[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 196 (Tuesday, November 9, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1218-E1219]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING FITZGERALD BARRINGTON DAVIS

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 9, 2021

  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life of Fitzgerald 
Barrington Davis, who passed away peacefully on November 1, 2021, at 
the age of 77 after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's 
disease dementia. He was surrounded by his loved ones at the time of 
his passing and they will continue to honor his legacy of faith, 
unconditional love, and kindness. His son Dave Davis was a valued 
member of my district office team for many years.
  Fitzgerald was born in Jamaica on May 15, 1944, to Barrington and 
Gwendolyn Davis. He attended Saint Ann Technical Trade School to pursue 
his interest in building, design, and construction. As a contractor for 
the Roads and Works Department in Kingston, Jamaica he oversaw the 
development of critical infrastructure projects in and around the 
Kingston area.
  Fitzgerald understood that his job was more than just repairing roads 
and buildings and that these investments in infrastructure could 
benefit underserved families through community development and jobs. He 
created programs to help young people learn trades and develop their 
skills and subsequently employed many of these young people and 
provided them with opportunities for growth,

[[Page E1219]]

which improved the quality of life 'for residents and strengthened his 
community.
  His advocacy for underserved populations led him to a career in 
politics, and he was nominated chairman for the People's National Party 
in Jamaica. During his time as chairman, he worked with government 
leaders to improve conditions for children and families in Kingston. He 
was also enlisted as the youth leader for the Rennock Lodge Youth 
Organization.
  He emigrated to the United States in January of 1981 and settled in 
the diverse Rogers Park neighborhood in Chicago, Illinois with his wife 
and five children. His first job was with St. Francis Hospital in 
Evanston, followed by a position with a tuckpointing company, and 
finally, he worked for the Village of Glencoe for 16 years where he 
retired in 2006.
  After retirement, he continued to serve his community as a volunteer 
for numerous nonprofit organizations. He was actively involved with the 
Democratic Party of Evanston and worked as a crossing guard for the 
City of Evanston. Each morning, he woke up looking forward to seeing 
the children and brightening up their days with words of encouragement 
or a witty quip that made them smile.
  His faith was the driving force in his life, and he was an elder at 
First Church of God Christian Life Center in Evanston, and then became 
an Elder at Deliverance Temple Church in Skokie.
  Fitzgerald is survived by his devoted wife of 49 years, Sonia Davis; 
daughters, Rose Scott and Karen Davis; sons, Byron Davis (Marie), Lloyd 
Davis (Loraine), Dave Davis (Tara); grandchildren, Klarissa Davis, 
Lloyd Davis Jr., Kayla Davis, Leah Davis, Theo Davis, and Steven Davis; 
and great-grandchildren, Ivy and Oakley. Fitzgerald also leaves behind 
brothers Philip Davis and Chris Davis; sisters Deloris Scott, Beverly 
Burnett, Angela Davis, and a host of other loving relatives and friends 
who will rejoice in his memory.

                          ____________________