Saranell Davis Babin

Born on December 28, 1924, in Southern Mississippi, Saranell moved to Baton Rouge at the age of 10. She was one of eight children raised in a loving, Christian home by her parents, James A. and Leona Webb Davis. Her father was born in Clanton, AL and mother in Meridian, MS. The Davis siblings remained close throughout their lives, living near one another in Baton Rouge, Central, and Denham Springs.

Saranell graduated from Istrouma High School in 1941. She worked at Dalton’s and later co-owned a meat market, but in 1962, she embraced her most cherished role as a homemaker. She was known for her expert sewing, smocking, quilting, and crocheting. Her talents extended to the kitchen, where she became the heart of every holiday gathering. Her bread pudding was legendary, and her home was always a place of warmth and welcome.

A devout Christian, Saranell accepted Jesus at a young age and lived her life as a testimony to His love. She was a member of several churches throughout her life—North Highlands Baptist Church, Zoar Baptist Church, First Baptist of Central, and Victory Harvest Church. She also served with the Livingston Parish Republican Women. Her favorite saying, “I thank God every day that I wake up and get to tell another person about Jesus,” reflects the passion she had for sharing her faith. She embodied everything it means to be a Christian, loving God and loving others. II Corinthians 5:8: tells us “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.”

Saranell loved LSU football and attended many games, often traveling in her husband Percy’s airplane to cheer on the Tigers. But nothing brought her more joy than spending time with her family and friends, especially over a shared meal. She lived a life of service, kindness, and joy.

She is survived by her son, James Helmke and wife Bobbie; daughter, Vicki Davis and husband Rhett; grandchildren Lisa Cooper and husband Achille Poirrier, Joshua Davis and wife Kelsye, Jonathan Davis and wife Gina, Sarah Davis, and Christopher Davis and wife Holley; great-grandchildren Chase Venable and wife DeAnna, Meghan Venable, Kaelyn Davis, Adelyn Davis, Rosalie Davis, Harper Davis, Genevieve Davis, and a baby girl Davis arriving in October; and great-great-grandchildren Darrelyn Venable, Carter Venable, and Chet Shrum. She is also remembered by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and cherished friends.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Percy L. Babin, Sr.; granddaughter Kristie Helmke; her parents James and Leona Davis “Ma and Pa”; and her siblings Virginia Vacarro (Joe), Carroll Davis (Syble), James Davis (Mary), Jewell Davis (Christine), Dora Prather (R.K.), Mary Earle (Hunter), and Margie Forbes (Otis “Dude”).

Special thanks to Jia Wallis, Sarah’s caregiver, for her devoted care, and to Adele Monday, Brandi Johnson, and Latrice Landry, who offered invaluable support in recent months.

A celebration of Saranell’s life will be held at Victory Harvest Church, 3953 N Flannery Rd, Baton Rouge, LA, on Saturday, July 26, 2025. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m., followed by the service at 10:00 a.m. Burial will take place at Greenoaks Cemetery on Florida Boulevard at approximately 11:30 a.m., with a reception to follow for family and friends.

Clergy: Pastor Ben Workman and Pastor Terry Workman

Pallbearers: Joshua Davis, Jonathan Davis, Chase Venable, Jonathan Wright, Brandon Barker, Achille Poirrier

Memorial donations and/or flowers may be sent to Victory Harvest Church, 3953 N Flannery Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70814.

Though Saranell is no longer with us, her faith assures us she is now in the presence of her Savior. Her love, legacy, and joyful spirit will remain in our hearts until we meet again.