Joan Bell Davis

February 18,1931-October 7, 2016

Born to the late Christian Parents Parks McAfee Bell and Mary Ruth Edwards Bell

Sisters: Mary Rachel Bell Elliott, Nancy Virginia (Ginger) Bell Holder.

Joan was born in the city of Atlanta during the Depression, the family moved to Cleveland, GA, residing with paternal grandmother, Florance Virginia McAfee Bell. In 1942 her father joined Bell Aircraft in Marietta where she lived until marrying the late Elton DeVaughn Davis in February 1952.

Leaving GA Tech to join the USAF, they were transferred to Lowry AFB, Denver, CO where first daughter, Debra Y. Davis was born. Upon discharge the family returned to GA Tech. Daughters, Rebecca Y. Davis Clement and Joan Y. Davis Hoover were born prior to June 1955 graduation.

After joining IBM, they resided in several NC cities. Son, Elton D., Jr. was born in Hickory, NC. In 1962the family moved to Miami, FL living there until 1973.

Beginning at a very early age, Joan began playing for sunday school. Until her marriage she was church pianist for St. Stephen UMC, Marietta.

Joan graduated from Marietta HS in 1947.

She is survived by living grandchildren, Melanie Higdon, Michelle Carnes, Jonathan D. Davis-Kerch, Jennifer Davis-Kerch, Lauren Brown, Angela Hedden, and Justin Davis Kerch (deceased). Twelve great grandchildren, Blake, Zack, Haleigh, Evan, Ryan Higdon; Ava Carnes; Deven Quesenberry; Bayleigh and Carter Brown; Tyler, Faith, and Kayla Hedden and many nieces and nephews.

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THE PRESENCE OF HER LOVE – Jodie Hoover

O Lord!, if I might ask of Thee

should e'er the day arrive

to call my dearest Mother

unto heaven, at Thy side

O wilt Thou be so merciful

and kind to leave with me

the very presence of her love,

of which I'm sure to need

For naught can fill the golden space

she holds within my heart,

and neither anything replace

the comfort she imparts -

nor her sacrificing spirit,

her words of confidence

Without measure hath she given

without thought of recompense

Our mothers are a treasure,

precious pearls so great of worth -

O leave me not impoverished

for lack of having her !

And yet I sense Thine answer, Lord,

that ever come the day -

the presence of a mother's love

doth ne'er depart away

and death shall never separate,

but that which maketh sweeter still

our very next embrace....

O death,where is thy sting?

O grave, where is thy victory?

1 Corinthians 15:55

For God so love the world that He gave his only begotten Son,

That whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have Eternal Life.

John 3:16