Paulette Grace Davis

Paulette Grace Olle Eckert Davis, was born in San Antonio, Texas on March 29, 1926 to Paul Herman Olle and Ruth A. (Little) Olle, both deceased. She attended public school in San Antonio, graduating in 1944 from Thomas Jefferson High School where she was part of the Lasso Dance Team. After HS, she attended the newly opened Trinity University (San Antonio) for two years and then matriculated to the University of Texas at Austin as a psychology major and a biology minor, graduating in 1948. While at Trinity, she met and dated Robert (Bob) Randolph Eckert (deceased) for a while before he joined the Navy as a medic at the end of WWII. Their romance continued upon his return, and they were married on June 12, 1948, in San Antonio. Bob and Paulette returned to Austin to live in married student housing while he finished his pre-med studies; she worked at the UT library. Bob was accepted to medical school at UTMB at Galveston where she worked to help put him through school. After medical school, the couple moved with two young children to Castroville, Texas where he joined an existing small town medical practice.

Paulette lived in Castroville from 1955 to 1990 where she was a dedicated, loving mother to 5 children and an avid community volunteer in her church (Zion Lutheran), the local historical society, and as a community librarian. In 1979, she went to work at the Castroville State Bank as a teller and started her second career in banking. She eventually decided to take a bookkeeping position with the Frost Bank Family and retired as a bank officer from North Frost Bank in the early 1990’s.

In 1988, Paulette married Author Harwell Davis, Jr. (deceased) from Sabinal, TX. Upon her retirement, she moved to Sabinal where she was closer to 3 of her young grandchildren. She joined the Utopia Church of Christ where she made wonderful friends who continued their affection until her death.

In December 2010, Paulette moved to Burnet, TX to be closer to two of her daughters and their families. There she joined the Vandeveer Church of Christ where she was welcomed, supported and loved by another group of caring friends. She lived independently for a number of years before health and falls restricted her mobility. She found a welcoming home at Country Oaks Assisted Living in Burnet until they could no longer provide the level of support she needed. In February 2023, Gateway Gardens Assisted Living welcomed her to her new home. Through the years, the staff has been wonderfully loving and caring. She has been cherished by too many to name individually, but who hold a dear place in our hearts. In April 2023, she entered the care of New Century Hospice. She has received compassionate care from many, but Ana(retired), Gayle, Robbye, Gavan, Clydie, and Dr. Peter Gosselink have been ever caring and present. Additional support in her last months was lovingly provided by Ana Vargas and Hayleigh Amezquita.

On March 20, 2026, Paulette went to heaven as she knew she would. She was a faithful Christian and trusted God that He would welcome her when it was her time. Even to the end, Paulette spent time with the Bible through daily Scripture reading with her daughter-in-law. Her favorite book of the Bible was James; her favorite verse was Galatians 5:22-23. Her love for the scriptures and deep faith in Christ brought her joy and strength through every season of her life.

She is preceded in death by her parents, stepmother, daughter Nancy, and two husbands. She is survived by four children: Lyn Mefford (husband Pete), Richard Eckert (wife Barbara), Randy Eckert and Becky Barrington (wife Elva); five grandchildren: Paul Heaton (wife Natalie), Meghann Williams (husband Billy), Christopher Eckert (wife Abby), Natalie Tharrett (husband Tyler), and Catherine Eckert; and eight adoring great-grandchildren who called her Maw Maw: Rhett Williams, Landon Tharrett, Lawton Tharrett, Lanham Tharrett, Kinley Williams, Luella Tharrett, Lillis Tharrett, and Livy Eckert. She is also survived by a loving nephew, Steve Mandry (wife Gaye Lynn) and a loving cousin, George Winship (wife Nan) and their families.

Paulette was smart, wise, funny, loving, faithful, generous, upbeat, and curious to the end. She loved playing games with anyone and everyone and was quite competitive. She LOVED music and raised all her children with a rich repertoire of songs, from religious to secular. Until the very end, she would join in singing tunes from “The Sound of Music” to “In the Garden”. She will be sorely missed by family & friends.

In lieu of flowers, consider donations in Paulette’s name to: Burnet Community Kitchen c/o Vanderveer Church of Christ; LA Care Food Pantry; or any Christian charity of your choice.