Memories of Phyllis Wright-Davis
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Tuesday August 14, 2007 9:26:51am


A community friend and champion of children was lost when Phyllis Wright-Davis was killed Aug. 11.


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Ima D Scamp
Comments: 286
Joined: 08/30/2006
09/09/2007 09:11:50 PM
Glad to hear that a scholarship has been set up for needy people in memory of Phyllis. Check out the details in the R.N.T.
Still praying for comfort and peace for the entire family and especially little Zion, the love of her life!

Justan observation, comment and prayer as usual.
Ima
 
MLErvin
Comments: 1
Joined: 09/08/2007
09/08/2007 09:31:58 AM
Phyllis lives on in my memories. I remember her smile and her big beautiful eyes. I remember the love that she gave freely. I remember watching her and thinking that one day I would ask her how she was able to do so much, and I would ask her to teach me, so that I could help her and our community. She exhuberated love and excellence. She was giving and modest and so much, words... cant describe. She was also grandmother to my son Zion, and she was always thinking of him. Praying for him and buying him books and games to stimulate his mind. She is an inspiration to me still. And the ironic thing is that even though I never got the chance to ask her how I could help, she still taught me. Her life was a living example. I will not forget the lessons. I will not forget her. May she rest in peace and know that she was loved by me, her son - my fiance' and her baby "Zion". I love ya. Kita
 
Gonewiththewind
Comments: 1
Joined: 08/28/2007
08/28/2007 05:33:23 PM
My deepest sympathy goes out to the Wright & Davis family!! Phyllis was an AMAZING woman.....she will be greatly missed by the blessed people that was so lucky to have known her.....Envaron you are a FOOL to have posted such TRASH about such a wonderful man that is grieving for the loss of the LOVE OF HIS LIFE!!!! I have seen Ralph since the wake of Phyllis...my heart hurt for him...just looking into his eye you could see his terrible PAIN!!!!! I will pray for you Envaron!!!!! Phyllis we all love and miss you
 
GODISLOVE
Comments: 1
Joined: 08/21/2007
08/21/2007 10:26:37 PM
First of all I'd like to send my condolences to the Wright & Davis family. I am truly saddened by this. The bible tells us in Romans 12:15 to "Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep." We are to have compassion for our brothers & sisters when they are going through.
I know Murali & it threw me for a loop when I read that he was charged with the murder! I could not believe it-because it just seemed out of character for him. We're living in the last days & 1 Peter 5:8 warns us to "Be sober, be vigilant; because our adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. " The devil is busy-always on the prowl for people to use/destroy!! You just never know who will do what. I'd like to say in the the judicial system you are innocent until proven guilty or guilty by your own admission. I wasn't there & I don't believe there were any eye witnesses of this murder. I've read that Phyllis was a very loving & forgiving person & that she would forgive who ever did this. God is a forgiving God as well, so why don't we forgive & pray for the bereaved family & murderer?
God is Love! Be Blessed Everyone :)
 
pjcw812
Comments: 2
Joined: 08/14/2007
08/21/2007 06:16:20 PM
Amazing, Envaron! Explain to me how your innuendoes help this situation? What a thoughtless, cruel thing to say to a community and a family who have suffered a loss like this! Even IF you thought what you were thinking had some merit (which it really doesn't with no facts), how could you express it in a forum like this? If you have facts . . . go to the police. If you don't, . . . .
Be Blessed and just know "it is better to remain quiet and be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove ALL doubt". Amazing!
 
