El Paso has lost an eminent figure from its business and cultural landscape with the passing of Estine Davis, who died at the age of 92. Her son, Michael Davis, confirmed her death, leaving behind a legacy of over seven decades of entrepreneurship and community service. Davis, an icon in El Paso's African American community, was one of the city's earliest Black female business owners, having run Estine’s Eastside Barbershop since the 1960s. This establishment not only provided grooming services but also served as a community gathering place and a beacon of Black history within the city, as reported by El Paso Matters.
Davis's barbershop stood as the last vestige of a once vibrant cluster of Black-owned businesses, enduring even as much of El Paso's historic Black neighborhood was razed during the construction of Interstate 10. The shop, a fixture since 1960, finally closed its doors in September 2022. Her business was more than a place for haircuts; it was a cultural hub, celebrating Black achievements with its "Wall of Fame" and honoring history-making moments like the all-Black starting lineup of the 1966 Texas Western College basketball team, as detailed by KFOX-TV.
However, Estine Davis's contributions extended beyond the barbershop. For over 70 years, she was a prominent member of Shiloh Baptist Church, where she mentored youths and led community initiatives such as the annual Easter Parade. Her dedication to nurturing young minds was evident in her role as director/trainer of the church's children's usher board for over 50 years. Davis also founded Estine’s Fashion Model Agency and co-founded the McCall Neighborhood Center, ventures that underscored her commitment to empowerment and community service. Moreover, she led the El Paso Chapter of the Ninth & Tenth (Horse) Cavalry Association, ensuring the enduring legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers, as told by KFOX-TV.
The impact that Davis had on her community was significant, and it resonated with individuals like Monica Tucker, founder of Black El Paso Voice. Tucker reflected on Davis's influence, noting, "When it came to being a business owner and entrepreneur here, her words, her advice, that stuck out to me, but more importantly, how much she loved the pageant that she created. It was all about empowering young black women and that stood out to me the most," as per KTSM. In July 2025, Davis was chosen to be honored as the Living Legend of the Year by the Black Hall of Fame, a recognition that will now be presented posthumously in February 2026.
