Phyllis Holt Davis comes from a long line of prominent preachers. She is the great-granddaughter of renowned evangelist George Philip Bowser and the daughter of minister G.P. Holt. Her mother, Olivia, is a preacher’s daughter, and many of her uncles also are ministers.

For 30 years, Davis helped train future generations of preachers and church members at Southwestern Christian College. She recently retired as professor of social science and history from the Terrell, Texas, college.

She attended Michigan Christian College before earning a bachelor’s from Pepperdine University in Malibu, Calif., where she also earned a master’s in sociology.

A lifelong advocate for adoption and foster care, she has served as a caseworker for public agencies including the Red Cross and as a recruiter and parent trainer for the Dallas Minority Adoption Council.

She and her husband of 42 years, Willie, attend the Marsalis Avenue Church of Christ in Dallas, where they have taught marriage classes and assist in college ministry. They have three children and five grandchildren.