social distancing of six-feet will be observed. Face masks are required to be worn by all family and friends attending the visitation and funeral services.

McDonald-Horne Funeral Home is in charge of services and arrangements.