1939-2026
Larnell Wilkerson Davis, known to his family and close associates as “Blazer,” was born to the late Lawrence A. Davis, Sr. and the late Catherine Anita Wilkerson Davis. Larnell spent nearly his entire life in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, leaving only briefly to attend graduate school at Penn State in College Park, Pennsylvania. His life was rich with family, as he was a devoted brother to three sisters and three brothers and was also lovingly raised by his father and stepmother, the late Rachel Johnson Davis. He was known as a man who never hesitated to share his opinions, whether popular or not. Though diplomatic when necessary, he stood firm in his convictions.
Larnell began his educational journey at J.C. Corbin Training School on the campus of A.M.&N. College (now the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff). He later attended schools in the Pine Bluff School District and graduated from Merrill High School. During these formative years, he met the love of his life, Deloris “Lois” Jackson. His siblings often teased that he lived and breathed Lois. He was known to visit her at her home every single day, walking three miles each way from North Cedar Street to Pullen Street. Their courtship lasted seven years, from high school through their college years at A.M.&N., where they both earned degrees. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in mathematics, Larnell and Lois married. Their marriage became the defining cornerstone of their lives as best friends who lovingly raised three children and lived in harmony until her passing in 2019.
A point of great pride for Larnell was his early involvement in Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, where he was one of its eight founders in 1968. He remained a faithful and active member throughout his life, serving as both trustee and deacon. He also ensured that his children were raised with a strong relationship with God, requiring regular church attendance and active participation in church life as a family.
As a public servant, Larnell began his career in education as a mathematics teacher and became the first African American male to integrate the Pine Bluff School District. After twenty years in education, he transitioned into public health in 1972, joining the Jefferson Comprehensive Care Center. Less than six years later, the center expanded into the Jefferson Comprehensive Care System, Inc. (JCCSI), where he served as Executive Director until his retirement in 2012.
During his tenure, Larnell was instrumental in securing funding and expanding healthcare services throughout Pine Bluff and surrounding communities. Under his leadership, four additional clinics were opened in addition to the Pine Bluff clinic, and the organization’s annual budget grew from $1 million to $10 million. His success at JCCSI earned him widespread respect across the state and led to appointments on numerous local and state boards and commissions, including the Pine Bluff Planning Commission and an appointment by Governor Mike Huckabee to the Arkansas Minority Health Commission. Though his organizational affiliations were too numerous to list, his final active service organization was the Twentieth Century Club in Pine Bluff. He was also recognized at the 19th National Conference on Blacks in Higher Education as an HBCU Distinguished Alumnus.
Larnell’s life was rich and full. He enjoyed leisure pursuits free from deadlines and responsibilities, especially golfing and cooking, both of which he excelled at, and he faithfully cheered for his favorite sports teams on television. Above all, his greatest joy was spending time with family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and in-law.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Deloris “Lois” Davis; his sister, Sharon Davis; and his brothers, Ronald Davis, Sr., Michael Davis, Gerald Davis, and Lawrence A. Davis, Jr.
Left to cherish his memory are his son, Daron Davis of Dallas, Texas; daughters, Denita Reed (James) of Mobile, Alabama, and Larna Atkinson (Samuel) of Pine Bluff, Arkansas; sisters, Gail Thigpen (Edward) of Peoria, Illinois, Janice Kearney (John) of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Pawnee Davis of Fort Washington, Maryland, and Zelana Davis of Boston, Massachusetts; brother, Lauren Davis of Claremont, California; sister-in-law, Barbara Davis (wife of the late Ronald Davis, Sr.); five grandchildren; two great-granddaughters; one great-grandson; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
Visitation for Mr. Larnell Wilkerson Davis will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at Brown Funeral Home, 2704 Commerce Circle, Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71602.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 15, 2026, at Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church. Pastor Kevin Crumpton will officiate. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery under the direction of Brown Funeral Home, Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71603.
Obituary Submitted by the Family.
