Obituary for Deris Demetrica Davis
Deris Demetrica Davis departed this life bound for her heavenly home on Thursday, April 30, 2020 at Baptist Hospital in Jacksonville, FL. Deris was born October 23, 1942 in White Oak, GA to Nathaniel Johnson and Essie Cohen Johnson and was the fifth of seven sisters: Vera B. Salmon Muse, Shirley Johnson Holmes, Marva Albert, Earlene Robinson, Cleonie J. Wilson, and Janice Mae Johnson; whereas, they were raised in the city of Fernandina Beach, FL.
Deris attended and graduated from Peck High School in May of 1961 and has completed and received certifications in a variety of fields including Airport Security, Cosmetology, and Nursing. Deris was a small business owner and own and operated Palatka Liquor & Lounge and Dee’s Hair Salon; additionally, she was a major influence on the development and operation of Evans’s Rendezvous on American Beach, FL.
Deris was married to the late Willie B. Evans Sr. who together help build Evans Rendezvous, a well-known African American nightclub and restaurant on American Beach that once hosted famed musicians such as Louis Armstrong, Ray Charles, and James Brown. Evans Rendezvous was one of the most popular oceanfront spots for African American during the Jim Crow era.
Deris met her second husband, Thomas Edward Davis, while visiting her sister in New Jersey. On October 10, 1992, they wed in holy matrimony at Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church and remained married until his death on January 10, 1998.
In her later years, Deris was a member of Harper Chapel Church under the leadership of Pastor John Ewing and an active member of the Nassau County Council on Aging.
Deris leaves behind to cherish her memories: children, Will Evans (Tammie), Genia Evans, and Wanda Evans; granddaughter, Zhana Evans; nieces, Monica Rainey, Annette Celestin, Deborah Robinson, Wanda Albert, and Barbara Wilson; nephews, Quentin Robinson, Ryan Wilson, and Eric Davis; sisters, Shirley Holmes Johnson, Marva Albert (Eugene), Earlene Robinson, and Janice Johnson; and a host of relatives and friends.
The funeral service for Deris Demetrica Davis will be held 11AM Saturday, May 9th, 2020 at the
Funerals by T.S. Warden Fernandina Beach 410 Beech Street Fernandina Beach, FL 32034. The visitation will be 4:00 - 7:00 pm, Friday, May 8th, 2020 at the mortuary 410 Beech Street Fernandina Beach, FL. Interment in Galilee Cemetery. Please sign the family guest book and view the video tribute @ www.tswarden.com. Arrangements in care of Tyrone S. Warden, FDIC, 4315 N. Main Street, 765-1234
Deris attended and graduated from Peck High School in May of 1961 and has completed and received certifications in a variety of fields including Airport Security, Cosmetology, and Nursing. Deris was a small business owner and own and operated Palatka Liquor & Lounge and Dee’s Hair Salon; additionally, she was a major influence on the development and operation of Evans’s Rendezvous on American Beach, FL.
Deris was married to the late Willie B. Evans Sr. who together help build Evans Rendezvous, a well-known African American nightclub and restaurant on American Beach that once hosted famed musicians such as Louis Armstrong, Ray Charles, and James Brown. Evans Rendezvous was one of the most popular oceanfront spots for African American during the Jim Crow era.
Deris met her second husband, Thomas Edward Davis, while visiting her sister in New Jersey. On October 10, 1992, they wed in holy matrimony at Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church and remained married until his death on January 10, 1998.
In her later years, Deris was a member of Harper Chapel Church under the leadership of Pastor John Ewing and an active member of the Nassau County Council on Aging.
Deris leaves behind to cherish her memories: children, Will Evans (Tammie), Genia Evans, and Wanda Evans; granddaughter, Zhana Evans; nieces, Monica Rainey, Annette Celestin, Deborah Robinson, Wanda Albert, and Barbara Wilson; nephews, Quentin Robinson, Ryan Wilson, and Eric Davis; sisters, Shirley Holmes Johnson, Marva Albert (Eugene), Earlene Robinson, and Janice Johnson; and a host of relatives and friends.
The funeral service for Deris Demetrica Davis will be held 11AM Saturday, May 9th, 2020 at the
Funerals by T.S. Warden Fernandina Beach 410 Beech Street Fernandina Beach, FL 32034. The visitation will be 4:00 - 7:00 pm, Friday, May 8th, 2020 at the mortuary 410 Beech Street Fernandina Beach, FL. Interment in Galilee Cemetery. Please sign the family guest book and view the video tribute @ www.tswarden.com. Arrangements in care of Tyrone S. Warden, FDIC, 4315 N. Main Street, 765-1234