Judith "Judy" Pope Davis

Judith “Judy” Pope Davis of Panama City, Florida and Columbus, Georgia entered into the Sabbath Rest of Heaven on June 25, 2020. She is preceded in death by her parents, Ethel Raines Pope and James Horald Pope. She was their only child, and Judy cherished her adoring parents.

In the spring of 1958, Judy met the love of her life, Albert “Al” W. Davis III, when he bumped into her in the stairwell at Columbus High School while running late to baseball practice. Judy was a sophomore and Al was a senior. Al could not forget about the beautiful blue-eyed girl from that spring afternoon, so two years later when he saw her again - he never stopped pursuing her. He knew from their first date that she was the girl he wanted to marry and recognized that God had made her for him. He told her that he wanted her to be his wife, and she replied, “that is exactly what I want to be.” Al knew he had found the rare woman whose outward and inner beauty were equally matched.After graduating from Columbus High School in 1960, Judy went on to attend Brenau College. Following a four-year courtship, they married in October of 1962 after Al graduated from the University of Georgia. The following October they welcomed their first son, Bradley Pope Davis. Three years later their young family grew with the arrival of their second son, Averett Waddell Davis, Sr., in the summer of 1966. Judy loved being a mother to her boys, a wife to Al, and later a grandmother to her grandsons. She devoted her life to their family and marriage and was Al’s biggest champion, counselor, safe harbor, confidant, best friend, and sweetheart.

Judy faithfully attended her beloved weekly Bible Studies beginning in 1970 at St. Paul Methodist Church and her unwavering faith sustained their family. Throughout her life she sang at weddings and events, always being a member of church choirs and groups including the Soft Tones of Faith that traveled throughout the southeast.

Judy and Al lived in Columbus most of their lives and were both descendants of a pioneer family that founded part of Chattahoochee County that later became part of Ft. Benning. In 1998, Al & Judy moved to Panama City after Al’s retirement from Tom’s Foods and Five Star Food Service.

The sound of her laughter filled their beautiful home by the water and her warm hospitality made people feel so special. Her welcoming smile, playfulness, vivacious spirit, and angelic voice will be greatly missed. Judy loved her family, her friends, her country, and her Lord. Al and Judy shared a rare love and were truly one. Judy would always talk about what a good time they had shared together over the last sixty years. They genuinely adored each other and loved spending time together.

Judy is survived by her beloved husband of fifty-seven years, Albert W. Davis III; their two sons, Bradley “Brad” Pope Davis and Averett Waddell Davis, Sr. (Leigh); and two grandsons, Crieghton Pope Davis and Averett Waddell “Dell” Davis, Jr.; and many cherished family and friends.

There will be a private graveside service honoring her life on Tuesday, June 30, 2020 at Parkhill Cemetery in Columbus, Georgia. In lieu of flowers, contributions made in her memory may be sent to Woodlawn United Methodist Church (Music Fund), 219 N. Alf Coleman Road, Panama City Beach, FL 32407.

Fond memories and condolences for the Davis family may be left at www.shcolumbus.com.