Davis "Nell" Craig

Davis Nell “Nell” Ford Craig — known to most as a dear friend, devoted mother, and cherished member of the Conroe community — and affectionately known to her grandchildren as Honey — passed away on August 28, 2025, after a grace-filled journey with dementia over the past several years. She was 81.

Born in Houston on February 22, 1944, Davis Nell spent most of her life blooming — much like the zinnias in her garden — in Conroe, Texas. She graduated from Conroe High School in 1963 and Sam Houston State University in 1967 with a heart for teaching and a gift for connecting with others, both of which became lifelong themes in her life.

Davis Nell was a dedicated educator in many places in Texas. Early on in Bay City/Freeport ISD and then in San Antonio’s Alamo Heights. And then established in Conroe ISD for many years, teaching English, Home Economics, and even working at the district’s Reassignment School, where her trademark blend of compassion and no-nonsense encouragement left a lasting impact on students who needed it most.

She was a woman of unwavering faith and a long-standing, active member of First Baptist Church of Conroe. Whether teaching Sunday school, leading Bible studies, or simply praying for friends and neighbors, Davis Nell lived her faith out loud, offering a listening ear and a heart wide open. Her love for God was evident in how she loved others — with warmth, humor, and a casserole at the ready.

She never met a stranger. Davis Nell's life was rich with community: her beloved antique group, faithful ADPi sorority sisters, life-long lake friends the Simonton’s, and her circle of fellow teachers, all of whom were blessed by her laughter, storytelling, and endless hospitality. She had a way of walking into a room and making everyone feel at home — usually with a bouquet of homegrown zinnias and something delicious fresh from her kitchen.

Above all, she was a loving and devoted mother to her two sons, Michael and Darren, who never doubted their mom’s support, pride, and presence — whether at school events, tennis matches, or just around the kitchen table. Her door was always open to their friends, and her love extended beyond her own family to anyone lucky enough to know her.

Her greatest joy came in the form of her three grandchildren: Emily, Amanda, and Drew, who knew her simply and sweetly as Honey. Honey was the queen of snuggles, silly songs, and summer fun at her house — lovingly dubbed “Camp Honey Pot.” She was their favorite babysitter, biggest fan, and loved them dearly. The memories made with her in the kitchen, on vacations, and cozied up on the couch will live on in the hearts of her grandkids forever.

Davis Nell is preceded in death by her parents, Austin Davis and Gladys Wauline Ford, her sister Vickie Hammeter and other loved ones now welcoming her with open arms in Heaven. She is survived by her sons Michael Craig and his wife Julie, and Darren Craig; her grandchildren Emily, Amanda, and Drew Craig; her beloved brother Wally Ford and his wife Ann, her brother in law Mahlon and his children and grandchildren; and a community of friends and extended family who will miss her tremendously — though they'll likely still hear her laughter in the breeze and feel her presence. Her life was a beautiful tapestry of faith, friendship, family, and flowers — stitched together with love, laughter, and a firm belief that everyone deserves a second chance, a listening ear, and a slice of something sweet.

A celebration of Davis Nell Craig’s life will be held at First Baptist Church of Conroe on Friday, September 5th, 2025. Visitation at 2pm and service at 3pm. We’ll share stories, sing her favorite hymns, and honor the incredible woman who taught us all how to love a little louder, pray a little harder, and laugh a lot more often.

In place of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to First Baptist Church Conroe, so that her legacy of love and service may continue to grow.

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