Lonelle Cordella Wylie Davis

Lonelle Cordella Wylie Davis, 97, of Apex, NC and formerly of Petersburg, Tx. passed away peacefully Saturday, October 26, 2013 at Rex Hospital in Raleigh. She was born on June 2, 1916 in Swenson, Texas to the late Arthur and Johnnie Lee Wylie. Lonelle spent her early years on the plains of West Texas and in 1934, following graduation from high school, she married the love of her life.

Lonelle lived a long and productive life as a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and wonderful friend to many. Wherever she lived, she welcomed the neighborhood children and they loved and trusted her, many of whom thought she was their grandmother. In addition to raising two children of her own, she and her husband were foster parents to 13 different children, all age 4 or younger.

Throughout her life she was active in her community and church, volunteering her time and talents to various civic activities. A passionate reader, Lonelle participated in numerous book clubs, reading as many as three books a week prior to her recent illness. As the wife of a Master Mason, she enjoyed membership in the Order of the Eastern Star. In addition to a career as a homemaker, she became a successful entrepreneur, owning and operating a women’s clothing store and a gift shop.

During her time here in North Carolina, she actively participated in the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of Raleigh as a member of the Cary Senior Center sewing group, making items for distribution to local hospitals. Blessed with remarkable recall, she gave her family wonderful stories from her life and family heritage. Possibly the greatest legacy to her family was teaching them the importance of family and unconditional love.

Lonelle was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband of 59 years, James Macon Davis, who died in 1993; her brothers Marvin Edward, Arthur Lee, and Loy Lane Wylie; and grandsons David and Raymond Dickson.

Lonelle is survived by sons James P. Davis and his wife Marilyn of Apex, NC; Stephen L. Davis and his wife Jeanette of McKinney, TX; grandchildren Kimberly Davis of Avondale Estates, GA; Debra Painter of Colbert, GA; Kevin Davis of Cornelius, NC; Melissa Richardson of McKinney, TX; Jenny Murphy of Gulf Shores, FL; Laurel Lounsbury of Apex, NC; and Loren Penney of Beacon, NY; 10 great-grandchildren: and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. on Friday November 1, 2013 at Apex Funeral Home, 550 W. Williams St. Apex, NC. A Memorial service will be held at the First Baptist Church in Petersburg TX at 2:00 p.m. on November 23,2013. Private interment of ashes will be in Petersburg Cemetery immediately following the service. .

Condolences may be sent to www.apexfuneral.net