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Obituary: Inez Neilson Davis

Watson & Sons Funeral Home presents:

 

Inez Neilson Davis, 89, of Center, Texas passed away on October 17, 2015 in Carthage, Texas.

 

Funeral services will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Center, Texas on Tuesday, October 20, 2015 at 1:30 pm with Reverend Karen Jones officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Center, Texas. Visitation will be on Monday, October 19, 2015 at Watson and Sons Funeral Home from 5-7 pm.

 

Inez was born in McKinney, Texas to the late H.H. Neilson, Sr. and Mavet Thomas Neilson on February 20, 1926. She graduated from McKinney High School in 1943 and from Southern Methodist University in 1946 with degrees in Spanish and Psychology. She was also an active member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority.

 

Inez put her servant’s heart into practice from a very young age, and she would continue to use her God-given gifts and time to the benefit of others her entire life. She used her love of singing and dancing to help plan events and dances for returning soldiers through the U.S.O. in McKinnney following World War II.

 

It was a blind date, arranged by her SMU roommate, which introduced Inez to her own soldier, W.I. Davis, Jr. She and W.I. were engaged to be married in 1946, with their wedding the following year on April 5 in McKinney, Texas. Upon marriage, the couple moved to Center, Texas to start their life together, putting down roots that would spread all across East Texas.

 

Throughout her life, Inez lent her support to the First United Methodist Church of Center. There, she used her musical talents as a member and director of the Center First United Methodist Church Choir. She recognized the importance of practicing a strong faith, becoming an active member of the United Methodist Women. Along with Doris Parker and other members, she initiated a local nursing home ministry that continues to this day, hosting monthly birthday celebrations for the residents.

 

Inez and W.I. knew the value of a Christian household, and wanted to help provide an opportunity for the same Christian home environment to Texas orphans and foster children as they gave their own family. Together, Inez and W.I. supported the Methodist Children’s Home, regularly participating in Wrangler meetings for the Boys’ Ranch.

 

To say that Inez enjoyed fellowship with her family and community would be an understatement. She had an indescribable way of making everyone she met feel comfortable, welcomed, loved, and like an immediate addition to her family. She exuded grace, selflessness, hospitality, and impeccable southern charm to all she met. Inez possessed incredible wisdom, which she earned through an earnest and disciplined study of God’s word. Instead of using wise words, more often than not she led by example. She showed her faith through her actions, her warm smile that extended through her clear blue eyes, and her unwavering presence at all of her church ministries. The love that the Lord poured out on her she gave unselfishly to each person she encountered.

Inez shared her musical talents with the Center Music Study Club, and was a life member of the National Federation of Music Study Clubs. Inez enjoyed regularly attending state and national music club conventions.

She was a charter member of the Eta Rho chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority in Center.

 

Mindful of the family legacy passed on to her, Inez joined the Nacogdoches chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She went on to leave her legacy to younger generations who look up to her, family and community alike.

Inez learned early on one of life’s most important lessons. Her life was not without illness, sorrow, or challenges, but when these trials came she did not hesitate to trust in God’s strong foundation. She continued to get up, get dressed, sing God’s praises, and greet everyone with her warm, gracious smile; a smile from the heart, and from her solid faith in God that is forever imprinted in all of our hearts.

 

Inez is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Neilson and Diana Ashby Davis; daughter and son-in-law, Cynthia Davis Griffin and Guy Griffin; grandson, Patrick Griffin and wife, Kasey; granddaughter, Kelly Griffin Wahl and husband, Wesley; grandchildren, Shannon Grammer and Larry Shoults; great-grandsons, Justin and Jason Bobbitt, numerous other relatives, and a host of friends.

 

She was preceded in death by her husband, W.I. Davis, Jr. and brother, Horace Neilson, Jr.

 

A heartfelt thanks to Marie Small, LaKendra Barnes, the caregivers of Always There Home Care, and Marion Place for their loving care of our mother.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorials be made to the Methodist Children’s Home, P.O. Box 5010, Waco, Texas 76708 or First United Methodist Church, 211 Porter Street, Center, Texas 75935.

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