Ala Joy Davis

Ala Joy Young Davis, 80, a beloved wife, mother, NaNa, sister, aunt, Auntie NaNa, and friend passed away peacefully on August 13, 2024. She was born May 24, 1944, in Gorman, Texas. Ala Joy’s journey through life was marked by her boundless love, enduring friendships, and a legacy of strength and grace.

Ala Joy’s early life was shaped by her father’s career with Lone Star Gas, which took the family across eight different cities before they settled in Irving, Texas, during her junior year in high school. She graduated from Irving High School in 1962, made lifelong friends, and met the love of her life, Nik Davis. They married on February 16, 1963, and remained happily married for 58 years until Nik’s passing.

As a Navy wife, AlaJoy embraced the challenges and adventures that came with the role, moving with Nik from Texas to Bambridge, Maryland, and Long Beach, California, before returning to Texas. Their family grew with the birth of their daughters, Penni and Kristi, and together, they created a home filled with love, laughter, and countless cherished memories. AlaJoy attended Arlington State College and received her Associate's Degree from Tarrant County Junior College. She was not only a devoted wife and mother but also an accomplished professional. Her career took her from the world of computer programming at Mobile Oil to Director at the US Chamber of Commerce to Director of the Dallas Fine Jewelry Show at the Dallas Market Center. Her contributions were recognized with the prestigious Morse B. Zale Award for her influence in the jewelry industry. Later, she found a true passion in real estate, where she worked alongside her youngest daughter at Ebby Halliday Realtors.

Beyond her professional achievements, Ala Joy’s heart led her to serve her community, church, and her children’s lives. She was a dedicated volunteer, teaching vacation Bible school and Sunday school at First Baptist Church, Past President and life member of PTA, Past President of the Mid-cities PeeWee Cheerleading Association, Trinity Troy-Ann Booster Club member, Past President of Mid-Cities AMBUCS and long time member. Her commitment to giving back was unwavering, and she touched countless lives through her generosity and service.

Ala Joy’s warmth, charm, and radiant smile endeared her to everyone she met. She cultivated deep and lasting friendships, always making time for her loved ones. A master seamstress, an avid reader, and a lover of games, dancing, travel, and entertaining, Ala Joy’s greatest joy came from her family. She was immensely proud of her daughters and grandsons, supporting them in all their endeavors, from Girl Scouts, cheerleading, dancing, and drill team to baseball and equestrian competitions. Her love knew no bounds, and she made every holiday, birthday, and special occasion truly memorable.

Ala Joy is preceded in death by her parents Claude Thomas Young and Leona Perrin Young, her sister Peggy Young Echols, niece Kasey Condron Kuhn, and her loving husband of 58 years, Nik Davis.

Survived by daughters Penni Davis Lemmon and husband Bill, Kristi Davis, grandsons Alec and Seth Lemmon, sister Brinda Young Snoke, Brother in Law Jim Davis and wife Sally Sue, niece Debbie Echols Gilby, nephews Ryan Thomas Fowler, Jimmy Echols and a host of extended family and dear friends who will carry her spirit forward.

Memorials can be made to Whispers of Hope Horse Farm in Wichita Falls, TX a 501(c)(3) non-profit where her grandson Seth competes in the Challenged Show Team. Donations can be made at www.whispersofhopeHF.org