Joan Davis

Known to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren as Grandmother, Joan began life in Coryell County. She was born at home. Her parents, Franklin Brown and Alice Beall Berry Brown had seven children, Tolephus Morgan Brown, Frankie Merle Keener, Dr. Walter Lee Brown (who lives in Arkansas with his wife Jane), Edith Raye Dyson Mueller, Sara Elizabeth Brown, Michael Brown, and the youngest, Joan.

Her parents owned a small farm and ranch. Joan met her future husband at Gatesville High School. They married on June 21, 1951. Clay Johnson Davis served his country and earned the rank of sergeant. Using the GI Bill, Clay earned his B.S. and M.S. from Baylor University and worked as a public school administrator for 38 years. Joan worked as head teller for Pioneer Savings and earned her B.S. and M.S. from Baylor also. She worked in public schools as a classroom teacher.

She admired Eunice Kennedy greatly and following in her footsteps, helped sponsor the first Special Olympics statewide in Waco, Texas in the ‘60’s. She and Cindy Mills Tooker chaperoned the qualifiers to the National Special Olympics in Chicago. She also helped establish the Learn to Swim program for The American Red Cross in Waco for a number of years.

Joan and Clay were the proud parents of Glenn Clay, B.S. ‘79 Baylor, Debra Alice, B.S. ’81, M.S. ’82 Baylor, and Nancy Diane, B.S. ’83, M.S. ’84 Baylor. Glenn’s children are Tyler Tyrel, Montana Joan,
and Glenn Clay (G.C.). Tyler Tyrel Miller and her husband Roderick live in McGregor with their children Charles Roderick III (Trey) and Aaliyah Nicole. Montana is a sophomore at North Texas State University and G.C. is a 7th grader at McGregor.

Glenn teaches history at Travis Middle School for Temple ISD. He has had a wonderfully successful coaching career. Debra teaches English and Health at Rio Vista Middle School and is active in her church, Covenant Church in Joshua. Nancy teaches English at TEAM School, an at-risk high school in Cleburne. She worships at the same church as Deb and is active in Camp Fire Boys and Girls and Relay for Life (American Cancer Society).

We are getting together at The Farm to celebrate Joan’s (Grandmother’s) life. Mom asked that instead of flowers or plants, her friends and family members make donations to The American Cancer Society, Camp Fire U.S.A., Mother Neff State Park, or their own charity or church. We will have three buckets at the farm for those three charities.

Mom survived uterine and colon cancer, but was unable to overcome pancreatic cancer. Our family was especially blessed and mom wanted us to thank Dr. Alan Trumbly and his team of nurses, aides, and techs at Scott and White, Vasicek Cancer Treatment Center, her home health team, Katie and Tammy, and her hospice team: Christine, Lisa, Fred, Karen, Kimberley, and Denise. They gave her the gift of life for these last six months and were compassionate and proactive throughout the battle. Your gift of comfort and quality of life for the last six months was wonderful.

A lifelong Democrat, mom campaigned locally and nationally and gave a voice to those who could not speak for themselves. Mom had a passion for all living things. She loved to garden and read. She devoted her life to her family, believed in education, and her faith in Christ was evident always.

When you come to help us celebrate Grandmother’s life Saturday evening, August 15, 2009 from 6 to 8, please know that the bridge is out on the park side of Mother Neff, so you will need to go around to the Olgesby side to get to The Farm. Our address is 3875 Olgesby Neff Park Road, Moody, TX 76557. If you cannot make it – leave a message for us at Grace Gardens’ website and know that you are welcome anytime.

Mom’s legacy would be that you get your degree, because that is something that no one can ever take away from you. In whatever direction life takes you – be happy and let it bring you joy!
P.S. It’s okay to let the dogs in the house, too!
P.S.S. Sic ‘em Bears!