Jean B Davis

She was born in Lost Creek, West Virginia, on October 1, 1928 to Frank andStella (VanHorn) Bailey. The granddaughter of a dedicated Seventh Day Baptist minister, Jean was raised in her grandparents' home. Her appreciation of the wider family ofSeventh Day Baptists flourished when, at the age of fifteen, she worked at the denomination's Recorder Press in Plainfield, New Jersey, where her grandfather had taken on the work of editor of the Sabbath Recorder (This monthly periodical for and about Seventh Day Baptists has been in production since 1844, has world-wide circulation, and is now edited in Janesville, Wisconsin).

Marrying her childhood classmate from Sabbath School , Ken Davis, she supported him when he received the call himself to become a minster. Faithfully serving five churches with her pastor-husband since 1961, Jean's loving support as wife mother, counselor, teacher and friend has been emulated by other pastors' wives. Her listening ear and tender heart have soothed not only family and friends, but also those who seem to have no family or friends. She not only listened but responded with practical help when she could. Jean and Ken opened their home several times to help young people find their way.

Jean gladly shared her musical gifts by singing for church and community as well as accompanying several choirs on piano or organ, playing faithfully in recent years for her Bradenton SDB Church family who will miss her very much (This past Thanksgiving, while visiting the Daytona Beach SDB Church, she was asked to play, and she received a standing ovation for the inspiring five-hymn medley she courageously pieced together under the guidance of the Holy Spirit practically at the last minute). In addition, during the winter months, for many years, she played for the non-denominational church at interset RV Resort in Palmetto.

She remained active not only as organist, but also as a deaconess and the Sabbath School Superintendant in her church until this month. Devotedly loyal to her husband, she had remained at his side in his declining years, taking on increased responsibility in the church as his health declined. Until the Lord took her Home, Jean supported her church's new pastor Michael Spearl, helping him plan worship music and proctoring his exams as he pursued his ministerial studies. Jean was surprised and humbled when in 2008 the Seventh Day Baptist General Conference in USA and Canada honored her with the Women's Robe of Achievement for her years of service.

She is survived by her five children: Susan (Rich) Bond of Palmetto; Deborah (Steve) Giles of Battle Creek, MI; Kenneth (Karen) Davis of Lancaster, PA; Paul (Dusty) Davis of Salem, WV; and Janice (Bob) Noel of East Leroy, MI; 19 grandchildren; and 45 great-grandchildren.

Jean was preceded in death by her husband and by her daughter Sally.

A memorial service will be held in Salem, West Virginia, in August following the annual General Conference of Seventh Day Baptists.

Arrangements under the direction of National Cremation & Burial Society, Sarasota, FL.