256girl
Comments: 1
Joined: 08/21/2007
08/21/2007 11:23:25 AM
This is to Envaron. You said you didn't want to cause confusion by posting what you did, but I assure you that it is people like you that loves confusion. It is very obvious to me that you did not know Phyllis or her family, to make the comment that you made. Her husband truly loved her and would never do such a thing. It hardens my heart for people like you to say such things. DO YOU NOT THINK HE IS SUFFERING ENOUGH? This man lost the love of his life and the mother of his child. He was truly a FAMILY MAN, nothing came before Phyllis and Phyllip. I am a member of the Wright family and we lost someone very dear to us and for someone like you to make accusations only makes this situation even harder to deal with. I am glad that they have the MURDERER in jail and hope JUSTICE will be served. I can assure you that the right person is in jail for the death of our Phyllis, so you can stop with your distorted thoughts of her husband. You say that you know in your heart that something is missing, the only thing missing in your heart is compassion. We have alot more missing from our family and that is PHYLLIS. So instead of of your hint, hints... here is the truth, the MURDERER, the COWARD, the EVIL ONE, Murali Surapaneni, is in jail for taking such a loving, free-hearted, kind person not only from our family but the Rome community. Hint, Hint: the justice system works by evidence not HINTS!!!!!!!
 
sun
Comments: 1
Joined: 08/21/2007
08/21/2007 09:57:57 AM
Hi Envaron, I know Murali Surapaneni( the suspect) and his ex wife a long time ago. I also doubt that he commited the crime. He has no motive for doing that crime. Just lust is not a logical motive for a 45 year old man to murder (atleast in Indian society).
He is very soft and good natured at heart. I really feel that a innocent man should never be charged for the crime that he never commited. If somebody knows something Please help this man. I know Phyllis's soul will not rest in peace if the real murderer gets away and an innocent man gets charged.

Thanks,
Sun.
 
naturalwoman
Comments: 1
Joined: 08/20/2007
08/20/2007 11:31:48 PM
I have to repond to ENVARON. If you don't want to cause confusion, then don't. A tragedy has happened. Someone has been arrested. Pray for this family, espcially Ralph and her parents and leave your wandering mind out of it. That is, is you really are concerned about justice.
 
aliah96
Comments: 1
Joined: 08/20/2007
08/20/2007 04:45:11 PM
Uncle Joe, Aunt Dot, Jamie, Joe, and Angie, I cannot begin to express how I feel right now. I was at the wake and funneral and I know you guys were doing all you could do to hold up under the extreme pressure of the situation. I have no words that I can pull from my heart that I know that will help you right now, except that I love you and you guys will be in prayers and thought as the days go by. I know I am just one of many people that you have heard from and will hear from in the coming days and weeks, but I want all of you to know that I too am grieving and feeling your pain as the whole Rome community and everyone in our family is. (Angie, you have always been so sweet and dear to me, I cannot stand to see you like I saw you Sunday. Be strong and I love you). Troy Charlotte,NC
 
memories
Comments: 2
Joined: 08/15/2007
08/19/2007 09:43:56 PM
The police has arrested the person that slayed Rome's beloved treasure, Phyllis Wright- Davis. People now is the time to check ourselves. Now is the time to ask GOD to give us the strenght to forgive this person. I know that the Phyllis that I grew up with would have wanted this. She would have said we must forgive him for we know not what demons was torturing this person. Phyllis would ask us to pray for this man's soul and for those closest to him. Phyllis would say "I'm in a better place, I'm with my father in heaven. Please forgive him so that you to can be with me one day." People forgiveness of this magnitude requres create strenth, courage and above all prayer. I know that we can all do it because GOD gave us hearts and one of the main components of the human heart is forgiveness, it goes hand and hand with love. Please remember that this person did not take anything from us, Phyllis' light still shines bright in the people she knew, loved and cared about. This was evident in the outpouring of love and support for her family this weekend. I attended both the wake and the funeral and each person that I came in contact shined with the light that Phyllis gave off by touching their lives. A light like Phyllis Wright-Davis cannot be extinquished easily, it is going to take more than death to put out this wonderful light. As long as each and everyone of us continue to hold her in our hearts, carry on the work that she dedicated her life to - her LIGHT WILL ALWAYS SHINE! The devil was behind this slaying, I feel that his goal was not the soul of Phyllis' slayer, but to gather the souls of those who would hate him, loathe him and seek revenge on him. In my opinon the devil's aim was not one soul but the souls of each and everyone that loves this precious lady. People, let go of any ill will towards this man. Do not bend to the will of the devil, do not hate this man. FORGIVENESS will take us futher than HATE. I know that this is probably one of the hardest thing you will ever do, but if this is a test of GOD'S, then we have been given a cheat sheet - PHYLLIS WRIGHT-DAVIS. Forgive this person because she would have forgiven him. I know that many of you will not agree with me, but I felt compelled by something more forceful than myself to write this. If I have insulted anyone I apologize, but if my words have saved one person's heart from HATERED, then I am greatful. I am going to do my best to move on and to find a way to contribute to mankind as my dear friend Phyllis had done. The arrest of this person doesn't necessarily mean closure, I know that; but I know that whatever the justice of man has in store for this person, nothing beats GOD'S JUSTICE. I also know that GOD doesn't make mistakes, so as I search the deep recesses of my heart I know that he wanted Phyllis with him for she is (not was) a precious soul and that he must have something grand planned for her. As precious as she was to us, her friends, family and community; just think how precious she is to our LORD. People, please continue to pray and trust that OUR LORD has a much larger plan that we can't see, but it will unfold itself when he's ready for it to. GOD SAVE US ALL

