Celebrating the life of
Rose Orvin Davis
January 17, 1924 - May 10, 2014
Born - January 17, 1924, Savannah, GA
Died - May 10, 2014, Savannah, GA
Rose Orvin Davis peacefully left us late Saturday evening, May 10, to join Christ after a short illness, but long and happy life. As a strong believer of Christ's words, Rose lived a righteous life full of gusto, living each day to its fullest, sharing joy with family and friends wherever she went. A lifelong member of Bull Street Baptist Church she made the historic Sunday School Walk to the new Bull Street Church building when she was 5 years old. Most recently Rose was a member of the Nelson Sunday School class at Bull Street where she had many friends and fond memories.
Born Virginia Rose Orvin at home in Savannah on January 17, 1924, one of three children to Thelma Fennell Conneff and Louis Ernest Orvin Sr. deceased. While a student at Savannah High School in 1940, Rose met the love of her life, Army Air Corpsman Thomas Louis Davis ret. Senior MSgt USAF. It was love at first sight and forever. They married at ages 17 and 19 respectively in October of 1941. Two weeks later Tom was transferred to the Philippine Islands as part of "Operation Plum." Little did Tom and Rose know that WWII would begin in December with the bombing of Pearl Harbor. They would be separated for 4 long years. Tom was captured by the Japanese at Bataan and used as a slave laborer in POW camps for 3 ½ years.
Always the most dedicated and loving wife, Rose waited and prayed for Tom TL while he was for 2 ½ years MIA and thought deceased. Her love of God and support from her family carried her through those years.
A fan of both education and work ethic, Rose had several jobs of increasing responsibility during the war. She graduated from Draughon's Business College in Savannah, 1942. She often spoke joyfully of working as a teletype operator at Western Union, and later as the bookkeeper and assistant to the vice president at the Savannah Shipyards. Her math and bookkeeping skills were excellent, never misspelling a word.
Tom returned when Rose was 21. Those post WWII years were a whirlwind of love for Rose and Tom. Tom was gone on USAF/USAG missions half of the time for the next 30 years. They had 5 daughters over 14 years. Rose was the dedicated sort of military wife and mother who unselfishly committed herself to taking up the tasks of both mother and father while Tom was gone on missions for our country. An immaculate housekeeper who only learned to cook after her marriage, she dedicated herself to its perfection. Tom trusted Rose with everything while he was gone on long missions. Rose always put her family above all, except God.
Rose was an expert tailor, dancer, party foods maker, played the piano, was formerly on a bowling team, square danced, drew well and was known for her big personality and fine sense of humor. She had a broad smile, laughed easily and brought joy to others every day of her life. Her commitment to Christ included ongoing Bible study classes including the study of Philippians and of Job. She was for 30 years a member of the Daffin Heights Garden Club, kept a beautiful house and garden, and was especially proud of her membership in Epsilon Sigma Alpha Sorority, were she gained many life-long friends.
Rose was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 70 years, Tom Davis 2012, Rose and Tom's much loved baby daughter Karen Suzanne 1949; her loving siblings Lukie and Carl Orvin. Rose is survived by her loving daughters, Janice T. Mock Allene, Nancy K. Brian Glenn, Susan D. Grandy Jim, and Terri L. Davison Ken. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren, along with many cousins, 4 dear sister in laws, friends galore, and many nieces and nephews that she dearly loved. Life will not be the same without her.
The family all love and dearly miss the woman who loved and nurtured so many, inspired us all, and for whom we all cherish most truly and deeply. Rose was an outstanding and faithful military wife and honored mother of 5, a most Godly woman who always forgave and forgot, and a true American patriot, supporting her husband in all of his work toward keeping our country safe, and in supporting the Wounded Warriors Project.
Visitation: Tuesday, May 13, 6-8PM, Fox and Weeks, 7200 Hodgson Memorial Dr. Savannah 31406. 912-352-7200; Funeral: Wednesday, May 14, 2014, 11AM, Bull Street Baptist Church, 17 E. Anderson St. Savannah 912 236-1511, to be followed by a Service at Bonaventure Cemetery. Friends and family lunch immediately following at the church. Pallbearers: Lorenzo Occhipinti, Bruce Brian, 1st. Lt. Michael Morookian, Davis Carson, GySgt. Michael Ashdown, Col. Jim Grandy Ret.
Please sign our online guestbook at www.foxandweeks.com
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
Nancy sorry to hear of your loss. My Mom Sequal Fraser admired and respected your mom. She often spoke of Rose fondly.They enjoyed the garden club as we were growing up. This news of your mom going on will be difficult to tell my mom. She is nine years old and seems she is losing so many of her friends. We have been blessed to have our mom's this long a time however, it doesn't make the loss any easier. You & family are in our thoughts & prayers.
- Susanne Fraser Drew, Savannah, GA
Miss Rose was not only a great neighbor, she filled the role of surrogate mother and grandmother to me, my wife and my children, Maia, Hope and Ellie. Knowing she is home with our Lord is cause for celebration. Our grief comes from knowing there will be no more long conversations and wonderfully encouraging words from the blessing that is Rose Davis. May The Lord bless and keep you all. We have been, and will continue to pray for God's peace for the family during this time.
