Fredrena Cantrell Davis' Obituary
Fredrena Cantrell Davis, lovingly known as Rena, was born in Cincinnati Ohio, March 11, 1949 to Dorothy and Frederick Nelson Davis. Always known as the big sister, Rena was one of eight children whose siblings include Fred Jr. (Rusty), Deborah, Mark Anthony (Tony), Paula, Vincent (deceased), Victor, and Pamela.
Rena left Cincinnati for California in her early twenties to start a new life for herself and her two young children. She landed in Oakland California, residing with her sister Deborah where she attended Laney College before moving to San Francisco and eventually Berkeley California.
Rena was passionate about family and spent her years working diligently to create a better life, often working two jobs. Rena was also very supportive of her siblings’ desires to seek a new life in California, offering anyone who wanted a new beginning a place to stay. She loved the outdoors and on weekends would often take her children around the Bay Area to various events, concerts and festivals. She was an active participant in activities with her children like bike riding, rollerskating, and board games.
She always said that her greatest accomplishment was her children and witnessing their growth and success. They didn’t have much, but Rena was a true believer that God was on her side. She believed in doing your best with what you have, being resilient and learning how to make a way out of no way. She instilled the importance of education, and self-reliance to her children, and they are proof of that.
Rena’s career path began in customer service and sales with the National Park Service, Standard Brands, and the Flecto Company, where she was recognized with several performance awards with each company. She spent the remainder of her career in the healthcare industry as a Medical Records Assistant for Kindred Healthcare.
Rena loved shooting pool and the arts, particularly live music and dancing. She also loved reading, mostly the Bible, and suspenseful detective thrillers or anything by her favorite authors, Donald Goins, E. Jerome Dickey, Mary Monroe and Walter Mosely.
Rena’s six grandchildren were the love of her life. She always found a way to make all six of them feel like they were her “favorite” grandchild. She always looked forward to holiday celebrations to spend time with her family.
A true and loyal friend, Rena’s gift was laughter, despite any challenges she may have faced. She always reminded us of the good things, especially when you were down. Her wry wit kept us in stitches until the very end and she loved to make you smile.
Rena leaves behind her two children, Larene Paré (Frank), Eric Davis (Makiba), six grandchildren, Niara, Eric Jr (EJ), Desmond, Evan, Miles, Mateo and one great-grandchild, Malaya, her loving companion James, her brothers and sisters, an uncle George Davis Jr. and aunt Louise Davis, aunt Bertha Mae Betts and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
To ensure the health and safety of our community, we are following all guidelines set by local, state and CDC officials. If you are planning on attending a service, please contact the funeral home in advance, so that we can plan accordingly.
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