Leta Joyce Davis, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and cherished member of the horticultural community, passed away on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at the age of 86. She was born on December 10, 1937 in Seminole, Oklahoma, and leaves behind a legacy of dedication, love, and warmth that will be fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Leta's professional journey was defined by her passion for horticulture. She devoted her career to establishing the Tampa Wholesale Nursery in Dover, FL, where her expertise flourished and left an indelible mark on the industry. As a lifelong member of the Florida Nurseryman and Landscapers Association and the Camellia Society, she shared her knowledge generously, leaving an enduring impact on her colleagues and the field she cherished.
Alongside her professional accomplishments, Leta was a devoted wife to Roy Gene Davis for 60 years, a loving mother to her son Steve and daughter-in-law Vivian Davis, and a cherished grandmother to her five grandchildren: Catherine, Shannon (and husband Jason Hill), Eric (and wife Courtney Davis), Ashley, and Michael Jr. (and wife Megan Davis). She was also blessed with seven great-grandchildren who brought immense joy to her life.
Leta's journey was marked by both joy and sorrow. While she was preceded in death by her son Michael Davis, Sr., her memory lives on through the love and resilience of her family. In addition to her professional pursuits, Leta found solace and happiness in her hobbies, including ceramics, gardening, fishing, and the companionship of her beloved dogs.
The viewing will begin at 1pm followed by her funeral service at 2pm and will be held at Blount & Curry Funeral Home at Garden of Memories, located at 4207 E. Lake Ave., Tampa, FL 33610. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the George C. Forsythe Hospice House, located at 450 Arneson Ave, Auburndale, FL 33823, in honor of Leta's memory.
As we bid farewell to Leta Joyce Davis, we find solace in the memories we shared and the profound impact she had on our lives. Her kindness, wisdom, and love will forever illuminate our hearts, guiding us through the days ahead with a sense of gratitude for having known such a remarkable soul. May she rest in eternal peace, surrounded by the beauty she nurtured and the love she so freely gave.
