Kathleen Tillett Davis

Kathleen Tillett Davis of Riverhead died June 5 at Brookhaven Memorial Hospital. She was 71 years old.

She was born Aug. 31, 1941, in Camden, N.C., to Romaine and Elizabeth (Clark) Tillett and attended Camden County Public schools, graduating from Marion Anderson High School in 1960. After graduation, she moved to Southampton, where she was an active member of Community Baptist Church, serving as a member of the Trustee Board, the gospel chorus and the Willing Workers.

Ms. Davis loved teaching and caring for children. She created a scholarship program and opened the Fountain of Youth day care center at Community Baptist Church. In June 2004, she was presented with a proclamation from Southampton Village mayor Joseph Romanosky honoring her vision and dedication to the village.

She is survived by her husband, Daniel Davis Jr.; a son, Derrick; her sisters Bessie Walton of Elizabeth City, N.C., and Eleanor Merriweather of Randallstown, Md.; two grandchildren; and many other family members. She was predeceased by her sisters Margaret Sawyer and Gloria and Judith Tillet and her brothers, Joseph and Charles Tillett.

A Homegoing service was held June 10 at Community Baptist Church in Southampton, the Rev. Donald Butler officiating. Arrangements were handled by Seay Memorial Chapel in Riverhead.