Jason Edward Davis

Jason was born May 22, 1972, the middle child to Bette Davis (deceased).  He departed this life on Monday, July 7, 2025. 

After the death of his mother, Jason and his brother Clarence moved to Pittsburgh with their aunt, Kizetta Vaughn. While in Pittsburgh, Jason attended Churchill High School and in his senior year, he moved back to Harrisburg with his sister Lauren Williams (Linc), and subsequently graduated in 1990 from John Harris High School, Harrisburg, PA. Jason attended Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) where he studied Culinary Arts.

On March 16, 1992, Jason went to work for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania where he remained a dedicated employee for 33 years. He began his career at the Harrisburg State Hospital until it closed in 2006 and then transferred to the Department of General Services until his death.

During his many years of service to the State, Jason served as Union Steward at the state hospital and was a member of the E-Board for the American Federation of State and County Municipal Employees (AFSME). 

Jason was united in marriage to his loving and devoted wife Lar-Kay Davis (Martin) on November 2, 2013. Jason and Lar-Kay knew each other from high school and reconnected at the grocery store and the love story began. After a few years of courtship, Jason and Lar-Kay were engaged on December 25, 2003, and married on November 2, 2013. Together they raised two children, Kiandra Martin-Smith (Stephon) and Shaquille Martin.

Jason had a big heart which he gave to his wife of 21 years. He was a family man and loved spending time with family and friends. He loved being a father; and when he became a grandfather, “Pop Pop” to Stephon Jr. that was the joy of his existence. You could see the smile on his face with the mere mention of his grandson who he affectionately referred to as his “man-man.”

Jason loved to travel with his loving wife. They made numerous trips to Maryland to spend time with their daughter, son-in-law and grandson. They were also frequent travelers to Pittsburgh to spend time with family, staying with his sister, Jynhae Vaughn-Tyler (Larry) and brother, Charles Vaughn. They also enjoyed their more recent trips to Orlando and Las Vegas with the entire family.  

Jason was a die-hard Pittsburgh Steeler Fan.  He could talk about them for hours.  He enjoyed going to the annual Pittsburgh Rib Fest at Heinz Field.  Jason had a passion for “smoking” and “grilling.”  He was known by family as “Grill Master Jay.”  He would smoke just about anything, chicken, sausage, brisket; he might have even smoked a hot dog; but he loved smoking ribs.  He had his collection of BBQ sauces that he would talk about and strongly recommend.  Jason was also a jokester.  He told the best stories.  His contagious laugh would have you in stitches before the punch line. As he is telling the story, he would begin laughing knowing what was coming, and you would be laughing anticipating what was to come.  He loved to make people laugh and smile; and he is surely loved and missed by his entire family.

He was preceded in death by his mother (Bette D. Davis) and father-in-law (Earnest Ralph Martin). He leaves to cherish his memory: his loving wife of 21 years, Lar-Kay; Daughter Kiandra Smith (Stephon), son Shaquille (Shaq) Martin, grandson Stephon (man-man) Smith Jr; Mother-in-Love Dorothy L Martin;  siblings: Lauren Williams (Linc); Clarence (Clay) Davis; Jynhae Tyler (Larry); Charles (Pro) Vaughn; Brother-in-law Earnest Stanley Martin; Sisters-in-law: Vickie Hutchinson, Cynthia Clark, Karen Hills (Regas), and Iesha Martin; Aunt Kizetta Vaughn, and many nieces and nephews, a great niece, a great-great niece, a host of cousins and friends.

Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers.