Reflections of Life Mrs. Cardell Blanche Smith Davis is safe and happy in the arms of her Lord. On Monday, June 14, 2021, Cardell transitioned into eternal life. She is preceded in death by her husband, Ross Davis, two nephews (foster sons), her eight siblings, and seven step-children. Affectionately known as Mother, Sis, Granny, Aunt Cardell, and Grandma Sis, Cardell was one of nine children, born on August 30, 1920, to the late Benjamin and Josephine Smith in the Sampit Community of Georgetown, SC. She was educated in the public schools of Georgetown County and was a devoted member of St. Paul AME Church (Sampit), where she dedicated her life to Christ at an early age. As a young adult, Cardell spent decades farming and caring for others including her grandmother, Sarah; her mother, Josephine; her niece, Daisy; and nephews, Stuart and Mattie. She was also known to have a mean throwing arm when she wasn’t working on the farm. In 1958, she married the late Ross Davis and moved to the Earles Community of Andrews, SC where she became a mother figure to six children. Her step-daughter, Thelma, recalls Cardell’s homemaking artistry of making bedspreads, creating coffee, gardening, creating an ironless starched pants/shirts device, and raising multiple types of poultry. After the unfortunate passing of her husband, Cardell made it her mission to raise their daughter, Beverly (Diane), in a loving home, despite many challenges. She and Diane worked in tobacco fields and picked cotton and cucumbers together. Where you saw Cardell, you saw Diane. Their bond extended far past their struggles and toils, with Cardell teaching Diane how to cook, sew, and make a home. Cardell and Diane also cared for two of Cardell’s brothers, Thomas and Charlie, during long illnesses. Most importantly, though, Cardell shared her love of and faith in the Lord with her daughter--a legacy that is seen in her daughter’s ministry at Friendship St. Mary AME Church in the Annie Village Community of Georgetown, SC. It was after her marriage that she joined Canaan AME Church (Trio) where she served as a Stewardess, Usher, and a Missionary. In her later years, her step-daughter-in-law, Mary L. Davis made sure she had transportation to Sunday School, Morning Worship Services, and evening programs. Those who know her well can recall her very early risings to tend to the animals and work in her extensive garden before the sun grew too hot. Her noonday activities included eating a “little lunch” (complete with a Pepsi Cola), watching The Price is Right and Live Five News, and catching up with her beloved family, friends, and neighbors. Her laugh when she was “tickled” could make anyone smile or laugh in return, and her shock at interesting news would cause her to shout “Ya Kiddin!” in the otherwise quiet den. Cardell’s breaks were brief, though, because she was soon back in her garden. While tending her garden, she made sure to grow plenty, as one of her many acts of love was to gift items from her garden to family, friends, and neighbors. In addition to tending to her garden, she also cared for children. There are many children from Tad Road and beyond who have memories of playing, napping, and being cared for by Cardell. Many can also recall her time as the neighborhood “candy lady” complete with freeze cups. But no two have brighter memories than her granddaughters, Angelica (Letha) and Michelle. During their childhoods, Granny was their caretaker as their parents worked during the day. She watched over them as infants and toddlers, and when they grew to be school-aged, she was always waiting for Letha at the end of the driveway and Michelle at the door. The three shared special snacks like blackberry dumpling and homemade peanut brittle. And while Michael and Diane were given back parenting duties when they returned home, Granny was always there to remind “the grands” to “get [their] lessons” and to not “make [their] heads so hard.” Her evenings weren’t as eventful as her days, but they were well spent. You could frequently find Cardell baking a cake or pie or cooking and canning vegetables as the evening news, Let’s Make a Deal, or America’s Funniest Home Videos came across the television. Cardell worked tirelessly her entire life in service to God, her family and friends, and the land. Lessons that live on are in the value of hard work, selflessness, and peace. She firmly believed that; 1. If you are going to do something, you must do it well; 2. Help others when you can; 3. Sometimes you must “give up your right for peace’s sake.” It is especially the desire for peace that guided Cardell through life. She frequently testified that she wanted her “last days to be [her] best days,” and our prayer is that her family was able to give her that. She is survived by her loving and doting daughter and son-in-law, Rev. Beverly and Rev. Michael Burgess of the home; step-daughter, Thelma Shoate of Atlanta, Georgia; step-son, Louie Davis of Brooklyn, New York; two granddaughters: Angelica (Andre) Davis of Findlay, Ohio, and Michelle Burgess of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; three great-grandchildren: Taylor, Peyton, and Haydon Davis of Findlay, Ohio; two special nieces: Daisy Miller of Baltimore, Maryland; and Verleast (Chico) Nwosu of Glen Burnie, Maryland, and a host of step-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. The family would especially like to thank her special caregivers who assisted Rev. Beverly and Rev. Michael Burgess with Cardell’s care in her last years: Shirley Alford (niece) of Andrews, South Carolina; Etta Lee Smith (niece) of Sampit, South Carolina; Sarah Burgess (sister of Rev. Michael Burgess) of Salters, South Carolina; and Selena McGill (caretaker) of Andrews, South Carolina.