Catherine Russell Davis

Catherine Russell Davis, of Wilmington, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2026 at the age of 78.

Born in Montgomery, Alabama, and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, she was the daughter of the Rev. Henry Edward “Jeb” Russell and Ala Joanna Brewton Russell. She graduated from Hutchison School in Memphis before attending Stratford College in Danville, Virginia. She earned her degree in education from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and later received a Master’s degree in education from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington.

In November 1967, she married Peter R. Davis. They shared 58 years of marriage.

She spent 34 years teaching English and literature in North Carolina public schools, with all but two of those years being spent teaching in New Hanover County, including Sunset Park Junior High and Myrtle Grove Middle School. She was a first-rate teacher and cared deeply for her students. Former students frequently stopped to speak with her around town and expressed appreciation for the impact she had on their lives.

She was a lifelong Presbyterian and a devoted member of First Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, where she served as both deacon and elder and participated in many areas of church life and service. She valued the friendships and fellowship she found there and was known for her welcoming presence.

Following her retirement from teaching, she remained active in the community, including helping establish a Cub Scout program at Rachel Freeman Elementary School.

She was a lifelong reader who valued education, faith, family, and friendship. Though she came from a distinguished family, she carried herself with humility and treated people from all walks of life with kindness and respect. She remained closely connected to the Russell family throughout her life and faithfully attended the Russell Family Reunion for many years.

Above all, she was devoted to her family. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother who steadfastly supported and cared for those she loved.

The family is especially grateful for the compassionate care provided by the staff of Brookdale Senior Living and by her hospice care team during her final months.

She is survived by: her husband, Peter R. Davis; her son Richard Russell Davis, his wife Schorr, and their children William and Susan Elizabeth; and her son Matthew Brewton Davis, his wife Sally, and their children Edith, Peter, and Jeb. She is also survived by her sisters Joanna Russell Hogan, Harriett Russell Coleman, Patience “Missy” Russell Branham, and brother, Henry Edward “Jeb” Russell, Jr. She is also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 28, 2026 at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, Wilmington, North Carolina. A reception will be held immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to First Presbyterian Church – Pastor’s Fund, 125 S 3rd St Wilmington, NC 28401-4554, or Russell Family Cemetery, Inc., PO Box 1433, Winder, GA 30680.