Gussie Yvonne (Davis) Carr

Gussie Yvonne Davis Carr, age 96, went home to be with the Lord peacefully in her sleep on July 9, 2020 with her caregivers and family by her side. She resided in her home of 64 years until God called her home.

Gussie was born on May 12, 1924 in Darlington, FL to the late Robert and Pearlie Davis. She was raised in Samson, Alabama and moved to Springfield, Massachusetts for a short time before making Fort Walton Beach her longtime residence. She was joined in holy matrimony to the late Homer Lane. Out of that union came one daughter, Phyllis Lane Cole. She later remarried the late Erwin Carr and they had three daughters, Ella Carol Carr Martin, Erma Jean Carr Mulkey and Elaine Carr Anderson.

Ms. Gussie was a member of Beulah First Baptist Church for many years and was baptized there along with her daughters in 1964. She loved the Lord with all her heart and enjoyed the teachings of David Jeremiah and worship songs sung by her son-in-law, Tony. Gussie was a homemaker and provided daycare for all her grandchildren in her home during their early childhood years. She not only played the role of grandmother, but also as preschool teacher. She taught her grands self-discipline and the importance of education, and under her care, her grandchildren were all reading before entering kindergarten. Ms. Gussie was an extraordinary cook and enjoyed being in the kitchen cooking for her family.  Her specialties and the family’s favorites were her collard greens and fried corn bread and homemade coconut cake. No holiday or special occasion was complete without them! When she was not cooking, Gussie was relaxing at home watching sports on television. She was an avid sports fan, and especially loved cheering on her Atlanta Braves, Tampa Bay Rays and LSU Tigers. Gussie had a green thumb and enjoyed spending time in her garden. She could make any plant grow, and she was happiest when she was surrounded by beautiful flowers. Animals were special to Gussie, and she adored the family pets. Her grandcats and granddogs loved her too and they always made her happy.  Friends who knew Ms. Gussie described her as a sweet, soft-spoken, (but strong) lady who was as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside. She lived a long life with integrity and grace and was a true Proverbs 31 woman. What a legacy she has left for her family! 

Gussie is survived by her four daughters, Phyllis Lane Cole and Erma Jean Carr Mulkey of Atlanta, GA, Ella Carol Carr Martin and Elaine Carr Anderson and her husband, Tony Anderson, of Fort Walton Beach; grandchildren, Marcus Martin, Melanee Martin, Shannon Mulkey Green and her husband, Shaun Green, and Amber Anderson; great grandchildren, Nathan Swan, Ayinde Sargeant and Alexander Green; nephews, Ronnie Davis, Cal Davis; and nieces, Annie Lois Garner, Barbara Davis, Betty Davis and Juanita Davis. She was preceded in death by husbands, Homer Lane, and Erwin Carr; her brothers, Lee and Barto Davis; and sister, Laura Davis; and son-in-law, Donald Martin.  

A private visitation is scheduled for Tuesday, July 14 from 4-6 pm for family and close friends by invitation only at Davis-Watkins Funeral Home. A public graveside service will follow on Wednesday, July 15 at 11am at Beal Memorial Cemetery with Pastor Tim Sheldon of Covenant Community Church officiating. The family is asking all attendees to please wear a mask. Flowers may be sent to Davis-Watkins Funeral Home, 113 Racetrack Road, NE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547. The family would like to thank Covenant Care Hospice, Caregivers, Tamiko Roberson and Pam McKoy and all our friends and family for their love and prayers.