In loving memory of EVELYN DAVIS - Obituary Baldwin Brothers

Obituary

In loving memory of Evelyn JoAnn Davis (1931-2022)

“Mom, Grandma, Nana, and Gigi” to 73 descendants

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beautiful matriarch, Evelyn JoAnn Davis. She passed away peacefully after a brief illness in Tavares, Florida on Tuesday, January 25, 2022.

JoAnn was born Evelyn JoAnn Barron on June 7, 1931, in Erwin, Tennessee, to William Barron and Elizabeth Pate. One of seven children, she responded to the challenges of the Great Depression by tap dancing, singing, and performing at home with her musically inclined siblings who affectionately called her “Jo.”

Early in her childhood, her family relocated to Hialeah, Florida. After attending Miami Edison High School, she wed Earnest Vernon Davis and devoted her life to raising her 10 children. Spending most of her life in South Florida, she enjoyed going to the beach, taking road trips to the Florida Keys, and listening to music. She was the heart and soul of her home and selflessly sacrificed her dreams for her family.

She was a dedicated employee with Southern Bell Telephone, where she worked for more than twenty years. Upon retirement, she relocated to Leesburg, Florida to live near her brother, Frank, and sister, Ruth. In Leesburg, she was a valued member of her church and enjoyed participating in various clubs and organizations, including the United Daughters of the Confederacy. She was active in her book club, played dominoes regularly, and continued to travel and spend time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

JoAnn is survived by her younger sister Mary O’Neil and her 9 adult children: Jeanette Baumgarten, Glenn Davis, Thomas Davis, Lisa Shaffer, Carolyn Davis, Kathleen Gonzalez, Marlene Ramirez, Andrea Alter, Michele Stanford; 26 grandchildren; and 36 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her son Samuel Davis, granddaughter Patricia Davis, and siblings William Barron, Elaine Power, Madge Griffing, Ruth Martin, and Frank Barron.

A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held for family and friends at 2:00 PM on Sunday, February 6, 2022. The ceremony will take place at Church On The Hill, 251 S.W. 4th Ave, Boca Raton, Florida. Flowers are welcome or donations to the Christian Appalachian Project (www.christianapp.org) can be made in JoAnn’s honor