Susie Davis

Obituary

Susie Tyree Davis

Susie Tyree Davis was born on May 21, 1931 in Manhattan to James Edward and Rachael Tyree.  She had five siblings that predeceased her Catherine, Luvina, Jesse, Forrester and Arthur Tyree.  Susie spent her childhood in Greenwich Village and Washington Avenue in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn.  Rachael Tyree passed at a young age and Susie’s father, single handedly, raised all of his children in her absence.  Susie was an avid skater and, along with her best friends, Shirley and Iris, used Washington Avenue as their skating rink.  She loved going to the movies and used her talent to sing on the corner to make money for admission and snacks.  Susie attended Prospect Heights High School where she excelled in bookkeeping, record keeping and developed her gift with numbers and the management of money.

It was on Washington Avenue at 18 years of age that she met and fell in love with Joseph King Davis.  After a three year courtship, Joe and Susie married on January 28, 1951 and lived on St. Marks Avenue and Hancock Street.  The young couple searched for the perfect home to raise their family and fell in love with the ambiance of Halsey Street and the yard where their children could play.  Their union was blessed with five children Joey, Larry, Sandy, Bernard and Cynthia.  The Davis Family has resided at 366 Halsey Street for over 59 years and their front stoop was always filled with neighbors and friends with whom they developed strong bonds and ties.

She was a fun loving, sensitive and caring woman who made friends easily.  She was loved by everyone who met her.  She was smart, articulate and had a quote for every scenario to lighten the load of people in need.  She was a community organizer and a founding member of the 300 Halsey Street Block Association that hosted annual block parties and events.  This group is still active today.  The beautiful trees that line the 300 Halsey Street Block and the gas lamps can be directly attributed to Susie efforts.  Susie also managed the Block Beautification Program where the 300 Block won accolades and awards for Holiday Displays and decorations.  

Susie and King were also active in social clubs, organizing bus trips for neighborhood children, cookouts and instrumental in bringing the community together for summer activities and back to school celebrations.  She was an active member of the Emanon Social Club and the Look and Feel Good Social Club that gave trips to a

variety of locations.  It was their love of the neighborhood that encouraged all of their children to become social and host events, to this day, that bring people together.    

Susie and King Davis had a vision to create an entertainment empire and they created King Davis Productions.  With their collective skills they promoted parties, hosted dances, bus rides and sold home cooked southern dinners with Susie’s famous potato salad.  While King Davis recruited and organized  young, talented BedStuy musicians that included the world renowned B.T. Express, Bennie Gordon, The King Davis House Rockers, George Guitar Moore, The Soul Psychedelics and Wee Willie and the Winners, Susie managed the back office, finances and payroll. Every gold record and success of all the groups was a direct reflection of Susie’s leadership, management skills and commitment to excellence. The late Grammy award winning musician and producer Kashif, who was a member of B.T. Express thanked Susie for teaching him the importance of contracts, finances and saving money in the music business. He attributed his success and the ability to live a lucrative lifestyle to Ms. Davis.

Susie worked for Topps Company and brought home memorabilia for the kids, she also worked for Chase Manhattan Bank, and retired from her position at The International Paper Company as an Accounting Clerk.  She was an asset to all of these companies utilizing her efficiency and attention to the smallest detail.  

Susie was a diehard Yankee fan and spoke about the players like they were her children.  During her retirement, she attended Yankees games, traveled to Disney World, New Orleans, and Las Vegas and took countless trips to Atlantic City.

Susie was a teacher and took every opportunity to encourage young people to reach for higher goals.  Susie shared financial advice, as needed, and was also known to balance six figure check books down to the last penny.  She was great with money and never lost her edge.

Susie was also a very active member of Brooklyn Tabernacle Church that she attended on a regular basis.  She enjoyed the large choir and holiday theatrical productions and always extended invitations for her family and friends to attend with her and we did.  Nothing stopped her from attending church and praising the glory of God.

Susie leaves to cherish her memories, her children Joey, Larry, Sandy, Bernard and Cynthia; siblings in law Harold, David and Geneva; 25 Grandchildren: Robert, Charles, Little Larry, Tiffany, Christopher, Juanita, Shaquille, Othello, Drew, Little Derrick, Karen, Ayshia and Yara. Great grandchildren Jordan, Khaleil, Kaijun, Khaylia, Khayden, Kameron, Jaiden, Javier, Yira, Tiana, Miracle and Kaia.  Daughter in laws Ruthie, Millicent, Sharon and Liz.  Son in laws Andrew, Tony, George; Nieces and nephews Sandy, Ellen, Sharon, Patricia, Rachel, Fatima, Edward, Iris, Linda, Jesse, Laura Jean, Teddy and a host of great nieces and nephews.  God children Pastor Bernard Corbett and Reverend Dr. Katherine Corbett; friends Delores, Gladys and extended family Lisa, Rhoda, Daisy, Mary, Pat, Simone, Precious and Diane.  In addition to those listed above, we acknowledge all of the neighbors, friends, spouses, boyfriends and girlfriends who all loved Ms. Davis, Grandma and Mommy.   

We know that the gates of heaven opened wide on Friday, October 27 when she went home to see her King.  We know that King Davis and all of our family and friends gathered to welcome her through the pearly gates.  Her work on earth is done, her legacy forever anchored in our hearts.

We ask for God’s Grace and Blessings as we learn how to live our lives without you Susie Davis.

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