Chereta C.G.
 
envaron
Comments: 1
Joined: 08/19/2007
08/19/2007 04:55:13 PM
Hi,
I'm not trying to cause any confusion, but are we sure that they caught Phyllis's murderer? I know in my heart that there is something missing. Missing, missing, missing... Somethings not adding up and I hope the truth comes out one day. Family members that were close to her in her last days please make sure that you have the right guy. Try to remember every little detail including if there was any "divorce" that was going to happen in the future, etc.....hint, hint
 
Ima D Scamp
Comments: 286
Joined: 08/30/2006
08/17/2007 09:23:00 PM
HI:
Regarding Mrs. Davis , she was of a dying breed of women Morticians. I observed her personally conducting wakes, memorials and homegoings of numerous people. Her rapport with the families of the deceased was to be admired. There will never be another one like her.
I might add that I watched the news on T.V. as her family made statements that Mrs. Davis would readily forgive the perpertrator, regardless of the crime. This was in her nature.
May God's love and peace abide with all of you.

As usual
Ima
 
Bird Dog
Comments: 288
Joined: 09/06/2006
08/17/2007 08:56:37 PM
BREAKING NEWS - GLAD TO SEE THEY CAUGHT THE MURDERER!
Hopefully we will see swift justice in this case

Rome city police have made an arrest in the murder of a prominent Rome Woman who was brutally murdered this past Saturday at her home in South Rome.

45 year old Murali Mohan Surapaneni of Fountain Square address in Rome was arrested late Friday and charged with felony murder in the death of 49 year old Phyllis Wright-Davis.

Davis was killed in her home after sources say she rejected the suspect’s advances.

Surapaneni is a native of India and was employed in Floyd County by Murali Carpets.

Wright-Davis was found by her brother in her bed with multiple stab wounds to her body.

Surapaneni was arrested and taken to Floyd Medical Center and then to the Floyd County jail where he remains on Felony murder charges.

Additional charges are expected.
 
dnews4u
Comments: 2
Joined: 08/17/2007
08/17/2007 02:54:22 PM
I would like to offer my condolences to the family of Phyllis Wright-Davis. Our families have always been friends so it is hard for me to not be a part of the memorial service but I wanted you to know that you are in my heart. To the family, allow God to rule in your life and continue the legacy in which Phyllis has left behind.

AKA Rebekah Welch
dnews4u@sbcglobal.net
 
blaster
Comments: 48
Joined: 08/16/2007
08/17/2007 01:33:25 PM
Ms. Phyliss Wright- Davis.

Rest in Peace.
 
