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Regular Session, 2013
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 155
BY REPRESENTATIVE BURRELL
A RESOLUTION
To express the condolences of the House of Representatives upon the death of Sharon
Dunnings Davis.
WHEREAS, it is with deep regret and profound sorrow that the House of
Representatives has learned of the death of Sharon Dunnings Davis on May 12, 2013, at the
age of sixty-one; and
WHEREAS, Sharon Antoinette Dunnings was born on November 12, 1951, in
Monroe, Louisiana, to Mr. and Mrs. David Edward Dunnings, Sr., and was raised in a devout
Catholic home; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Davis attended Little Flower Academy through the eleventh grade,
and in 1969, the school merged with St. Frederick High School, she was part of the first
integrated graduating class; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Davis earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education from
Northeast Louisiana University and a master's degree, plus thirty, in education from
Louisiana Tech University; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Davis was crowned Miss Black Monroe in 1969, and at Northeast
Louisiana University, she become the first black class queen when she was elected by the
student body as Miss Freshman on the homecoming court; and
WHEREAS, on July 28, 1979, she married the love of her life, S.P. Davis, and their
union was blessed with two loving children, Kharmen Kanessa Davis and S.P. Davis, Jr.; she
was also the stepmother of Timothy Beaver and Kylie Cotton; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Davis taught for nearly thirty years at various schools in the north
Louisiana area, including Little Flower Academy, Summer Grove Elementary, T.L Rhodes
Elementary, Butler Elementary, Bossier Elementary, and Rusheon Middle School; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Davis served as assistant principal of Greenacres Middle School,
where she also initiated the first black history program, and was named Teacher of the Year
in 1997 at Butler Elementary; and ENROLLEDHR NO. 155
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WHEREAS, Mrs. Davis was very active at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament
Catholic Church and was an honorary member of her husband's church, Rocksprings Baptist
Church Number Two of Plain Dealing; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Davis was also an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority,
Inc., and the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary and was a founding member of the
Coalition for Social Justice, an advocacy organization for civil justice and community
service; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Davis leaves to cherish her memory her devoted husband, S.P.
Davis, Sr.; two children, Kharmen Davis and S.P. Davis, Jr.; five siblings, Lawana Dunnings
Holmes and husband Jeffery, Terez Dunnings, Mechelle Dunnings Harris, Michael Dunnings
and wife Cheryl, and Marvelle Dunnings; one aunt, Faye Taylor Bess; one sister-in-law,
Essie Mae Graham and husband Clyde; three brothers-in-law, Andrew Davis and wife
Charlesetta, Charles Davis and wife Gloria, Earl Davis and wife Elaine; and a host of nieces,
nephews, relatives, and friends; and
WHEREAS, the death of Mrs. Davis has left a tremendous void in her community
and has created a genuine sense of sorrow in all who knew her, and she leaves behind a rich
legacy of hard work, tenacity, courage, determination, and integrity and will forever be
remembered for the impact she had on the lives of the countless students and other
individuals whose lives she touched over the years.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby express sincere and heartfelt condolences upon the
death of Sharon Dunnings Davis, does hereby record for posterity her remarkable gifts and
profound talents, her outstanding abilities, and her generosity and kindness, does hereby
extend enduring appreciation for the pride and honor that his extraordinary woman will
forever bring to her family and friends, her community, and the state of Louisiana, and does
hereby express the deep regret of the entire state upon the loss of this phenomenal woman.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitable copy of this Resolution be transmitted
to the family of Sharon Dunnings Davis.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATI VES