Creola Davidson was born on December 1, 1923, in Burnt Corn, Alabama to the late Richard and Mattie Lee Cunningham. She grew up in Georgiana, Alabama. She worked in various areas after graduating from high school and was well-known as the family chef who could make a meal out of anything.
She moved to Galesburg, Illinois in her mid-20s with her husband, Reverend Lewis Churchwill. As the family matriarch, many of her family members followed her footsteps and migrated to Galesburg as well, shortly thereafter. After the passing of Reverend Churchwill, she later remarried to Albert Davidson.
Creola was known as a caregiver to many over the years, working in the nursing home and also a foster parent to many over 30+ years.
Creola accepted Christ at an early age and was a long-standing member and church mother at Bethesda Baptist Church in Galesburg. She loved gardening, cooking, working in her yard, backyard sales, and spending time with friends and family. Creola was a generous and caring woman. Her warm heart, sense of humor, and kind spirit will be truly missed by everyone.
On Saturday, April 20, 2024, God called Creola home and said “well done, my good and faithful servant”. Creola peacefully transitioned at the age of 100 years old, in Knoxville, Illinois at Knox County Nursing Home.
Creola was preceded in death by her infant son Jerry Churchwill, her late first husband, Revered Lewis Churchwill, her late husband of 50 years, Albert Davidson of Galesburg, Illinois, four siblings: Willie Cuningham of Miami, Florida, Ann Smith of Peoria, Illinois, Kenneth Cunningham of Rockford, Illinois, and Richard (June) Cunningham of Chicago, Illinois.
She leaves to cherish her memory two daughters, Gloria Jean (Churchwill) Stokes, of Calumet, Illinois, and Pamela Davidson of Galesburg, Illinois; one son, Ricki Churchwill (Mercedes) of Rock Island, Illinois; six grandchildren: Donisha Pierson, Elisha Van, Michele Churchwill – Jackson (Adrian), Shaun Stokes, Brandon Stokes, Justin Davidson (Courtney), nine great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandson, and a host of nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, following graveside services at the Cedar Creek Hall at 150 North St Galesburg IL. All memorials should be made to the Bethesda Baptist Church.
Visitation will be 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Bethesda Baptist Church, Galesburg, with funeral services following at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Allen Robinson will officiate. Burial will follow at East Linwood Cemetery, Galesburg, Illinois. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Bethesda Baptist Church, 210 S. Whitesboro St., Galesburg, IL 61401. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