Nette
Comments: 1
Joined: 08/17/2007
08/17/2007 08:38:24 AM
I would like to offer our condolences to the family of Phyllis Wright-Davis. First of all, my mother passed away on Friday, the day before Phyllis tragic death. Me, my sister and brother had an appointment with Phyllis on Saturday to make arrangements for my mother's homegoing service.
I had to go home in Marietta to take care of some business and was returning to Rome for the appointment with Phyllis when I called my sister, Pat and asked her to call Phyllis to let her know that we would be 30 minutes late for our 4:00 pm appointment. My sister called me back immediately, crying, after speaking with someone at Wright's Mortuary. She told me that Phyllis had been killed and I almost ran off the road in disbelief. I am so deeply sadened. I attended High School with Phyllis. She was so sweet and kind to everyone. We would eat lunch together and always enjoy each other's company. Who could do something so awful to someone so sweet? She was soft spoken and sweet in High School and the kind of person that everyone loved. I am hurt to know that someone would take her life away from us. We are distant cousins on my dad and her dad side of the family. To her husband, children, cousin Joe and Dot, and the entire family, our prayers and thoughts are with you. Cousin Joe, although you had loss during the same time we loss our mother, you remained professional and was strong for us. Your strength gave us strenght as well. If there is anything that we can do to lighten your load, please let us know. From Annette Hiram, Patricia Mayes and Darnell Smith. We love you all and May God Bless You.
 
jjs915
Comments: 1
Joined: 08/16/2007
08/16/2007 11:00:58 AM
We would like to extend our sympathy to the family of Mrs. Phillis and to let you all know how much we love you all and appriciate all she did for us in our times of loss. She was indeed and angel and a sweet sweet soul and she will never be forgotten. I would like to say to the parents to be incouraged no matter whats going on He'll (Jesus) will make it alright. And to the men in her life as well. WE LOVE YOU SWEET LADY, REST IN PEACE.

The Huntley and Johnson Family
 
memories
Comments: 2
Joined: 08/15/2007
08/15/2007 11:54:42 PM
Phyllis Wright-Davis was a great lady. I feel blessed to have known her in this life's journey. I had the opportunity to know her as a child as well as the wonderful woman she grew up to be. Having known Phyllis and her family for most of my life, I feel I've lost a family member rather than a friend. Life takes us, God's children in many directions; I moved away from Rome many years ago. I would run into Phyllis in some of the most unexpected places, but it would always be great to see her. We would laugh and hug and play catch up always promising to get together in the future. Upon parting, she would always say "C" come by the house, I'm sure Mom and Dad would love to see you and I would always promise to do so. That day never happened! It is because of this sweet lady that I've suddenly realized that life is too short and I promise myself from this day forward to tell the people I care about that I love them and I'm honored to be a part of their lives. Phyllis, I also promise that the next time I run into a childhood friend or even a current friend, I will take the time to stop by for a visit. I will never forget you. Thanks for the memories - growing up with you was truly a blessing. Until GOD calls us all home, rest well my friend and sweet dreams. Chereta C.G.
 
PURPLEDIVA
Comments: 1
Joined: 08/15/2007
08/15/2007 11:06:35 PM
YOUR FRIENDSHIP MEANS THE WORLD TO ME ANGIE,MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
MAY THE LORD COMFORT YOU AND KEEP EACH OF YOU AT THIS TENDER MOMENT AND ALWAYS. FELICIA H.
 
maggie
Comments: 1435
Joined: 01/08/2006
08/15/2007 08:55:14 PM
Thank you Msla, such a sad situation for this family. They are in my prayers.
 
BGRIFFIN88
Comments: 2
Joined: 08/15/2007
08/15/2007 07:49:57 PM
I WOULD LIKE TO SAY A FEW WORDS TO THE WRIGHT-DAVIS FAMILY. PHYLLIS WAS A NICE AND WONDERFUL PERSON. SHE WAS A PERSON THAT HELP EVERYONE BLACK\WHITE IT DIDN'T MATTER WHO YOU WAS. SHE WAS THERE FOR EVERYONE. SO I JUST WANT THE FAMILY TO KNOW TO STAY STRONG AND SHE WILL ALWAYS BE IN OUR HEARTS.

