Joleen Ann Davis

The world is truly a lesser place without our Joleen Ann "Jo" (Shadow) Davis who passed away on March 6, 2024, in Austin, Texas, at the age of 64. She was born on August 12, 1959, in Wichita, Kansas. Joleen was a beloved (and patient!) wife to Bill of 40 years, and a dedicated mother to Sarah and William, including braving rainy Cub Scout campouts and freezing snow skiing trips. She brought a lot of pride to her parents Wilma Jean and Sam Shadow and was proud to help care for both of them in their later years and up until now. She is also survived by her sister Cathy Kohl (Dan Kohl), brother Dan Shadow, mother-in-law Lois Davis, sister-in-law Elizabeth Davis, and niece Amy Hermann.

Joleen graduated from Cheney Kansas High School (home of the underrated Cardinals), prior to escaping to Austin where she was promptly robbed at her first job with Pizza Hut. She would meet her future husband Bill while working with Farmers Insurance, perhaps one of the good things to come from that outside of some very good friends. Joleen always had her beloved dogs with her, as she and Bill were foolish enough to always have American Eskimos in Texas. She was a devoted Elvis fan and could sing every song; and she loved a Mango margarita at her favorite beach in Cozumel, where she also did her best to see if there was a limit to how much jewelry she could talk Bill into buying. Joleen was a staunch supporter of the Texas Longhorns, whether they were winning or even when they played like a high school team. While she was known for her incredible baking, Joleen can also say she kissed a dolphin, got a scarf from an Elvis impersonator, won a slot tournament on her very first cruise, and enjoyed going to a club with her father who everyone thought was Merle Haggard.

To know her was to love her. We often said if there was anyone who did not like Joleen, they should be avoided at all costs, as something was wrong with them. Even when faced with her illness, she didn't complain; rather she just made the most of the good days.

Joleen will be deeply missed, because she was such a bright spot in our lives, and people like her do not come along often enough.

In lieu of flowers, please consider sending treats to the excellent staff at Texas Oncology on Balcones, who took such good care of her for two years, and do one random act of kindness for someone in her name today.

May she rest in peace with the Lord in heaven, surrounded by the love of her family and friends.