Obituary of Josephus Davis

Josephus Davis, passed away on March 28, 2025, in Fort Worth, TX.  Josephus was born on April 20, 1952, in Fort Worth, Texas, to the loving care of Josephus Davis Jr. and Ollie Marie Davis. He was the third of five siblings, raised in a home filled with love, faith, and strong family values. Though his parents and two siblings, Brenda Joyce and Robert “Bobbie,” have gone on to be with the Lord, we take comfort in knowing they are now reunited in His presence.

While attending Polytechnic High School, Josephus met the love of his life, Shirley J. Thomas. They married on September 9, 1970, and together raised three beautiful children: Joyce Marie, Tesha Lavon, and Josephus IV. Later in life, he also fathered a daughter, Miketha Calter, expanding his loving family.

In 1971, Josephus joined the United States Navy Reserve, serving his country faithfully until 1977. His service reflected the same spirit he brought to every part of his life — duty, honor, and commitment.

Josephus was a man of deep faith. He loved the Lord with all his heart and was a member of Marrs Hill Baptist Church. He also served his community through organizations such as the North Tri-Ethnic Council, Block Development, and the Block Watch program, always working to build stronger, safer neighborhoods.

He was a hardworking man, spending many years as a truck driver and later serving as an Engineering Aid with the Texas Department of Transportation in the early 1990s. His dedication and strong work ethic left a lasting impression on everyone he worked with.

But Josephus was more than his titles or jobs — he was a poet at heart. He found joy and healing through writing, and his gift with words earned him two Editor's Choice Awards and the publication of four poems in the International Library of Poetry Society. His words touched the hearts of many and offered insight into the soul of a man who loved deeply.

Josephus was a proud grandfather and great-grandfather. He leaves behind grandchildren: Quinesha Deshon, Des’Monique Marie, Yuri Symone, Constance Faye, Kevin III, Kendre Antonio, Malik Andre, Shondi, Frank III, Johnny Jr., and Josephus V — as well as 21 great-grandchildren who will carry on his legacy.

He is also remembered fondly by his surviving siblings Beverly Jo and Constance “Connie,” as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, classmates, friends, and coworkers — all of whom were touched by his kindness, wisdom, and laughter.

Today, we don’t just mourn the passing of Josephus Davis III — we celebrate his life. A life filled with love for God, devotion to family, service to others, and a passion for poetry. Though he is no longer with us in body, his spirit lives on in every poem he wrote, every life he touched, and every heart that remembers him.

We will miss his warm presence, his quiet strength, and his poetic soul — but we will carry his memory forward with love and gratitude.

Thank you, Daddy. Rest well.