H. Frances Davis passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on October 8, 2018 just shy of her 92nd birthday. Fran was beloved by many friends of all ages. Distinguished by an individualized style and grace, even at 91, she was immediately recognized by her naturally radiant skin and bright Irish blue eyes. Born in The Berkshires of Pittsfield, Massachusetts in 1926, Fran graduated with a BS from Regis College in Boston in 1947. On a blind date at Tanglewood, she met her future husband John Davis, as the two both enjoyed listening to symphonic music. They raised six children, moving to Atlanta in 1978 after living in Massachusetts, Michigan and Illinois.
While Fran was busy raising their large rambunctious family, she was constantly involved in various volunteer activities in the cities where they lived. In Atlanta, she served as a Eucharistic Minister and Perpetual Adoration Guardian at the Cathedral of Christ the King, was a sustaining member of the Junior League, a docent at the High Museum of Art, and volunteered at the Atlanta History Center. Both she and husband enjoyed attending the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and rarely missed a performance from 1978 until 2001 when John passed away from cancer.
In Atlanta, she began her first work career as an interior designer. At 53, she started as an apprentice for a decorating firm based in Dunwoody and later opened her own firm, HF Davis Interiors, which she solely operated until she was 82. In addition to designing many private homes in Atlanta and providing each with its own unique style, Fran was also very proud of being the first to decorate the newly built Emory Hospital Rollins Pavilion Suites. Fran was often seen around ADAC (Atlanta Decorative Arts Center), and even in her 70s would be asked to manage some of the smaller showrooms when the owners were on holiday.
She instilled in her children the importance of the arts, education, and a continual interest in the wide world. She loved to talk politics and wanted to know others opinions though she definitely had hers. She subscribed to numerous newspapers and magazines. Even when it became too difficult for her to read or comprehend, she would still look at the photographs and read the headlines. She was always an open-minded individual. Though a devout Roman Catholic, she respected her children choosing other faiths and never judged anyone by their religion or race.
Over the last few years as her physical abilities lessened and her dementia became more significant, she received joy in visits from friends and family members. The family is very thankful for all of the support that the clergy and volunteers from the Cathedral of Christ the King provided to her as well the love provided by her caretaker of 8 years, Maria Brathwaite.
H. Frances Davis was predeceased by her husband John Norris Davis, and two sons, Russell L. Davis and Stephen C. Davis. She is survived by two sons, two daughters, and their spouses; John A. (Jackie) Davis of Springfield Il, Mark Davis (Nancy) of Bronxville, NY, and Pamela Davis (Gary Schpero) of Rowayton, CT, and Jane Jackson (Clay) of Atlanta; and daughters-in-law Heather Wright of Baltimore, Maryland, and Elizabeth Eckman Davis of Atlanta. Fran was blessed with twelve wonderful grandchildren; John-Michael Davis, William Schpero (Kristine), Dr. Eliza Blanchette (Tom), Adrienne Zapfe (Stephen), Caroline Davis, Peter Davis, Christopher Davis, Audrey Jackson, Clayton Jackson, Lauren Lausen, Ava Lausen, and John Keeley Davis and two great-grandchildren; Zachary and Annabelle Blanchette.
On Monday October 15th at 10am, a funeral mass celebrating the life of Frances Davis will be held at the Cathedral of Christ the King at 2699 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305 with reception following at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Cathedral of Christ the King at www.cathedralctk.com/francesdavis or the charity of your choice.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18