Etheldra Davis

May 11, 1931 -

Nov 25, 2020

Retired educator Dr. Etheldra "Thel" Sampson Davis, Ph.D., gained her heavenly wings on Nov. 25, 2020, with her family by her side.

Etheldra was born on May 11, 1931, in Marianna, Ark., to the late Luther Robert Sampson and Fannie Beatrice Sampson. The family moved to Los Angeles, Calif., in the 1940s. Etheldra spent her formative years in Los Angeles, earning an associates and Bachelors of Arts degrees from Los Angeles area colleges; Masters in Education from University of Alaska Fairbanks; and her doctorate from Newport University.

In 1957, she came to Alaska to visit her brothers, and decided to transfer her teaching credentials. She was hired as the first black teacher by the Anchorage School District in 1958. She taught at Government Hill, Willow Crest, Airport Heights and Denali Elementary schools. She was hired as the first black principal by ASD in 1969, her first assigned school was Fairview Elementary; she later became principal at Ptarmigan and John F. Kennedy on Ft. Richardson, before retiring in 1980. Dr. Davis loved children, education and her community. She became a crime prevention specialist, helped found Neighborhood Watch and the Alaska Coalition to Prevent Shoplifting.

Etheldra leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, Andrea Davis-Antoine and son-in-law, Dexter; great-granddaughter, Amari; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by parents, Luther and Fannie B. Sampson; husband, Joseph M. Davis; brothers, Jerome, Hershey, Luther, Bernard, Bobby, Clifford Sampson; sister, Lillian Brewster; granddaughter, Angel M. Sampson.

Her remains were entrusted to Janssen Funeral Homes. She will be buried on Dec. 15, 2020, at Ft. Richardson National Cemetery. A memorial service will be held this spring.

In lieu of flowers, please make monetary donations to: Dr. Etheldra Davis Scholarship Fund at Credit Union 1, Account #714 or cash app: $ETHELDRADAVIS.