LOVE KEWANNA JONES AND THE WATKINS FAMILY
 
msla
Comments: 569
Joined: 12/29/2005
08/15/2007 05:26:59 PM
Maggie, You can go to the RNT site for all the news in the paper. Basically, Phyllis was found stabbed to death in her home. There is a person of interest but that's all I now right now. As you read some of these comments, you'll understand that she was a great contributor of time and resources to her community. Her greatest legacy might end up being the lasting love that will shine through others - especially the children she tried so desperately to help as well as her own.

 
mzmoore14yrs
Comments: 1
Joined: 08/15/2007
08/15/2007 05:03:07 PM
I DIDN'T PERSONALLY KNOW MRS.WRIGHT-DAVIS.I KNEW HER THROUGH THE FUNERALS OF MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS.I FEEL LIKE IT WAS ONLY RIGHT FOR ME TO SHOW MY RESPECT AND SEND MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY B/C THEY TOUCHED ALOT OF LIVES.MAY ALL THE BLESSINS & PEACE GO OUT TO THE WRIGHTS FAMILY. THE ANGELS HAS COME TO TAKE HER HOME.
 
pjcw812
Comments: 2
Joined: 08/14/2007
08/15/2007 01:53:25 PM
My Mom and her family grew up in Rome. I've spent a considerable amount of time there. I didn't know Phyllis, but I would have loved too. This tragedy is like a magnet; I keep reading about it and coming back to the site, hoping and praying that someone has been apprehended. And, I guess, another part of me keeps coming back because it's just tough to comprehend that people are so callous, heartless, and thoughtless when it comes to others. Phyllis was obviously a wonderful person who gave a lot of herself to everyone. How, in the crazy world we live in, could someone so viciously committ a crime like this? I'd met Phyllis once, and her family has probably handled arrangements for everyone who has gone away in our family, so to the Wright-Davis family ~ my thoughts and prayers are with you. I will follow this story until there is closure, and I'll continue to pray with you and for you even longer. What looks like the end is really only the beginning. God is still in control, and Phyllis did not die in vain. I'm confident that out of this tragedy, good will manifest itself. It has to. Have FAITH.
 
MelissaLove
Comments: 1
Joined: 08/15/2007
08/15/2007 01:34:27 PM
I miss Phyllis....It's been a really tough week for me. It's been hard for me to talk about it. Every time I talk about it, I just break out in a burst of tears. Tears of pain, tears of loss, tears of not understanding why....I've just been torn with this whole situation. It breaks my heart every time I think about Phyllis. I feel like a part of me was taken away......She was like a Big sister to me.

When I found out Saturday, I FLEW to ROME because I just knew it wasn't true. Who would stabbed and murder my cousin??? Why? What kind of sick people are out there in this world? Phyllis was so loving.......she gave her all to people. She loves giving and sharing...She always tried to keep the family together. Lord---please help me and my family make it through this. I just don't understand??? I'm so hurt...

This is really a hard bone to swallow. I keep dreaming about it. I keep having memories of all my Phyllis experiences.....all the trips we taken together (Chicago, Minnesota, Atlanta)...all the shopping we did.....all the NAACP events she had me attending and participating in, all the scramble games we played, all the laughter we had and the dances we did.....all the good times we had, all the times me growing up in Rome, she would help fill in as a mother figure to me...She was a great part of me that I just can't bear nor cope with what has happened to my girl.

We love you Phyllis and may peace be with your soul.....I'll see you in the next lifetime! You were truly an Angel.....

Sincerely,

Melissa Sams-Love
 
maggie
Comments: 1435
Joined: 01/08/2006
08/15/2007 01:21:02 PM
For those of us who live in other counties, could you fill us in on what happened? The story is not on The Catoosa News site. Just from the comments here, she sounds like she was a wonderful person and my heart goes out to her family.
 
