Elsie Lou Whiteheart Davis

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” Psalms 116:15

Elsie Whiteheart Davis , 89, of Kernersville joyfully met her beloved Savior face to face and was reunited with her loved ones for whom she so deeply longed on January 12, 2015. She peacefully transitioned that last morning to her heavenly home from Kerner Ridge Assisted Living. Although disease robbed her of physical and mental capabilities in the last years, we greatly rejoice knowing she now has a Christ-like mind and physically, she is able to walk the streets of gold unencumbered by any cane, walker or wheelchair.

Elsie was born in Winston-Salem, NC to Lois and Cicero Whiteheart on April 8, 1925. An oft told anecdote: Her birth was so close to midnight that she often claimed April 9 as her birthday. Her saintly mother, Lois, bearing 11 children, granted her permission to “pick any date”, having so many birthdays to remember herself. Although limited in earthly treasures during her childhood, her home was filled with laughter, noise and the love of a selfless, Godly mother, who she chose to emulate. Throughout her life, Elsie continually sacrificed her own needs and wants, always putting family first, after God. At age 16, she became endeared to Nelson Jones Davis, her future husband who she met at church, and began a five-year courtship, dating stateside and then, exchanging love letters during World War II. Her attraction was based on “integrity and character” she often stated. Age 16 was also a significant milestone, because at this age, she received the gift of salvation and committed her life to the Lord. She went on to graduate from Mineral Springs High School in 1943. Post-war, she was united in holy matrimony to Nelson on June 29, 1946. They subsequently enjoyed 65 years of wedded bliss before his passing in 2012. Before starting a family, Elsie worked in the administrative offices at RJ Reynolds Tobacco Co. for eleven years where she cultivated many life-long friendships.

Elsie was the quintessential “1960’s homemaker” from which her family reaped many benefits. She was an excellent cook with meals on the dinner table at 5 o’clock sharp. She regularly drove her children to numerous music lessons, carpooled and rarely missed a PTA meeting. Most importantly, she insured that her children “cut their teeth on the Bible” by instructing them in scriptures, memorizing the books of the Bible and wearing their neatly pressed “Sunday best” to church each Sunday. Her greatest desire in life was to see her children, son-in-law, and grandchildren come to a saving knowledge of Christ. She faithfully posted the most recent pictures of them in her kitchen window sill and petitioned the Lord for the needs of her family daily. When not attending to the needs of her family, she enjoyed reading, injecting humorous quips into conversations, needlework, cooking, countless evening phone exchanges with her three beloved sisters and challenging herself to memorize scripture, even into her 80’s.

Elsie is survived by two children, a son, Nelson Douglas Davis of Kernersville and daughter, Denise Lynn Davis Shaw of Colfax, both, who tirelessly dedicated the last four years of their lives, along with the support of her surviving son-in-law, Simon, ensuring that both parents received the best care possible during their years of failing health. Also surviving are brothers, Ivan and Ray, and sister, Ardenia (Duckie), a large extended family, and a favored niece, Pam with whom she had a special connection. She was predeceased by her parents, siblings, Sid, Harrison, Grady, Dick, Elnora, Matlyne, and baby girl Cynthia Lou. She is also survived by two granddaughters, who she deeply cherished, both, who could elicit a smile, even on the worst of days, Ashley Shaw Keenan (Sam) of Eden, and Meredith Shaw, of Raleigh NC.

The family would like to thank the numerous doctors from the Geriatric Clinic at Wake Forest Baptist Health who sought to make her life better. Her extended stays on the A.C.E. unit will always be remembered because of the excellent caregiving she received . Also, gratitude is extended to Eldercare, Arbor Ridge, and Kerner Ridge of Kernersville for their care and to Hospice, who made her last months more bearable. Extra special thanks to “Team Elsie”, the 24-hour caregivers in the last year who weathered the storms. Most recently, these special angels were: “Adrianne, Christy, Catherine, Diane, Rhonda, Tabitha, and Treva” to who the family extends their deepest gratitude for special one-on-one care.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2015 from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm at Frank Vogler and Sons on Reynolda Rd., followed by a funeral service at 2:00 p.m. at the Frank Vogler and Sons Chapel on Reynolda Rd. Interment will follow at Forsyth Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to Hospice, 101 Hospice Lane, Winston-Salem, NC 27103. Online condolences may be made to www.frankvoglerandsons.com. To Elsie: “…your faith has healed you. Go in peace. Your suffering is over.” Mark 5:34