- Gary Strickland, Savannah, GA
Such a lovely & heartfelt service for Mrs. Davis Rose. Nancy, your memorial to your mother was impeccable, capturing the essence of such a wonderful woman. It was indeed a privilege and an honor to have known her for all of these years. Her memory will be a treasure to keep. My love and sympathy goes out to you Nancy, my dear friend, and to your lovely sisters, as well as all of your family. God bless.
- Carolyn Sheehan, Tybee Island, GA
Nancy, I didn't know your Mom but Jackie and I have lost both sets of parents and share your pain. You're in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless!
- Glenn Jones, Marietta, GA
Nancy, I didn't know your Mom but Jackie and I have lost both sets of parents and share your pain. You're in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless!
- Glenn Jones, Marietta, GA
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family during this difficult time!
- Priscilla Coleman Bivins, Hendersonville, NC
Nancy and family, I know you have such positive memories of your mom and also your dad. Your mother was such a sweet, positive person. I remember going to and by your home so many times. It is so sad to see that generation leaving us, but we all hold the memories they left to cherish. I am sure they are dancing the WWII dances in heaven : with God's blessings. Love you, Ginny Roberts Bruce
- ginny bruce, Gilbert, SC
For the family of Rose Orvin Davis. I didn't know your Mother but after reading the Obituary you all wrote for her I know she must have been a wonderful lady, Mother and wife. I wish I could have known her. Loving thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless!
- Marie Bandy, Savanah, GA
Your mom/my aunt was an amazing woman, mother and friend to everyone who knew her. She was always so loving and kind and just really made you smile. I will miss her but certainly not forget her and we all are very lucky to have had her in our lives. Love you Aunt Rose and know we will always remember you.
- Tommy Mason, Livonia, NY
Nancy, Jan, Susan and Terri what do I say? I can not put into words what Rose meant, not only to me, but to everyone. She will always have a special spot in my heart. She was the true meaning of 'family' and 'life'. I feel so blessed for the privilege of knowing her. Thank you for sharing her and your dad with me? Love always! Teresa
- Teresa Orvin, Richmond Hill, GA
I am very sorry for your loss! Aunt Rose was a wonderful and kind lady. She will truly be missed by all. I'm very sorry I can't be there, but know everyone is in my prayers. Love, Mandy
- Mandy Gunby, , GA
I never met Rose, but I experienced her spirit through Nancy, Lorenzo and Bruce. Warmth, wit, love, laughter and definitely forgiveness. I know Rose is up in heaven, feeling great, looking beautiful and in love. I believe her legacy lives on through her family and community she created. My prayers are for continued, warmth, wit, love, laughter and forgiveness for her family. Hugs too Kim
- Kim Bambauer, Westport, WA
Dear Nancy, I am very sorry to read that your mother passed away.Words are not adequate at these times. Your mother will live on in your heart and memories. Joan
- Joan, , CA
You are in my heart and my prayers.
- Danny d deal, Ringgold, GA
I'll light a candle for Rose on the Camino this summer.
- Craig Bernthal, Clovis, CA
Wishing and praying for the best for family members to sustain you through this difficult and sad time.
- Dr. Keith Jordan, Fresno, CA
Nancy I am very sorry about your mother passing away. It's never easy having a love one pass away but there is something special about mothers in your life. Your mom was amazing women . Our time in Greece meeting your parents made a lasting impression. Just remember she is never veery far from you in spirit and will be guiding you and your children through life.
- Heather Roberts, Ventura, CA
To Rose's daughters I want you to know I loved Rose and all of you. I am having surgery on Wednesday and I don't drive at night anymore. I will be there in spirit as you go through the service. Love one another with all your hearts and may God bless you all. Dora
- Dora Orvin, Hinesville, GA
To the Davis family and especially to my dear friend Nancy, you had a most wonderful mother and she will not be forgotten. My prayer and thoughts are with you all at this difficult time. Sincerely, Debbie Asbury
- Debbie Asbury, El Prado, NM
You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Your mother was one of a kind and I loved her and your dad dearly. She's with the rest of the family now walking those streets of gold.
- Marcia Lavely, Dickson, TN
To have had such a fabulous mother is surely a gift from God. Mother was the most forgiving and loving person I have ever personally known along with Dad. If I could have designed from scratch anyone to be my mother she would have always been exactly like Mother, sweet and kind while representing excellence in a way I could always look up to. What a Lady! She carried herself like a princess. She actually had an aura about her that enveloped me each time I was near her, with comfort and love. She was addictive. I will miss her forever, but know she is with our Lord.
- nancy, Savannah, GA
Nancy sorry to hear of your loss. My Mom Sequal Fraser admired and respected your mom. She often spoke of Rose fondly.They enjoyed the garden club as we were growing up. This news of your mom going on will be difficult to tell my mom. She is nine years old and seems she is losing so many of her friends. We have been blessed to have our mom's this long a time however, it doesn't make the loss any easier. You & family are in our thoughts & prayers.
