05/09/2026
Mrs. Vetory Davis
Vetory, lovingly known as Vickie, was born on August 22, 1931, in Star City, Arkansas, to Lettie
B. Maddox and Richard Maddox. She was the youngest of two siblings and shared a close and
enduring bond with her brother, Theodis, which lasted until his passing. Growing up during the
Great Depression, Vetory faced significant barriers, as most Black children at the time were
unable to attend school due to the period's constraints.
Vetory began her educational journey at a family church school near Bayou Bartholomew before
transferring to a two-room schoolhouse on Mr. Pinchback’s plantation. There, she learned her
ABCs, as well as how to write, spell, and read. Her commitment to education was evident as she
walked two miles and crossed the bayou by boat each day, with the help of a family friend, to
ensure she never missed her lessons.
Encouraged by her teacher, Vetory’s parents supported her attendance at Dunbar High School in
Little Rock, Arkansas. To pay for her tuition, room, and board, she worked for two sisters who
taught at Dunbar, applying the cooking skills she learned from her mother. These experiences
fostered her financial independence at young age.
Before earning her college degree, Vetory worked at the Del Monte Canning Factory in
California to save for tuition and clothes. She eventually returned home to begin her professional
career. After graduating from college, she became a Typing and Shorthand teacher in West
Memphis, Arkansas, before relocating to Los Angeles, California, where she met her late
husband, Mr. Nelson Davis.
Vetory earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Education from AM&N, now the
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB). She furthered her education at Texas Woman’s
University in Denton, Texas, where she received her Master of Library Science degree. Vetory
later became a tenured librarian at UAPB after 32 years of service.
Ms. Davis devoted 68 years of service to Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated. She was an
active member, serving on numerous committees and holding various leadership roles, including
Anti-Basilus, Basilus, chairperson of the “Buds of Spring” Pageant, Financial Basilus, and
Advisor to the Undergraduate Chapter, Alpha Chi. She was honored with several awards,
including recognition at the International Boule in Detroit, Michigan, for 50 years of service in
2008.
Vetory was an enthusiastic traveler, journeying across most states in the U.S. with family,
sorority members and The Traveling Friends group. She also traveled to Jerusalem with a
combined group of people from various states. Despite challenges like jet lag, she discovered
routines that allowed her to enjoy traveling. Her passion for reading was contagious, and she
often recommended books and articles, inspiring those around her. She was known for her sense
of humor, love of laughter, dancing, singing, and her ability to make others laugh.
Among her greatest joys were her three children: Spencer, Renay, and Pat. Vetory cherished
motherhood and spent quality time instilling values of love, courage, and generosity in her
children.
Vetory’s legacy of generosity, warmth, strength, independence, courage, love, and faith will
transcend generations. Her impact will continue to be felt through her family, who will carry her
legacy with pride and grace.
Vetory is survived by her son, Spencer (Vera) Brown; daughters, Renay (Kenny) Fleming and
Patricia (Charles) Thomas; first cousins, Debra (Don) Carter, Gladys Jones, and Reola (Anton)
Taylor; grandchildren, Quincy Thomas, Brian Thomas, Chelsea Thomas, and Breanna Fleming;
great-granddaughter, Amiyah Thomas; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Visitation 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at Brown Funeral Home Pine Bluff, AR. Funeral Service will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Mt. Pleasant A.M.E. Church Pine Bluff, AR by Pastor Johnny Orr. Interment in Cypress Memorial Garden Pine Bluff, AR by Brown Funeral Home of Pine Bluff, AR. Her body will lie in-state from 10:15 a.m. until service time.
Obituary submitted by The Family.
www.brownfuneralhomeandmortuary.com
