Hundreds gather to celebrate life of Dr. Linda Davis, Savannah special education teacher killed in crash

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - More than 600 people gathered in person and online Saturday to celebrate the life of Dr. Linda Davis, a special education teacher killed in a car crash Feb. 16.

Crowds filled St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, with approximately 300 people attending in person and the remainder watching through a live stream.

Rev. Dr. Bertice Berry delivered the sermon, speaking to Davis’ spirit.

“Dr. Davis’ life was infectious because when she laughed, you wanted to laugh. And she could make you laugh because she was hilarious,” Berry said. “When she danced you had to get up and dance too, and when she smiled that big beautiful smile you were forced to smile back.”

Hesse K-8 School Principal Alonna McMullen spoke about Davis’ work as an educator. McMullen said Davis made an impression on her first day in the classroom. McMullen said their last conversation was Davis thanking her for the opportunity.

“She simply said, ‘Thank you, thank you for taking a chance on me,’” McMullen said. “I told her, ‘Why wouldn’t I? Your work speaks for itself.’”

McMullen said colleagues described Davis as a source of support.

“I often heard from them that she was a confidant, she was someone that I could talk to when I’m having a very difficult day because her spirit did something to me to make me feel positive about everything that I’m doing,” McMullen said.

Berry also spoke to Davis’ outlook on life. She said her memory deserves to be celebrated.

“If we look at her life as a loss, we are not honoring that life, because she did not waste any second of it. She lived it fully,” Berry said.

Savannah Mayor Van Johnson also spoke at the celebration of life. He said the service and attendance were a testament to Dr. Davis’ impact.

“It was a community celebration of a life well lived, a young lady who was well loved, and well appreciated. I think the overwhelming attendance certainly proved positive,” Johnson said.

The Davis family has set up a GoFundMe to help cover service costs.