Shirley Ann Davis of Ontario went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday morning, April 27, 2024, at her home. She was 77 years old. She was born July 5, 1946, in Gadsden, Alabama, to James and Annie Myrl (Raney) Haynes and moved to Ohio at the age of five, making Mansfield her home. She met the love of her life, Jim Davis, and they married on June 29, 1963, sharing 53 wonderful years together until his passing in 2017.
Shirley was the epitome of a true “Southern Belle”. She was a rare and exceptional person who exemplified the attributes of a charming and graceful southern lady who modeled genuine beauty and grace! By Shirley’s example, she could teach anyone in today’s society about proper etiquette that is becoming for a “Christian lady”. She always exemplified Godly character and Christian maturity through her actions and words. Shirley’s many attributes, gifts, and talents were learned from a very young age through being reared by and taught by a Godly and Southern mother. Shirley’s actions taught all of us so well about Southern “STRENGTH” and “BEAUTY”!
Shirley’s attitude toward life and her Christian character affected and touched everyone who knew her. She had the ability to make everyone feel like a special individual and, in return, earned such respect and admiration! She always respected her pastor and church and was always willing to share her talents and gifts.
Early in life, Shirley learned enduring love and the principle of “sowing and reaping”. She passed these Christian principles down to her daughters, and all of us enjoy the benefits of the sowing and reaping principle as it continues through the family. Shirley had such enduring love for her husband and daughters and their families. The teaching and principles of Shirley just keep on giving and giving and touching and touching others through her family. Many times, those around her have been the recipients of the many gifts and talents that Shirley possessed. She was an exemplary homemaker, cook, organizer, entertainer, and friend who made these many talents and skills seem so easy.
Shirley is survived by a daughter, Kerrie Haas; four grandchildren, Steve (Megan) Diller, Jessica Diller, Jordan Haas and Logan Haas; four great-grandchildren, Addy, Bella, Ellie and Carter; sisters-in-law, Cheryl Haynes and Virginia Haynes; and chosen sons, Keith Collins and Mike Brickley.
She is greeted in Heaven by her parents; husband of 53 years, Jim; daughter, Barbie Diller; brothers, Don and Rick Haynes and a host of family and friends.
The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at Wappner Funeral Directors-Ontario, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Rd. The funeral service will be held in the funeral home on Thursday at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Mark Bailey and Pastor Lucian Baker officiating. Burial will follow in Mansfield Memorial Park.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Avita Home Health and Hospice, especially aides, Tammy Tinkey and Kandi Foncannon, and Brian Stewart of Apria Health Care for the special and outstanding care given to Shirley the last few months.
Our lives will be forever enriched by Shirley Davis as her unselfish love continues on and on in each of our lives. She would want everyone to remember all the happy and laughing times and the gleeful memories she leaves behind. She gave us her love and that will remain forever: it is only a while that we must be apart. When lonely and uncertain, if we listen, we will hear Shirley say, “All My Love”! When you go this way alone, Shirley will greet you in Heaven with a smile and welcome you home!
