Ollie Davis was born on March 28, 1941 to the late Deacon and Deaconess Louis and Emma Sheard. She departed this life on October 24, 2025 surrounded by her family.
Ollie was a lifelong resident of Red Bank, New Jersey, where she attended Red Bank Public Schools. She dedicated 25 years of faithful service to Concurrent Computer, where her diligence and leadership earned her the position of Group Leader. After retirement, her caring spirit continued to shine through her work with NJ Mentor, where she was certified to foster children in need of love, guidance, and stability.
Ollie was raised in Calvary Baptist Church, where she was baptized by the late Reverend Gilchrist. Her passion for the ministry of music began early, as she joyfully participated in the Sunday School and Youth Choirs. Over the years, her devotion only grew — she became a cherished member of the Gospel Choir for 50 years, faithfully serving as both singer and President. She was also an active participant in Christian Education and Women of Calvary, continually striving to serve the Lord through her gifts and example.
Her favorite scripture was Romans 12:2, a verse that beautifully reflected the way she lived her life:
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
She was preceded in death by her brothers Howard Sheard, Benjamin Sheard, Robert Sheard, Nathan Sheard, and Jeffrey Sheard, and her sisters Dorothy Fairley, Mary Powell, Susan Valentine, Diane Johnson, and her great granddaughter Jaliyah Amina Rose Sanborn.
Her loving spirit lives on through her devoted daughters, Marcella Mallory and Karen Coates; her beloved grandchildren, Kevin Elease Mallory Jr., Vanessa Ann Wright (Paschal Wright Jr.), William Sanborn, and Isaac Coates; and her adored great-grandchildren—Akaila Elease Mallory, Kevin Elease Mallory III, Kameron Elease Mallory, Paschal Wright III, Jabril Ollie Wright, Jelani Melo Sanborn, Isaias King Coates, and Judah Amaris Sanborn—each a beautiful reflection of the love and light she shared throughout her life.
She is survived by her loving sister, Elaine Johnson; brother-in-law, Fred Johnson; sister-in-law, Angela Sheard; and many nieces, nephews, extended family, church family, and friends who will always hold her in their hearts.
Ollie’s life was one of faith, service, and song. Her kindness, strength, and devotion to God will continue to inspire all who knew and loved her.
