Patti Ann Davis

Patti Ann Davis, 65, of Nashville, Tennessee went home to be with her Lord on February 11, 2025. Following major heart surgeries in November and December 2024, she wanted to “go home” to finish healing. Now she is brand new, perfectly healed in Heaven.

Patti was the fourth of five children born in Waukegan, Illinois to John and Kay Davis. She grew up in Beach Park, Illinois. While in high school, Patti and two of her siblings began attending a small Baptist church with their neighbors. There she gave her life to Jesus Christ and was born again. She graduated from Zion Benton High School in 1977. From there she attended Greenville College and Sangamon State University, ultimately graduating in 1983 from Northern Illinois University with a bachelor’s degree in business.

Patti began her career in pharmaceutical sales for Abbott Laboratories. After a few years, she began working for Willow Creek Church in South Barrington, Illinois. Her career at the church started in finance, assisting the comptroller. She soon moved into the junior high ministry, Sonlight Express, realizing that she was passionate about shaping and molding the lives of the student leaders. She loved the Lord fiercely and His word, and was involved in many different ways in the church. She was always eager to share what she was learning about her faith.

Patti met Rich Ludwig at Willow Creek Church, and they were married in January 1989. In December 1993, they were blessed with their beloved twins, Daniel and Breesa Ludwig.

The family moved to Henderson, Nevada, where Patti and Rich both served on staff at Central Church in Las Vegas. Following a move to the Memphis area, Patti worked for St. Jude Research Hospital for ten years as a clinical research surveyor. This position was a ministry in itself, prompting her to go back to school. She received her Master of Social Work from the University of Memphis, graduating in May of 2024.

Patti was passionate about eating healthy and physical fitness. Her home reflected these values, with organic food and supplements in the kitchen and a private gym in the basement. Her commitment to taking care of her body, despite her failing health, was a testament to her desire to serve and care for other people. She wanted more than anything to see her children and grandchildren grow and thrive. She was looking forward to the opportunity to put her MSW to use in the non-profit world, helping women live their best lives.

Patti joyfully welcomed the spouses of her children into the family, and took great delight in becoming a grandma. She is survived by her son Daniel (Kelsey) Ludwig and granddaughter Summer of Suffolk, Virginia. She is also survived by her daughter Breesa (Zach) Aldridge and twin grandsons Elijah and James, and granddaughter Olivia of Olive Branch, Mississippi.

Patti also leaves behind her siblings, John (Debbie) Davis, Pam (Marty) Guy, Jeff Davis, and Dawn (Mike) Charlier. She leaves behind 17 nieces and nephews, 21 great nieces and nephews, and her beloved aunts, Marilyn Hall and Betty Davis, along with several cousins.

Patti was preceded in death by her parents, John and Kay Davis, as well as her beloved grandparents and aunts and uncles.

Her favorite prayer was the Lord’s prayer- now she is at home with Him. A celebration of Patti’s life will be held at a later date in Illinois.