Joyce Mildred Davis

Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 6, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Richland Hills Baptist Church. Luncheon for the family only will follow. At the family’s request, there will be no viewing or visitation.

Born November 13, 1935 in Medina, New York to Frank and Mildred Yarington, Joyce was raised in a Christian home and made it her goal in life to introduce everyone she knew to her Lord. She and her husband-to-be, Paul John Davis, grew up together in church and it was later said that their marriage on July 26, 1955 made everyone in that church a member of the family. Most recently she was a member of Richland Hills Baptist Church and spent many years singing in that choir.

Joyce enjoyed traveling and had visited much of the United States, including Hawaii. She went on many mission trips, and even participated in performing the traditional Christmas pageant in Merida, Mexico one summer, helping to improvise ways for the performers to remain cool in their heavy costumes in the summer heat. Vacation Bible Schools were always a part of her plans, and she loved teaching children their memory verses. In later years, she wrote and published several volumes of devotionals, in which she continued to teach the love of the Lord and His word. She read her Bible each and every day without fail, and referred to it frequently to solve a problem or find comfort.

Joyce loved to crochet, and every child and grandchild had at least one afghan made by Nonni. She perfected the art of crocheting name plaques for each one as they married and started their own homes, and many of her friends enjoyed these as well.

She loved singing, and along with her sisters, would harmonize on many familiar tunes. Together they played a game in which they came up with a well-known song for any word that anyone could think of, then would burst out singing it! Some of her children still play this game even today.

Perhaps most of all, she loved spending time with family. Never a holiday went by without a gathering at Mom and Dad’s house. Menus were planned for weeks and everyone had a part. When there were more people than could be seated at the table, a buffet would be set up and everyone would be seated on sofas, chairs, and even on the floor. She loved it when the house was overflowing with family to the point that some would even have to sit outside on the deck during the meal!

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Lorraine Yarington Luntz; a son, Keith Gerald Davis and a son-in-law, Jeffery Saxton; a grandchild, Jonathan Jordan; and a great-grandchild, Emilee.

Survivors: Husband, Paul Davis; sister, Shirley Yarington Anger; children, Kim Marie Davis Jordan, Kevin Paul Davis and wife, Deneen, and Karen Joyce Davis Saxton; daughter-in-law Micki Parkinson Huitt Davis; 11 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; and a host of extended family and close friends.