Leta Marie Davis

Leta Marie Craddock-Davis, born June 13, 1952 to Meril Craddock and Elnora Scott-Craddock. She was the ninth child out of 13 children with 8 brothers and 4 sisters. She was proceeded in death by her father, mother, husband, three brothers Edward (Red) Craddock, Clarence Craddock and James Craddock. Also one sister, Harriet (Dottie) Craddock-Robinson, three grandchildren, Sahriya Michele Craddock, Michael Craddock (stillborn) and Tre’Lance Malik Kimber (stillborn).

She professed her love for Christ at a very early age and continued working for the Lord until her death. She was a student of the Kansas City Public School and graduated from Central High School class of 1970.

She met and married James H (Butch) Davis who left this earth on May 17, 2018.

She had several jobs, but ended her career as a manager at the Social Security Administration from which she retired after 30 years. During her years there she received countless awards and recognitions. She sung at many events one of which was the “Blacks in Government” annual Banquet. She was an active participant in the Social Security Choir.

She sung in groups such as, The Michael Charles Singers, Keith Tribbet Singers and the one she most enjoyed with her sisters, The Craddock Singers traveled many cities to sing and also recorded in Memphis, TN at Juan Ship Record Company their song “Use me Lord”. In 1997, she formed and became the director for A Joyful Noise Community choir which has made many recordings. From one the their recordings they were nominated and won an Omar Award for Best Gospel song, “He lifted me” that was written by her son Bishop Michael Craddock.

She has acted in many plays. To name a few “Someone to watch over me”, “Devil we’re going to tear your kingdom down” and “In the midst” which were written and directed by her sister, Evangelist Beulah Rowden. She auditioned and was cast in the play “Gospel on Colonius” which ran for four weeks at the Missouri Repetory Theatre at UMKC with her daughter and sister Diane.

Leta was an active member of Gregg Tabernacle for years until leaving to join with her husband at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church where she was a Sunday School teacher and member of the Missions Dept. Her current membership was with Grace Assembly Church of God under the leadership of Pastor Sydney Ramphal where she was the organizer of the Golden Seniors.

She succumbed to this life on Sunday, March 31, 2019 at St Luke’s Hospital and leaves to mourn her death, 2 sons Bishop Michael L (Michele) Craddock Sr., Steven V Yancy Sr, her daughter Meda Kimber and one stepson JD Kirkwood of Denver, CO. 5 brothers, Kenneth M Craddock of Indianapolis, IN, George (Isabelle) Craddock of Baltimore, Md., Harry (Margie) Craddock, Phillip Ford. 3 sisters, Evangelist Beulah Rowden, Nina (Rance) Golden, Diane Craddock and 3 sisters-in-law, Denise Frazier, Gloria (Clarence) Green, Phyllis (Edward) Day. 25 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

Musical