Sally graduated from West High School and earned a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah. She met Douglas Jones Davis in the early months of 1957 while skiing, and they married later that same year on June 7. They were later sealed in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. Together, they raised three children: Reed Douglas, Linda Sue, and Gary Robert.
She began her career as a teacher in Blanding, Utah, where she taught children from the nearby Native American reservation—an experience she remembered fondly and often spoke of with great respect. During that time, she formed lasting friendships that remained dear to her throughout her life. After moving to Salt Lake City with Douglas, she became a full-time homemaker, devoting herself to raising their children and later playing an active role in helping raise her grandchildren.
Sally had a deep love for the outdoors. Camping was a cherished family tradition, and she often took her children on weekend trips that created lasting memories. Her passion for nature and family time was a defining part of her life.
Known for her energy, work ethic, and a touch of stubborn determination, Sally was always busy and always helping—whether it was doing laundry, washing dishes, cleaning, or getting kids to their activities. She took pride in making things just right and showed her love through her tireless acts of service.
Sally’s greatest sorrow came with the loss of her beloved Douglas in 1992. She loved him so very much and often spoke of him with deep affection and longing. She carried that love with her every day, finding strength in their memories and in the family they built together. Her children and grandchildren became her purpose, and she poured her heart into caring for them, just as she and Douglas had dreamed.
In her later years, Sally had to do something she never found easy: slow down and let others care for her. Still, she prayed daily for her family and longed for the day she would be reunited with Douglas. That long-awaited reunion has finally come.
Sally lived a life full of love, purpose, and devotion. She was the proud grandmother of eleven grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren, all of whom she loved dearly. Her legacy lives on in each of them. We celebrate her life with pride and feel deeply blessed to have had her with us for so many wonderful years.
She is survived by her children: Linda Sue Purcell, Gary (Carrie) Davis, and her daughter-in-law Nan Davis.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Betty Williamson; her brothers, Reo and Dale; her beloved husband, Douglas; her son, Reed Davis; and her son-in-law, Raymond Purcell.
A celebration of Sally’s life will be held on June 23, 2025, at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary, located at 3401 S Highland Dr, Millcreek, UT 84106. Family and friends are invited to attend a viewing that will be held from 10:00 to 10:30 a.m., followed by a graveside service in the Gilcrest II section at 11:00 a.m.
