Anne Davis, a renowned Baptist social worker with deep ties to Virginia Baptist life, died Nov. 9. She was 69.
Born in Baskerville, Va., Davis grew up in a rural farming community. After earning degrees from Averett College, Westhampton College at the University of Richmond, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and the Kent School of Social Work at the University of Louisville, she became the executive director of the Baptist Community Center in Lexington, Ky.
Later, Davis joined the faculty at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, where she served as a professor of social work, director of social work, and director of professional studies in the school of religious education.
At Southern, Davis led the school of social work to become the first non-university to be accredited for the master of social work degree. She retired from Southern Seminary in 1995 and moved to Waco, Texas, in 1998. Near the end of her life, she became the director of operations at the Advocacy Center for Crime Victims and Children.
Baylor University recognized her contributions to academics and ministry with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004.
A memorial service for Davis was held at Seventh & James Baptist Church Nov. 13 in Waco, Texas, with Raymond Bailey presiding. A second service will be held Dec. 2 at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Baskerville.
Davis is survived by her sister Janice Crutchfield of Chase City, Va.; sister Carolyn Davis of Dallas; and Mike Davis of Arvonia, Va. She also has two nieces, four nephews, and seven great-nephews.