Louise S. Davis was born on April 19, 1915 in Montgomery, Alabama to the late Louis Davis and the late Rosebud Curry Davis. She was the second child born to that union. Louise's family moved to Chicago when she was three months old. She attended Betsy Ross and Coleman Elementary Schools. She also attended Lucy Flower and Englewood High Schools where she graduated.

At the age of 17, Louise met the handsome Paul G. Buford at the Savoy Ballroom on 4ih Street. They fell in love and were joined in Holy Matrimony on January 21, 1934. From this union 16 children was born, 13 daughters and 3 sons. A union blessed with 58 wonderful years, until the death of her husband.

Louise was raised on the Southside of Chicago. In the 1930's, 40's and 50's, an era of high society gatherings of Chicago Southside Bronzeville, Louise, and Paul were socialites. She was a member of the Snappy Coeds Social Club, and he was a member of the Gay Cadets, where they held elegant social affairs at the Parkway Ballroom. During the heyday of being entertained by the great, Count Basie, Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, and Duke Ellington, she frequented social affairs at the Grand Ballroom, the Savoy Ballroom, Club DeLisa, and the Parkway Ballroom. Louise's legacy with the history of Chicago's Southside extends beyond 8 decades. She shared valuable history of this city, with her children, grandchildren, and many extended friends. She was a leader, mentor, and extended Mom to many. Louise was greatly loved, she was our Matriarch!

Louise was baptized Catholic and faithfully practiced her religion. She was a GOD-fearing woman. She was a member of St. Benedict the African (formally named St. Bernard's Church), where she held the office of President of the Women's Club and was actively involved in the school and church activities for over 10 years. Louise was President, and Secretary of the 82nd and Laflin Block Club. After she reared her children, she decided to seek employment. Louise worked at the Cass Hotel, St. Joseph's Hospital, Weiss Memorial Hospital, and Internal Revenue Services where she retired in the late 1980's.

Louise was a dedicated Mother who spoiled and enjoyed all of her children. She raised 12 daughters and 3 sons in a stern, nurturing, loving home. On Friday evenings, our house was filled with laughter, dancing, and music. There was always entertainment, with us having talent shows, or playing board games, celebrating birthdays or preparing for family picnics. For one year during the 1990’s Louise and her surviving 14 children enjoyed spending one weekend of each month together at each of her children’s homes for a pajama party, where we had door prizes, games, dance contests and plenty of food. With all of her children, their friends were always welcomed, after a “proper initiation” they became part of our extended family (those of you that really knew her…know what we mean). Up until her death, our extended family continued to visit and call her, due to their love and concern for her.

Louise had an enormous impact on the lives of three generations of grandchildren. She was deeply loved, adored, and respected by her grandchildren. She was blessed to touch the lives of 36 grandchildren, 72 great-grandchildren, and 35 great-great grandchildren. They all" honored "her and her memories will be cherished for many years.

Louise was preceded in death by her father, Louis, mother, Rosebud, brother, Louis, Jr., sister, Chester Mae, her husband, Paul, 5 daughters Rosebud, Rose Myrtle, Coretta, Loretta and Beverly, her eldest grandchild, Denise (Alma), grandson, Shannon and great-grandson Eugene (Montrell).

Louise leaves to mourn her 11 children, Shirley, Lucille, Luther, Myra, Michael, Diana, Gregory, Lynn (Rosie), Harriette, Patricia (Patty), and Cynthia. 1 daughter-in-law, Carolyn Buford, 3 son-in-laws, Henry (Hank) Kemp, Allyn Moody and Ardrain Haywood, 1 niece, Delphine Taylor, 2 nephews Theodore Buford and John Taylor. A host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, extended family, and friends.