Zurlee (Rucker) Davis

Zurlee Davis was born August 11, 1928 to Dallas D. Rucker and Florence Mae Colbert Rucker of Commerce, Georgia. At an early age, Zurlee accepted Christ as her personal Savior and was baptized at Neal’s Grove Baptist Church, in Commerce, where she also attended school. In 1953, as a young adult, Zurlee moved to Columbus, Ohio. She worked in the salad preparation area at T. Marzetti’s Restaurant, and was later employed by Western Electric before finally retiring from The Ohio State University. She joined Gay Street Baptist Church, under the pastoral leadership of The Reverend J. P. Fincher, where she was a member of the choir and usher board. She later united with the newly organized Traveler’s Rest Missionary Baptist Church as one of seven original Charter Members led by founding pastor, The Reverend U.G. Campbell. For many years, Sister Davis faithfully served its congregation as an active member of the Deaconess Ministry, the Nurses’ Guild, and the choir. Her gift for singing afforded her the joy of also participating with the United Inspirational Quire of Columbus for more than ten years. She also enjoyed gardening and was a fantastic cook, known for her tasty potato salad and delectable sweet potato pies. Zurlee would often host gatherings in her home when she and the other ladies of The Stardest Charity Club would come together for the purpose of encouraging and supporting students in the furtherance of their education. A dedicated disciple unto the end of her life, Sister Davis continued to attend services until her health no longer permitted and she most recently worshipped at The New Wine Church International, established in March 2013, where founding pastor, Bishop Charles E. Bond, Jr. lovingly bestowed upon her the distinction of being the congregation’s only “Church Mother.” On Wednesday, December 11, 2013, while at The Ohio State University Medical Center, the angels escorted Mother Zurlee Davis from this earthly life to the place prepared for her in her new Heavenly Home. There, she will be reunited with those loved ones who preceded her in death, including her beloved husband Ulysses Davis, Sr., parents Dallas and Florence Rucker, siblings, Curtis D. Rucker, Beatrice Bush, Claude Rucker, Cornelius Rucker, Sylvester “Jack” Rucker, Fayette “Fate” Rucker, Myrtie Carruth, Timothy Rucker, Geraldine Tabor, and Chester Imogene Fluellen; special daughter Tonya Allen, and grandson Brian N. Brady. Those who remain to cherish many wonderful memories of Zurlee, are her children, Alphonzo Davis, Sr. (Lanita), Ulysses Davis, Jr. (Stephanie), Yvonne (Jack) Cecil, and Gail M. Sandifer, all of Columbus, Ohio; stepson Ricardo Davis; special daughters, Fredricka Hale and Rendia Crews; sister Sophie Carruth of Commerce; special brother John Hoyt Bush of Columbus; eleven grandchildren, Alphonzo Davis, Jr., Jillian N. Davis, Tara L. Davis, Sharnell L. Davis, Carrie L. Brady, Jack D. Cecil, Jr., Breionna P. Cecil, Ashley T. Coleman, Austin M. Coleman, Victoria C. Sandifer, and LaTisha Davis; five great grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Bertie Rucker, Lein Rucker, and Alma Brown, all of Columbus; and a host of nieces, nephews, other loving relatives and friends, including very dear, longtime friends, Hattie Sue Reid, Cora Lee Prunty, and Ollie M. Riggins.