Iona “Jean” (Hendrick) Davis, 93, left her earthly life on July 3, 2024 in Vero Beach, Florida. Jean was born in Shelby, North Carolina on January 5, 1931 to Dollie Genett and Columbus Buren Hendrick, and was the baby sister of Charles "Chuck." The family first moved to Charlotte, then she and her parents came to Melbourne, FL in the late 1950's. Jean moved to Indian River County from Hawaii in the 1970's after her husband, W.J. Davis’s retirement from the U.S.A.F.
She was born into a musical family, her parents having had a music radio show in Charlotte, NC in the 1930's. Her brother "Chuck" played sax and led the Chuck Hendrick Orchestra in Charlotte for many years. She always jokingly said, "That gene skipped me." However, that didn't stop her from trying to cultivate the recessive gene. She loved to sing and spent many hours harmonizing with young daughter Deb on road trips. She learned to play the ukulele and on several occasions joined her father after his retirement for special performances of Hawaiian music. Lastly, in her 60's she decided to take electric guitar lessons. Her guitar and amp remain in her den today.
Since Jean didn't foresee a musical career, she worked for a time in the Office of the Florida Insurance Commissioner in Melbourne and continued in private insurance while she and husband Willie were stationed in Hawaii.
Jean had a traveler's spirit and loved a new adventure. During their time in the Air Force they were stationed in Upper Peninsula Michigan where she enjoyed night rides on their snowmobile and ice skating on a rink Willie created in the back yard. They went from ice and snow to sun and sand on their next assignment in Honolulu (Oahu), Hawaii. While there she visited other Hawaiian islands, seeing the black sands of Maui and the then active volcano on the Big Island. She particularly enjoyed a trip to Rome, Italy with a girlfriend.
Jean became a young widow after the sudden early death of Willie in 1990, which she bravely faced, and continued with her life and travels. Over the subsequent years she went on 22 cruises, and loved every minute.
She is survived by adoring Daughter Deborah (Deb) Freed and Son-in Law Dr. Gary Freed, Sister-in-Law Shirley Hendrick, Nieces Sandy Hoffman and Sherry Goodwin, Grandniece Michelle Calandro, and close Cousin's Sue Stone and Tom Queen. She was also like a second mother to Frances & Tommy, Sue & Lee (who called her "Mama Jean") and Lori (who called her "Aunt Jean").
Mom, as you continue your travels, we know you will be lovingly invited to join the chorus. May your spirit soar.
Memorial donations may be made in Jean’s remembrance to: VNA Hospice House https://vnatc.org or VNA Hospice House, 901 37th St., Vero Beach, FL 32960
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