Ira Lee Davis was born February 22, 1937 to the union of Abraham and Melissa Davis in Marvell, Arkansas, both parents preceded him in death. Ira was one of 16 children, in which 12 preceded him in death. Ira received his education in the Arkansas Public School System, where he graduated from Lakeview High School. Ira met and married his high school sweetheart, Essie Mae Cook in 1958, and they shared 52 blissful and blessed years of marriage. To this union 3 children were born, Lee, Kem and Janice. Janice preceded him in death. Ira confessed a hope in Christ in 1948 and was a member of the Hoopspur M.B. Church under the leadership of the late Reverend L. H. Harris. Later he moved to Chicago, Illinois and attended the Seekwell Baptist Church, where he was crowned deacon in 1961. He was also a member of Baptist Church Without a Spot or Wrinkle, under the leadership of Reverend R.C. Odom. Hew as currently a member of The Soncond Mt. Vernon M.B. Church was her served faithfully in various other capacities of the church. The Kuppenhiemer Clothing Industry employed Ira for a number of years. I n1967, Ira became an employee of the Chicago Transit Authority as a bus Operator, until her retired after 30 years of service. After a long illness Ira was called from labor to reward on Sunday, October 10, 2010 at Kindred Hospital. Ira will be remembered to all as a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother. He loved life and having others around him. We thank God for his life. Ira leaves to cherish his memory: A loving wife, Essie M. Davis; 2 sons, Ira Lee Davis Jr. and Kem LaVell Davis (Maqueda); 2 daughters, Sarah Eskridge (Reynolds), and Maryam Davis-Crosby (al); 3 sisters, Evelyn Bowers of Austell, GA, Essie L. Brown of Peoria, IL and Mary Frances marks (Richard) of Nashville, TN; ten grandchildren, eight great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.