Shirley Ann Davis

Shirley Ann Davis, 82, enjoyed a final Thanksgiving with her family and then passed away on Friday, November 24. She was a beloved wife, mother and grandmother and steadfastly believed her passing would reunite her with her sorely missed late husband, Jim, and her son, Rick, both of whom preceded her in death. Shirley was born in Sacramento, California on December 7, 1934 and was blessed to live in various cities around the United States and in Europe. While Las Vegas was probably her favorite place, (she took all of her children there on their 21st birthdays, and eventually lived there for 25 years) she called Columbus home for the past seven years, moving here so she could be near family; son Mike Davis and daughter-in-law Tama Davis, daughter Susan, and five grandchildren; Tyler, Kenzie and Logan Davis and Nick and Valerie Reed. Shirley was a fiercely and unapologetically independent woman who was very devoted to her family, a voracious reader, TV and movie-watcher, highly intelligent and opinionated. (She will be very sorry she didn't get to see what happened on The Walking Dead and The Orville. She was also pumped for a new season of the X-Files). She will miss her own Super Bowl party, at which time we will again celebrate her legacy and passion. Our annual family Super Bowl get-together was a family favorite, with a gathering of generations, subs and wings, Andre "champagne", and rooting for her favorite team, the New England Tom Bradys. She also wanted to keep up with her favorite books and continuing characters, like Eve Dallas and Rourke, Jack Reacher, Harry Bosch, and was avidly awaiting the 4th book in the Cormoran Stryke series. (It was hard to keep up with her passion for books, a passion or addiction which clearly trickled down to her son, daughter and several of the grandkids, particularly Kenzie). Shirley was the steadfast matriarch of a family that loved her for her endearing and often amusing eccentricities. She may not have embodied the typical image of a mother, mother-in-law or grandmother but, particularly in her later years, she'd become far more emotional and demonstrative of the love, devotion and admiration she had for her growing family. (She was thrilled to see one grandson married this past year, when Tyler and Ashley tied the knot. And it was among her strongest desires to be there for the wedding of her granddaughter, Kenzie, who's engaged to marry Ian in January. Shirley and Ian had developed a strong bond over the years. And Shirley knew there was a proposal on the way before any of the rest of us, except perhaps Kenzie). Shirley also loved her vices, among them smoking, box wine, champagne, on-line gaming and sports, particularly pro-football and golf. As for college football, she was a proud University of Michigan graduate, but she always remembered to ask us how "Ohio" did this week. Her ipad was a constant companion and her number one tool for staying connected to family. She couldn't (wouldn't) text, but she was a great emailer. And, while she enjoyed her many vices, she actively encouraged the rest of us to enjoy ours… within reason, of course. Her world was filled with movies, books, sports, video games, dragons, fairy gardens, "lounge time" and family. She was a true character who enjoyed a lively discussion and debate. While the loss of Shirley leaves a big hole in her family, it's one that will be filled by wonderful memories of a truly unique character, a sweet, quiet woman and all the people and things that she loved. We will miss her beyond words. A private memorial service is being planned for immediate family. Cards can be sent to the Davis Family at 2631 Trottersway Drive, Columbus, Ohio, 43235. Those wishing to honor Shirley can make a donation in her name to Ohio Health Hospice . In her final weeks of life, Shirley enjoyed the visits of the hospice staff members and was very thankful for their care.