Ella Ruth Roberts Davis

Ella Ruth Roberts Davis, 94, died on September 10, 2012. She was the widow of Dr. Granville D. Davis of Memphis; her parents were Cecil and Taylor Roberts of Little Rock. Remarkable devotion to family and friends was central to Ellie's life. She developed and nurtured deep caring relationships with many, staying in touch with diverse and far-flung loved ones and maintaining great interest in their lives and well-being. A graduate of Hendrix College, Mrs. Davis married James N. Dowell in 1941, living in Little Rock. She was an active participant in the life of Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church, serving as Membership Secretary there for many years. Other professional positions included helping to launch the local Kelly Girls temporary employment agency and working in the office of Drs. Robert Ross and Travis Crews. In 1974 she married Dr. Davis, Professor and Dean of Continuing Education at Rhodes College. She became immersed in church and community activities in Memphis and was awarded a Life Membership by the Presbyterian Women of Evergreen Presbyterian Church. She delivered Meals on Wheels weekly and held memberships in The Women's Exchange, the Memphis Arts and Garden Club, the Century Club, the Rhodes Faculty Wives, King's Daughters and the Swamp Jackson Adult Study Group (taught by Dr. Davis). They also enjoyed the activities of a group of lifelong Arkansas friends who named themselves the Jolly Geriatrics. After Dr. Davis' death, Ellie returned to Arkansas, first to Country Club Village in Hot Springs and then to Fox Ridge in North Little Rock. She joined the activities of First United Methodist Church in Hot Springs; at her death she was a member of Lakewood United Methodist Church in North Little Rock. In addition to her parents and Dr. Davis, she was preceded in death by brother, Taylor R. Roberts and sister-in-law, Gwendolyn Landrum. Ellie is survived by daughter, Jane Dowell Kendall (Tony) of North Little Rock; son, James Taylor Dowell (Adele) of Ossining, New York; step-daughter, Kathy Davis Bradfield (Jerry) of Memphis; grandchildren: Barry Kendall (Mirit Cohen) of San Francisco, California, Emily Kendall Ross (David) of Vilonia, Jennifer Dowell of Portland, Maine and Jessica Dowell of Baltimore, Maryland; great-grandchildren: Allison, Henry and George Ross; sister, Bernice Carrigan of North Little Rock; sister-in-law, Dee Roberts of Little Rock; and six nieces and nephews. The family extends their sincere appreciation to the staff of Fox Ridge for their compassionate care. Visitation will be held at Griffin Leggett Rest Hills Funeral Home at 7724 Landers Rd. in North Little Rock on Sunday, September 16 from 5 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. A celebration of Ellie's life will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, September 17, at Griffin Leggett Rest Hills Chapel. Burial will be private at Roselawn Memorial Park in Little Rock. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to the Meeman Center for Lifelong Learning, Rhodes College at 2000 North Parkway, Memphis, Tenn. 38112-1690. Please visit the online registry at: www.griffinleggettresthills.com.