- Susanne Fraser Drew, Savannah, GA
Miss Rose was not only a great neighbor, she filled the role of surrogate mother and grandmother to me, my wife and my children, Maia, Hope and Ellie. Knowing she is home with our Lord is cause for celebration. Our grief comes from knowing there will be no more long conversations and wonderfully encouraging words from the blessing that is Rose Davis. May The Lord bless and keep you all. We have been, and will continue to pray for God's peace for the family during this time.
- Gary Strickland, Savannah, GA
Such a lovely & heartfelt service for Mrs. Davis Rose. Nancy, your memorial to your mother was impeccable, capturing the essence of such a wonderful woman. It was indeed a privilege and an honor to have known her for all of these years. Her memory will be a treasure to keep. My love and sympathy goes out to you Nancy, my dear friend, and to your lovely sisters, as well as all of your family. God bless.
- Carolyn Sheehan, Tybee Island, GA
Nancy, I didn't know your Mom but Jackie and I have lost both sets of parents and share your pain. You're in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless!
- Glenn Jones, Marietta, GA
Nancy, I didn't know your Mom but Jackie and I have lost both sets of parents and share your pain. You're in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless!
- Glenn Jones, Marietta, GA
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family during this difficult time!
- Priscilla Coleman Bivins, Hendersonville, NC
Nancy and family, I know you have such positive memories of your mom and also your dad. Your mother was such a sweet, positive person. I remember going to and by your home so many times. It is so sad to see that generation leaving us, but we all hold the memories they left to cherish. I am sure they are dancing the WWII dances in heaven : with God's blessings. Love you, Ginny Roberts Bruce
- ginny bruce, Gilbert, SC
For the family of Rose Orvin Davis. I didn't know your Mother but after reading the Obituary you all wrote for her I know she must have been a wonderful lady, Mother and wife. I wish I could have known her. Loving thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless!
- Marie Bandy, Savanah, GA
Your mom/my aunt was an amazing woman, mother and friend to everyone who knew her. She was always so loving and kind and just really made you smile. I will miss her but certainly not forget her and we all are very lucky to have had her in our lives. Love you Aunt Rose and know we will always remember you.
- Tommy Mason, Livonia, NY
Nancy, Jan, Susan and Terri what do I say? I can not put into words what Rose meant, not only to me, but to everyone. She will always have a special spot in my heart. She was the true meaning of 'family' and 'life'. I feel so blessed for the privilege of knowing her. Thank you for sharing her and your dad with me? Love always! Teresa
- Teresa Orvin, Richmond Hill, GA
I am very sorry for your loss! Aunt Rose was a wonderful and kind lady. She will truly be missed by all. I'm very sorry I can't be there, but know everyone is in my prayers. Love, Mandy
- Mandy Gunby, , GA
I never met Rose, but I experienced her spirit through Nancy, Lorenzo and Bruce. Warmth, wit, love, laughter and definitely forgiveness. I know Rose is up in heaven, feeling great, looking beautiful and in love. I believe her legacy lives on through her family and community she created. My prayers are for continued, warmth, wit, love, laughter and forgiveness for her family. Hugs too Kim
- Kim Bambauer, Westport, WA
Dear Nancy, I am very sorry to read that your mother passed away.Words are not adequate at these times. Your mother will live on in your heart and memories. Joan
- Joan, , CA
You are in my heart and my prayers.
- Danny d deal, Ringgold, GA
I'll light a candle for Rose on the Camino this summer.
- Craig Bernthal, Clovis, CA
Wishing and praying for the best for family members to sustain you through this difficult and sad time.
- Dr. Keith Jordan, Fresno, CA
Nancy I am very sorry about your mother passing away. It's never easy having a love one pass away but there is something special about mothers in your life. Your mom was amazing women . Our time in Greece meeting your parents made a lasting impression. Just remember she is never veery far from you in spirit and will be guiding you and your children through life.
- Heather Roberts, Ventura, CA
To Rose's daughters I want you to know I loved Rose and all of you. I am having surgery on Wednesday and I don't drive at night anymore. I will be there in spirit as you go through the service. Love one another with all your hearts and may God bless you all. Dora
- Dora Orvin, Hinesville, GA
To the Davis family and especially to my dear friend Nancy, you had a most wonderful mother and she will not be forgotten. My prayer and thoughts are with you all at this difficult time. Sincerely, Debbie Asbury
- Debbie Asbury, El Prado, NM
You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Your mother was one of a kind and I loved her and your dad dearly. She's with the rest of the family now walking those streets of gold.
- Marcia Lavely, Dickson, TN
To have had such a fabulous mother is surely a gift from God. Mother was the most forgiving and loving person I have ever personally known along with Dad. If I could have designed from scratch anyone to be my mother she would have always been exactly like Mother, sweet and kind while representing excellence in a way I could always look up to. What a Lady! She carried herself like a princess. She actually had an aura about her that enveloped me each time I was near her, with comfort and love. She was addictive. I will miss her forever, but know she is with our Lord.
- nancy, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
