Tarqueena I. Davis

Life Reflections

Tarqueena Ione Davis, the only child of Sarah Edmonia Taylor and Arnold Disston Taylor, was born on January 24, 1927 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  Tucky or Tuck (as she was affectionately known) attended John Barry Elementary School and Shoemaker Junior High School in Philadelphia.  She graduated from William Penn High School for Girls (also in Philadelphia) in 1944.

As a young woman, Tucky worked at the Signal Corps and then as a legal secretary to Leroy Humbert, Esq. In later years, she took a temporary assignment as a clerk with the Defense Personnel Support Center (US). For a time, she also served as a reading aide at Overbrook High School.  On June 26, 1946, Tucky married the love of her life, Robert Lee Davis. From this blessed union two children were born—Bruce Conrad Davis and Mignon Edmonia Davis.

Tuck converted to Catholicism and was very involved first at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church and then at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, which is now part of the Parish of St. Barbara.  Serving in various roles, including President of the Home and School Association, working in the school library and reading to the 2nd & 3rd grade students, she also introduced charm classes to the girls through the Model Teen Program.

Tuck was gifted with the ability to play the piano since 3 years of age.  She was also blessed with a melodious voice that complimented her playing, and she used both gifts as the organist for St. Rose of Lima Church.  She worked with the school children to hone their skills for talent shows and with church members for the musical production “Vision and Dreams”, which was written by one of the church members.  Tuck was asked to form a choir for the church’s first revival under the direction of Mother Anna Brown.  This became her ministry and, under her direction, the choir was invited to sing at a number of churches.  The choir also provided the music for the televised Sunday program on WPVI “The Mass.”  Continuing to use her musical and vocal gifts as a comfort, Tuck first worked with Julian V. Hawkins Funeral Home and then Bruce R. Hawkins Funeral Home for many years.

Tuck also enjoyed being an active member of the Legion of Mary and The Red Hat Society. She contributed to the legacy of Boys’ Latin of Philadelphia, where her grandson, Kyle, was a student of the first graduating class, by writing the “School Song”

Tuck was known for her beautiful crown of hair and her love of chocolate, gold, and good music. She was a loving wife to Bobby for 60 years and a devoted mother and grandmother until her last day.

On Thursday, June 6, 2022, after a long blessed life, Tarqueena was called home to join her parents, adored grandson Bruce Conrad Disston Davis, and the love of her life, Bob Davis. She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Butch (Acquanetta) and Mignon; beloved grandson, Kyle Robert Joseph Davis; dearest friends Rose Allen and Judy Hamilton (Godchild); our beloved cousin, Tina M. Jordan, who provided respite care during her last days; and a host of godchildren, relatives, and friends.

Submitted With Love,

The Family   

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