Obituary of Jesse J. Davis

Jesse James Davis of Wappingers Falls entered into rest Tuesday, September 5, 2017 at home surrounded by his family. He was 76. Jesse was born in Hinds County, Mississippi on August 18, 1941. He was the son of the late Annie Veal and Willie Davis. His life in the south chiseled every aspect of his ambition and imagination. One of four children, the late Sidney, Jesse, Barbara and the late Thomas Smith, Jr., Jesse was his mother's favorite son. Jesse was actively involved in the Civil Rights movement as a Freedom Rider, a member of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee and the Congress of Racial Equality. He is best remembered as part of the legendary group of 400 Freedom Riders who rode those large, hot buses for days on end, making certain white supremacists knew they would not stand down until all African Americans were recognized as citizens of the country they helped build and had the right to vote. His southern upbringing was foundational to his approach to life. After attaining several Bachelor and Master's Degrees, Jesse proudly served his community as a social worker, spending many years in the County of Westchester. Jesse is survived by his wife, Deborah Hall; children, Hazel Rowley, Jamaal Davis and Samantha Davis; grandchildren, Sean Garcia Lee and Isaiah Jesse Lee; his sister, Barbara Bowie; nephew, Johnie Mason, III; and niece, Tara David. The family thanks you for your love and support in the celebration of Jesse's life. To send the family a personal condolence, please visit our website at www.StraubCatalanoHalvey.com.