BGRIFFIN88
Comments: 2
Joined: 08/15/2007
08/15/2007 10:36:12 AM
I WOULD FRIST LIKE TO SAY TO MY FAMILY, I'M SO SORRY FOR OUR GREAT LOST. BUT WITH ALL THE PRAYERS AND LOVE FROM OTHERS WE WILL PULL THROUGH THIS. JUST KEEP GOD FRIST AND EVERY THING ELSE WILL FALL IN PLACE. TO UNCLE JOE AND AUNT DOT PLEASE DON'T GIVE UP I KNOW YOU ARE TRYING SO HARD TO BE STRONG FOR THE REST OF US. JUST REMEBER WE LOVE YOU AND STAY STRONG.
LOVE BEA GRIFFIN AND FAMILY
 
wgibbons
Comments: 1
Joined: 08/15/2007
08/15/2007 07:42:30 AM
My daughters and I will never forget how nice Phyllis was to us. She was a positive role model for the young girls in our community. She was always smiling and positive even when facing a challenge. I will do my best to pick up in my community where she left off. Everything I do from now on will be a tribute to her beautiful life. I will listen to my daughters longer, smile harder, and hug more because every day is a gift. My prayes go out to her family. Love, Wendy, Raven and Kelsey
 
jonesy1
Comments: 2
Joined: 08/15/2007
08/15/2007 06:22:31 AM
This is very very sad for everyone.My heart and prayers go out to the family. She will greatly missed.I agree nassa she had a wonderful smile -she was a beautiful person.It so hard to believe that she is no longer with us -but surely not forgotten. I will pray for everyone.
 
vhspivey
Comments: 1
Joined: 08/15/2007
08/15/2007 05:55:08 AM
This has been a very sad and bewildering week for the Rome community.
I will miss getting the hug Phyllis would always give when we saw each other, and hear her said "Hello My Sister, how's the family" I will miss the beautiful smile and wave when we would pass each other on the road. I know I'm not alone when I say the Wright-Davis family are a part of my family. My hurt is no match to what the family is feeling, but it hurts the same. I pray for the family.
Nassa
 
BJD54
Comments: 1
Joined: 08/14/2007
08/14/2007 09:09:38 PM
This one of the worst thing could have happened to such a wonderful person. I will truly miss sharing with Phyllis the dolls we buy and the movies that we buy each. We shared each year when it get close to the thanksgiving feast dinner what a hard time we would have getting her the donation keyed in correctly. She would always called me to say it's time for the feed the hungry and to make sure the money was ready. My heart is broken and my prayers go out to the family.

 
Gadawg47
Comments: 13
Joined: 07/20/2007
08/14/2007 03:27:42 PM
They have a POI in the Wright Davis murder, not calling them a suspect yet just a POI
 
Trish26
Comments: 1
Joined: 08/14/2007
08/14/2007 12:31:54 PM
This is truely a sad day for my family God Bless You Phyllis or as my daughter Brianna would say MommyMommy .....My prayers go out to everyone in the family and i hope and pray the pepertrader is found soon and and we can all move on with the lost of OUR MOMMYMOMMY...WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU

 
msla
Comments: 569
Joined: 12/29/2005
08/14/2007 10:13:18 AM
I loved Phyllis.

She had those eyes that pulled you in... soft, clear, understanding and genuine. I volunteered with her over the years... we'd meet here and there... she was always a person I wanted to see again because she was like fresh air. I was born on a Thanksgiving Day so I made it my special time to volunteer at the civic center - I worked the dessert section... mostly I cracked jokes... mostly she smiled and laughed when she came around with her words of encouragement for everyone.

I have seen and heard Phyllis when she was distressed... but even then she was more concerned about the larger concept going on - the people or the program... she minimized care about herself and her struggles. Her petite size could barely hold her heart full of love... she was truly made in God's image because her heart had that amazing ability to stretch and stretch as her love for humanity grew... she was God's beautiful woman.

I hear her voice... still. She has not been silenced... I still hear her. If her attacker had only wounded her, she'd be the first person to lead the rest of us in prayer for that attacker... her voice... so sweet... it had a lullaby quality.

God, I thank you for Phyllis. Her life meant so much to so many... my sadness is the heaviest for those who will not get to know her.

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