Obituary
Vine Valley- Helen Ann Dorman Davis, 100, passed away, surrounded by family, on July 18, 2017.
Friends may call Saturday (July 22nd) from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Middlesex Baptist Church. A Funeral Service will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the church. Burial will be in Overackers Cemetery.
Charitable contributions may be made to Middlesex Baptist Church, P.O. Box 57, Middlesex, NY 14507; or LeTourneau Christian Camp, 4950 County Rd. #11, Rushville, NY 14544.
Helen was born on October 29, 1916 in Middlesex, New York. She was the second daughter of Frank and Ada Dorman, behind her sister, Ruth Dorman Spitz. They had a younger brother, Rodney. Helen grew up in the Middlesex area, where she continued to live the rest of her life. She attended Middlesex High School and graduated at age 14. She completed a post
graduate course at age 15.
Helen married Francis “Happy” Davis in 1934. They were blessed with 4 sons: Ron Davis, Floyd “Skip” Davis, Gene Davis and Ray Davis. Helen and “Happy raised their boys together, until Happy’s death in 1968. Having become a widow at a relatively young age, Helen became the true matriarch of her ever-growing family and extended family. Always self- sufficient, she worked at Agway until her retirement at the age of 65.
Helen had a gifted mind, blessed with a tremendous aptitude for numbers and loved reading, which she passed on to all her sons. She also developed an interest in baseball later in life. The Texas Rangers were her
favorite team and she was an avid fan.
Her devotion to God, family and her church was unwavering. She served as Church Treasurer, Clerk and was on the Executive Board, as well as teaching Sunday School. Up until the time that her progeny totaled well above dozens of great-grandchildren, she annually sent birthday cards and Christmas gifts to all of her grandchildren, remembering all of their birthdays, attending all their weddings and keeping up with each and everyone. (Before Facebook, email and any form of social media!)
For several years, Helen spent her winters in Alabama where two of her sons and their wives and several grandchildren lived. She enjoyed getting away from the snow and cold winters, but mostly looked forward to being around her family, which eventually included great-grandchildren.
Helen drove her own car until the age of 94 and lived independently until 95. She was treasurer of her assisted living HOA, until she believed it time to relinquish her volunteer role when she couldn’t get the checkbook to balance. She was 94.
Her fierce independence, strong will, quiet strength and sharp mind were only a small example of Helen’s many admirable, remarkable qualities. She worshiped the Lord, cherished her family and church in the same manner her entire life – with complete belief, support and love. She was truly an inspiration to all of her family and a role model for many generations of Davis’ and friends. Helen was respected and loved by many and will be missed dearly.
Those left to cherish her memories include all 4 sons and their wives, Ron (Carol) Davis, Skip (Pat) Davis, Gene (Sharon) Davis and Ray (Linda) Davis; 10 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and loving friends.
Helen was pre-deceased by her parents; husband, Happy Davis; her sister, Ruth; her brother, Rodney; and one great-grandchild, Stephen Wells Paine.
Helen’s three out of state sons want to express their gratitude to their brother, Ron, and his family for their dedicated care of their mother.