On Thursday, Feb. 5, from 7-8 p.m., the Music Department at Union University hosted a Celebration of Life for Anderson Davis in Hartley Hall.
Anderson Davis, a worship leadership major from Fairborn, Ohio, died on Sunday, Jan. 25, after a battle with cancer. He would have been a sophomore this year, and during his time at Union, Davis was heavily involved in the music department as a member of UUWRSP. He was also a member of the GO Trip in Sudbury, Massachusetts.
The celebration included worship led by members of the music department and speakers including Dr. Dub Oliver, Union’s president; Dr. Tony Cooper, Davis’ Worship Studies professor; Lane Pyron, Davis’ former residence advisor and the current Student Body President; and Dr. Ray Van Neste, dean of Biblical Studies.
“He always had a smile,” said Pyron. “He was the most joyful person in the building.”
“Anderson was known for his unwavering faith in the midst of difficult circumstances,” said Dr. Bryan Carrier, the vice president of student life, in an email to the student body. “Shortly before his death, Anderson was singing Forrest Frank’s ‘Lord I Need You Now More Than Ever.’”
“He knew how to worship in the midst of pain,” said Cooper. “Anderson never took his eyes off Jesus.”
Dr. Cooper shared a prayer Anderson wrote, along with a video of him singing “Praise” by Elevation Worship from his hospital bed just a couple of months before his death.
The gathering gave students a chance to come together and celebrate a beloved friend and classmate. Through stories, music and fellowship, the community grieved and worshiped, encouraging one another in the midst of pain.
“Closure is needed for every person going through grief,” said Isaac Reid, a friend of Davis’ who helped lead worship. “With closure, you get a sense of finality and clarity that they’re in heaven.”
“In God’s sovereignty, every life is long enough, and every death is timely,” said Dub. “While we’re shaking our heads in disbelief, Anderson is lifting his hands in worship.”
