Mattie (Robertson) Davis-Tate

Mrs. Mattie Davis-Tate was born November 19, 1930 to the late Arthur Lee Robertson and the late Parrahlee Benson-Robertson in Newberry, South Carolina and was affectionately known as “Tea” or “Aunt Tea” to her family and close friends. In 1952, she married the late William Smith Davis, and to this union, two beautiful children were born Arthur III and Adelia. In 1991, the late Odell Tate and Mattie were united in matrimony in Buffalo, New York.  At an early age, with her Love for The Lord, Mattie joined the Family Church, Elishia A. M. E. Church in Silverstreet, South Carolina where she served on the Church Choir and was Secretary of the Sunday School. She was also a member of the Women’s Home Aide Society #19 and The Home Benefit Society #24 for over seventy years.

Mrs. Davis was a 1948 graduate of Drayton Street High School in Newberry and an Alumni of Allen University in Columbia, both in South Carolina.  She also continued her education in areas of trigonometry, geometry, and statistics earning a Blueprints Certification from Hutch Tech, in Buffalo, New York.

In 1967, Mrs. Davis relocated to Buffalo, New York and in her love for God’s work, she joined Durham Memorial A. M. E. Zion Church, where she was a member of the Gospel Choir and Missionary Society; and was an outstanding member of the International Free & Accepted Modern Masons, Inc. and Order of the Eastern Star, her chapter was Lady Hearts Chapter #80, where she served as Worthy Matron and Financial Secretary; after the chapter merged with Ladies Martha Chapter # 480, Mattie served as Corresponding/Recording Secretary; and was also a current member of Daughters of Deborah Chapter #384, Queen of the South Palace ‘with the official title of “Princess Davis.” As a member of BENNETT-WELLS AMERICAN LEGION POST & Auxiliary #1780, Mattie was awarded the 2018 Outstanding Member of the Year, the plat reads “Mattie has a unique personality that she used with skill that allowed her to excel in our fund-raising efforts.”; Mrs. Davis was also a member of Helping Hands Community Food Pantry, and the Fruit Belt Home Owners Association serving as the Treasurer.

On November 19, 2010, the City of Buffalo, New York was declared “Mrs. Mattie Davis-Tate Day” with a proclamation from Mayor Byron Brown.

Mrs. Davis retired after 25 years of service as Senior Inspector at American Precision Industries, Buffalo, New York.

Mrs. Davis was preceded in death by her sister the late Bessie Lee Robertson-Young.

Mrs. Davis (Tea) is survived by her loving and caring daughter The Reverend Adelia M. Davis © DBA and her husband Mr. Joseph S. Britt of Irmo, South Carolina, a devoted son Mr. Arthur E. Davis, III (late Brudell Davis) of Nashville, Tennessee; one sister Mrs. Laura E. Farrow (the Late George) of Buffalo, New York; Step brother Mr. Joseph Rhodes of Newberry, South Carolina; Nieces: Mrs. Loretta Benson of Newberry, South Carolina, Mrs. Patti Farrow-Debrew, and Ms. Linda Farrow of Buffalo, New York; Nephews: Mr. Michael Farrow and his wife Alvina of Buffalo, New York; Mrs. Barbara R. Samuel and her husband James of Augusta, Georgia; Mr. Dean Young of Newberry, South Carolina; and Mr. Jerry Young of Irmo, South Carolina.  Mr. Robert Lee Davis (Brother In-Law of first marriage) of Nashua, New Hampshire; Cousin Thelma Wilson of Seattle, Washington; The Lark Family; The Benson Family; The Herbert Family; Minister Harry and Shirley Werts of Newberry, South Carolina; Special friends Mrs. Geraldine Coleman and her Family; Mrs. Pearl Davis and her Family and Mrs. Roseland Russell and her Family; Mr. Jessie Stubbs all of Buffalo, New York; All her Sisters from the Eastern Star, Durham Church Family, Co-Workers and a host of great-nieces and great-nephews, cousins, and friends. 

The family will receive friends on Monday evening April 1, 2019 at Pratt Funeral Home Chapel from 6-8.

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