Josephine Blair Davis

Josephine Blair Davis passed away February 15, 2018, at the age of 97. She was born in Camden, Arkansas, March 17, 1920, to the late Walter and Bessie Graves Blair. Josephine was educated in Waldo, El Dorado, and Alexandria (La.), and graduated from Arkansas High School in Texarkana, Arkansas, in 1938. As a young woman, Josephine loved her summers at Camp Waldemar in Hunt, Texas, leading her to attend Baylor University with her dear camp friends. In August of 1941, she married Laurin Davis Jr., and they began a most glamorous life together in Hollywood, California, until the outbreak of WWII when Laurin enlisted in the Army. Following the war, Josephine and Laurin made their home in Magnolia, Ark. In the 70 years she lived there, she became most active in the community, never missing a party. Full of grace and style, she was described by many as the "hostess you always aspired to be." She was the life of the party, an eternal optimist who lived her life to the fullest. Never turning down an opportunity for adventure, she traveled the world and famously returned from each trip saying, "It was the best time I ever had." She was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church, Sunday School Class and Women's Circle, serving on the Board of Trustees, and in local and state capacities with First United Methodist Women. She was an active member of The Garden Club, and the Magnolia Junior Charity League, always performing in its "Follies" fundraising productions, and was a devoted sister in Chapter AN, P.E.O. Josephine was an avid, competitive golfer and bridge player, and enjoyed winning many tournaments. Josephine was a compassionate supporter of the communities of Magnolia and Waldo, and numerous charitable and social causes. Her signature sense of fashion carried over into her role at the iconic Lois Gean's ladies boutique in Magnolia, where she accompanied the owner on numerous trips to apparel marts in New York, Dallas and elsewhere. Josephine loved and was loved by everyone. She was a stranger to no one, and no one was left in need or without her famous chocolate sheet cake. She is preceded in death by her parents and husband, and is survived by a daughter, Lanette Davis Beard and husband James, a son, John Melville Davis and wife Sally, all of Little Rock; grandchildren Vance Blanchard and wife Katherine, Laurin Beard, Ansley Beard, John Davis, Jr., Scott Steed, Sara Koger and husband Mike; five great grandchildren, and her beloved friends whom she considered family. Visitation will be held at Lewis Funeral Home in Magnolia from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, February 18, 2018, with a memorial service at The First United Methodist Church of Magnolia at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, February 19, 2018. Memorials may be made to The First United Methodist Church of Magnolia, CCAPS (Columbia County Animal Protection Society) or charity of choice. To sign the online guestbook visit www.lewisfuneralhome.biz.