Obituaries

Betty Davis

Photo of Betty Davis
Betty Davis, 99, just shy of her 100th birthday, died Monday, April 24, at the Briarwood Rehab Center in Little Rock, Arkansas. Betty spent most of her adult life in Little Rock. She was born in Louisiana July 23, 1917 to parents, Albert J. and Maggie Eva Coats. She married George Rone Davis September 9, 1937 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Betty and George managed a Marina on Lake Ouachita and Maumelle. She worked for Worthern Bank as a teller until she retired. She was a member of the Delta Sigma Phi International Sorority. Her sorority sisters were best friends and the topic of many conversations. Betty participated in the Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary and enjoyed volunteering to help others. A grandson wrote, "She was a feisty little pistol.. had a huge heart ... quick with a smile and generous with hugs." Hugs were her specialty. A longtime sorority sister said Betty always thanked God for giving her each day. Betty is survived by her son, Jim and wife, Jan Davis in Fort Wayne, Indiana; 10 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren: Freeman, Chris, Greg, Sue Ellen, Tonya, Sarah, Jimmy (KC/Andrew Kelly) and George/Dawn (Nick & Joel), Mikel/Michele (Caelyn, Hali & Teagan), Rone/Cindy and three great-great-grandchildren, Layla, Miki & Connor Kelly. Nieces and nephews include Birdie Mae Hackney, Mike and Tonya Coats, Craig Coats, Ray and Barbara Coats, Kay, Ken Carter, Ernie and Donna Carter. She was preceded in death by her husband, George, who died in 1979 and her son, William R (Bill) who died in 1997, her parents, and her brothers and sisters, Gus, Mary, James, Juanita, Toliver (TR), William (Bill), Ernestine (Tena) and Ernie. Donations may be sent to Our Lady of Holy Souls Church in Little Rock, Arkansas where Betty was a longtime member. Many thanks to Janet Crenshaw who cared for Betty as if she were her mother for many years. Thanks to all of Betty's neighbors, post lady and city workers who checked on her. Also, thanks to the staff of Briarwood Rehab for their gentle and compassionate care. A special thanks to Brandy, Rachel and Angel who comforted Betty in her final hours. Visitation will be Sunday, April 30, 2017 from 2 p.m. until the time of the Rosary beginning at 4 p.m., both at Ruebel Funeral Home Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, May 1, 2017 at 10:30 a.m., at Our Lady of the Holy Souls Catholic Church with a burial following at Calvary Cemetery in Little Rock. Arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home. www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.

Published April 28, 2017

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