Visitation: Saturday, June 20, 2015 from 11:00am - 4:00pm at the Long Beach Colonial Mortuary.

Service: Monday, June 22, 2015 at 3:00pm at St. John Baptist Church; 741 E. 10th Street; Long Beach, CA.

Interment: Tuesday, June 23, 2015 at Riverside National Cemetery; 22495 Van Buren Blvd; Riverside, CA.

Her Life Story

Jeanne Denise Davis-Willard, age 54, died peacefully on Friday, June 12, 2015, at her sister's home in Long Beach, CA, after her valiant six year fight with Breast Cancer.

Born on August 10, 1960 in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Leslie Sin Claire and Gloria Johnson, she was the youngest of six beautiful children. Jeanne possessed a contagious smile and an entertaining sense of humor. Although as a child she was known for her ease in frequent conversation with even total strangers, some may be surprised to learn of the extreme shyness.

After graduating from Booker T. Washington High School, she fully engaged in the " if he can do it I can do it too" attitude, becoming a jack of all trades. She worked in a variety of industries including carpet cleaning, housekeeping, construction, welding, truck driving, nursing, and postal service.

At the age of 27 on January 1, 1987 she gave birth to her only son, Kevin Davis, whom she loved dearly. As a single mother throughout her life she maintained a sweet and simple demeanor that won the trust and hearts of many, who even now are being changed by her witness of constant nurturing love and faith. Her signature gift of joy, shown through her constant smiling, laughter, the sound of slot machines in the background, and joking around, will never be forgotten. Her unwavering belief in hard work as well as her pursuit of the American Dream paid off in huge dividends as her son earned an athletic scholarship to play football at Sacramento State University, while simultaneously earning his Bachelor's Degree in Organizational Communications and his Masters in Business Administration.


In 2009, Jeanne married the love of her life, William Dillard who remained by her side in truth, love, and support as she continued to fight her battle with breast cancer. He gave her strength and encouragement, and guided her spirit into indefinite happiness, as he will always carry her memory and the love she had for him in his heart forever.

Jeanne's battle with stage four breast cancer resumed in November 2012, which progressively spread throughout her body. Her strong will to live, unwavering faith in God, and the love and prayers of family, friends, and many supporters carried her until GOD called his daughter home.


Jeanne was preceded in death by her mother Gloria Johnson and two brothers Alfred Johnson Jr and Calvin Johnson. She is survived by her husband William Dillard, son Kevin Davis, two grandchildren LaiLani Lee Davis and Justus Levi Green-Davis, her sister Jean Richburg, two brothers Erick Johnson and Larry Johnson and a host of cousin, nieces, nephew, family and friends who loved her dearly.

Furthermore, Jeanne would like to let you know that her work here is done. She received a call, a sort of an offer you can't refuse, for an appointment from which she will not be returning. This assignment comes with a huge sign-on bonus: a reunion with family and friends she has not seen in a long time, and job security is exactly 110 percent. Her new mission takes her to a wonderful place where she will be socializing, dancing, and reading to her heart's content. Music, laughter and love are guaranteed. Food is delicious with all of the best southern food you can eat. She left detailed instructions for her family to celebrate her mission here, which has now been completed.