Davis, Betty Jo
In fond remembrance of Mrs. Betty Jo Davis, of Centerville, Tennessee, who passed away peacefully on March 7, 2024, at the age of 94 at Lifecare of Centerville. As a cherished cornerstone of her family, Betty embraced the role of mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother with boundless love.
Born in Coble, Tennessee to the late Brown Lee McClain and Georgia Edith Coble McClain, on February 27, 1930, Betty was an exceptional educator who demonstrated a profound love and commitment to education. After graduating with honors from Middle Tennessee State University, Betty fearlessly taught 5th graders outside of the Nashville area for two years. On her very first day, she welcomed over thirty students to an inclusive environment. In a memorable twist that day, a young boy brought a snake in a box, marking the beginning of Betty’s journey in education. Betty later spent several years educating both children and adults about good eating choices through the University of Tennessee’s Expanded Nutrition program, and then found her true calling back home teaching Freshman English in addition to English electives at Hickman County High School.
Betty met Bill Davis while they were lab partners in a chemistry class at MTSU. Not long after, she and Bill were married in 1958 and together they raised two children. As a beloved hostess, she and Bill orchestrated big family meals and often welcomed guests in their home. Her passion for cooking and baking transformed every gathering into a feast of warmth and joy. Betty’s generosity was as sweet as her homemade chocolate chip cookies. She dedicated herself to spreading joy by packing and delivering these treats to dear friends in the Nursing Home, at Tulipwood, and to friends confined to home. Betty also loved to fish. She could bait her own hook with a worm and take the fish off herself, all while maintaining perfectly manicured nails. Betty was an excellent seamstress and made everything from hand tailored suits to t-shirts to swimsuits appropriate for the many days her children spent playing in the creeks around the county.
In addition to her parents Betty is preceded in death by her husband, Bill Davis, sister, Mary Luther, sister. Nancy (Elijah) Roder, sister, Rebecca Jane McClain and grandson, Evan Davis.
Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Brad (Monica) Davis of Centerville, Tennessee, Lynn (Walter “Bubba”) Nelms of Germantown, Tennessee, brother-in-law Don Luther of Centerville, Tennessee, grandchildren, Louis (Macy) Nelms, Carter Nelms, Jackson (Kristie) Nelms, Savannah (Austin) York, Barrett (Holly) Davis, Lauren Messick and seven great grandchildren: Madden, Davis, Everett, Charlie, Emmy, Birdie, and Savannah. She also leaves several very dear cousins, nieces and nephews.
Betty was a devoted member of Centerville Church of Christ and leaves an enduring legacy as both an inspiration and a cherished member of our academic community. In lieu of flowers the family ask to please make donations to the Emma Nicks Education Fund at Centerville Church of Christ.
Visitation with the family will be 10 March 2024 from 4:00 – 8:00 PM at McDonald Funeral Home – Hickman County. Funeral Services will be 11 March 2024 at 2:00 PM at Centerville Church of Christ, 138 N Central Avenue, Centerville, TN with burial to follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery, Centerville, TN.
McDonald Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Davis family.
