[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 161 (Thursday, September 17, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Page S5703]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       REMEMBERING MELISSIA DAVIS

  Mr. SHELBY. Mr. President, today I wish to honor the life of Mrs. 
Melissia Davis of Kennedy, AL, who passed away on September 7, 2020. 
She will be remembered as a dedicated public servant who was committed 
to bettering her community and State.
  Melissia worked diligently for 26 years as the State representative 
in my U.S. Senate Office in Tuscaloosa, AL. She covered the West 
Alabama region, specifically serving the counties of Fayette, Greene, 
Hale, Lamar, Marion, Pickens, and Tuscaloosa. I first met Melissia when 
she was working for the Internal Revenue Service, and I was eager to 
hire her. I knew she would be an exemplary employee. Over the years, 
Melissia gained a deep understanding of constituent services and 
remained dedicated to working with Federal, State, and local agencies 
on behalf of my constituents.
  Melissia served with distinction on the board of trustees of her alma 
mater, Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, AL. She was the chairwoman of 
the Stillman House Restoration Committee for 13 years. Under her 
leadership, the historic Stillman House was placed on the Alabama 
Historic Register and National Register of Historic Places. She was 
also successful in placing Stillman College on the Alabama Register of 
Landmarks and Heritage, designating the campus as an Alabama Historic 
District.
  Outside of her professional career, Mrs. Davis was heavily involved 
with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the West Alabama United Way 
Campaign, Habitat for Humanity, and several other local endeavors. 
Additionally, Melissia was a dedicated member of Elizabeth Baptist 
Church, where she taught Sunday school and served as a matron. Not only 
did Melissia live a life of service, she embodied it.
  Melissia's many accomplishments and contributions to the State of 
Alabama will long be remembered. Melissia was passionate about her 
hometown of Kennedy, AL, and she served as one of its strongest 
advocates. She will be remembered for her great sense of humor and 
style. Melissia touched the lives of many over the years, and she will 
be greatly missed.
  I offer my deepest condolences to Melissia's husband, Burkles Davis, 
II, and her two children, Alecia Nicole Davis and Burkles ``Trey'' 
Davis, III, and to all of their loved ones as they celebrate her life 
and mourn her passing.

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