Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

With hearts filled with both sorrow and gratitude, we celebrate the life and legacy of Mrs. Diana Davis, who peacefully ascended to her eternal heavenly home on Saturday, July 11, 2026. Her life was a testimony of faith, devotion, quiet strength, and unwavering love for God, family, and the Church.

Diana Davis was born November 5, 1946, in Slab Fork, West Virginia. She was the eldest child of the late Reverend Abner C. Wright, Sr. and Presiding Elder Cornelia Wright, who instilled in her a deep love for Christ, the Church, and family values that remained the foundation of her life.

Diana received her formal education in the West Virginia public school system and graduated from Sophia High School in Sophia, WV. From an early age, Diana displayed the grace, dignity, and quiet leadership that would characterize her throughout her life.

Diana was united in holy matrimony with William H. Davis, Sr. and together they made their home in Detroit, MI, where they spent the greater part of their married life. Their union was blessed with one beloved son, William H. Davis, Jr., whom they cherished.

Diana, while residing in Detroit, became a faithful and devoted member of St. Luke African Methodist Episcopal Church in the Highland Park neighborhood. She faithfully served as a Stewardess, giving countless hours of volunteer service with joy, humility, and dedication. Her commitment to the ministry of the church, her dependable spirit, and her loving personality earned her the admiration and respect of her pastors and fellow church members.

Family was the heartbeat of Diana’s life. Nothing brought her greater happiness than gathering those she loved. She was often the one encouraging the family to hold reunions every year because she treasured every opportunity to reconnect, share stories, laugh together, and celebrate the blessings of family. She delighted in hearing how everyone was doing and remained genuinely interested in the lives of each family member.

Diana also found great enjoyment in completing Bible crossword puzzle books, reflecting her love for Scripture and lifelong learning. Though naturally quiet and reserved, those who knew her best affectionately gave her the nickname “General.” Behind her gentle demeanor was a woman of quiet confidence, wisdom, organization, and strength whose influence was deeply felt by everyone around her.

Diana, following the passing of her beloved husband, returned to Beckley, WV, where she lovingly assisted in the caring of her father, Reverend Abner C. Wright, Sr. During this season of her life, she united with St. Matthew African Methodist Episcopal Church in Beckley under the pastoral leadership of Rev. Debra Smoot, where she continued her faithful walk with Christ and fellowship with God’s people.

Diana was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William H. Davis, Sr.; cherished son, William H. Davis, Jr.; parents, Rev. Abner C. Wright, Sr. and Presiding Elder Cornelia Wright and sisters, Doretta Hawkins and Paula Jean Wright.

Diana leaves to cherish her precious memory her loving sister, Paulette Satterfield; two devoted brothers, Abner C. Wright, Jr. and Bishop Frederick A. Wright, Sr. (Jennifer Dixon Wright); special longtime friend, Jacqueline Clark; uncle, William Wright, aunt, Sonja Jean Wright; along with a host of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, church family, and friends whose lives were enriched by her kindness, faithfulness, and gentle spirit.

Though our hearts grieve her absence, we rejoice in the assurance that Diana’s earthly journey has ended, and her heavenly reward has begun. Her legacy of steadfast faith, devoted service, quiet strength, and unconditional love for family will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.

Funeral service will be 11:00AM Friday, July 24, 2026 at St. Matthew AME Church 103 Mills Ave. Beckley. Burial will follow in Greenwood Memorial Park, Beckley.

Friends may view and visit with the family one-hour prior.

Email condolences to ritchiejohnsonfuneralparlor@gmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie @ Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.