Evelyn "Tennie" Davidson

SHELBY: Evelyn “Tennie” Harris Davidson, 83, entered into her eternal home Monday, December 28, 2020 at her residence in Gastonia, after a battle with Waldenstrom Cancer. She was born November 12, 1937 in Clifton, Jew Jersey, to the late Oscar Burnett and Lillian Collins Mullinax. She was a former resident of Shelby for 30 years, until moving to Gastonia, and living for the past 8 years. Tennie was a mother and friend to all, who was wrapped with toughness and determination. She loved to read her bible, watch NASCAR races and watch Panthers football. She currently attended West Franklin Ave Baptist Church in Gastonia, and was a longtime member of Dover Baptist Church in Shelby. Most knew her as “Tennie” which she acquired as a young child. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband of 10 years, Earl Harris; second husband of 29 years, Dr. Charles Davidson; sister, Otavia Peterson; brothers, Alfred Niedgiewick and Lloyd Mullinax; and special nephew, Joshua Carrigan. Left to cherish, but grieving her loss, is her daughter, Earleen Murphy and her husband Dr. Martin Murphy of Gastonia; son, David Harris and wife Tammy of Shelby; grandchildren, Gina Messer and husband Mark, Haley Summitt and husband Steve, Hannah Harris and fiancé Zach Stearns; great grandchildren, Luke Bryson, Morgan and Marrisa Messer; special niece, Shelly Carrigan and husband Chucky; nephew, Jacob Carrigan and girlfriend, Anna; brother, Steve Mullinax and wife Eva of Grover; sister, Betty Jo Mullinax of Lawndale; many nieces and nephews; special neighbors, Elizabeth and Beth Harvey for all their love and care; and friends, Pat McCullough and Freddie Woodard, who called to check on her daily. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to her nurses, Julie Cornwell and David McKinney, with Palliative Care of Gastonia, for their compassionate care. Funeral services will be held 2pm, Saturday, January 2, 2021 at Clay-Barnette Funeral Home Chapel, with the Rev. Jeff Williams officiating. Visitation will be held 12:30-2pm, prior to the service, at the funeral home. Face masks are strongly recommended. A private burial will take place in Sunset Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Gaston Hospice, 258 E. garrison Blvd. Gastonia, NC 28054 or The Marfan Foundation, 22 Manhasset Ave. Port Washington, NY 11050 or West Franklin Ave Baptist Church, 450 Myrtle School Road, Gastonia, NC 28052

FUNERAL HOME: Arrangements are entrusted to Clay-Barnette Funeral Home & Aquamation Center