Jerleen Davis Davis Naccari

Jerleen Davis Naccari entered into eternal rest on Thursday, January 5, 2017 at the age of 80. A resident of Mandeville, Louisiana since Hurricane Katrina, she was born in New Orleans where she lived most of her life. On June 18, 1955, she married her true love, Paul Francis Naccari, Jr., and she and Paul enjoyed 58 happy years of marriage. Together they had five children: Janelle Naccari Pugh, Lisa Naccari Keyes, Paula Naccari Wills, Stephanie Naccari Farr, and Paul Francis Naccari, III. Jerleen was a vibrant and beautiful person who enjoyed life to the fullest. She was a loving wife and mother who made a happy home for her family. She was a great cook with wonderful French and Italian recipes handed down through her mother and mother-in-law. A ballerina and dance teacher in her youth, Jerleen loved to dance throughout her life. She was a pretty, fun-loving, one-of-a-kind lady with boundless exuberance. Over the years, she hosted many parties and dinners for her friends, family and extended family, including a perfectly magical Christmas dinner this past holiday for all of the family. She was blessed with many friends whom she loved and with nine beloved grandchildren who adored her and knew her as "Dear." Her grandchildren were drawn to her joyful presence, and she spent much time with each of them. Friends have said that Jerleen lights up a room with her gracious, sweet charm and her style, smile and warm personality. We will all miss the warmth of her presence but are grateful for the time we have had with her. Jerleen lived her life with unwavering self-discipline and personal integrity. Over the years, she has organized and hosted numerous charitable fundraising events. She was a past president of the Orleans Parish Medical Society Auxiliary and a past member of Cancer Crusaders, Heart Ambassadors, and the Pendleton Memorial Methodist Hospital Auxiliary. Her interests included playing cards and reading fiction and non-fiction. She was a past president of the Lake Oaks Garden Club in New Orleans and a past member of the New Orleans Garden Society, the New Orleans Opera Association, the New Orleans Ballet Association, Women of Fashion, and the Lake Vista Garden Club in New Orleans. She was an active member of Northlake Newcomers in Mandeville and a faithful parishioner of Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Mandeville. Jerleen is preceded in death by her mother, Olga Lagarrigue Davis, her father, John Davis, Sr., her husband, Dr. Paul Francis Naccari, Jr., and her daughter, Paula Naccari Wills. She is survived by her children and their spouses: Janelle Naccari Pugh and George W. Pugh, Jr.; Lisa Naccari Keyes and George Anthony Keyes; Dr. Thomas Edward Wills; Stephanie Naccari Farr and Charles William Farr; and Paul Francis Naccari, III. She is survived by her grandchildren: Marissa Elizabeth Annaloro (and fiancé Kevin Michael David), Kristin Elizabeth Annaloro, Emily Elizabeth Annaloro, Dr. Meredith Pugh Rouse (and husband, Dr. Christopher Lamar Rouse), George W. Pugh, III (and wife, Emily O'Sullivan Pugh); Tyler Paul Wills, Grant Joseph Wills, Joshua William Farr and Allison Paige Farr. She is also survived by her brothers, John Davis, Jr., and Gary James Davis (and wife, Eva Cirankova Davis). Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Funeral Mass at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home (5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. in New Orleans) on Tuesday, January 10, 2017 at 12:00 p.m. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. Interment at All Saints Mausoleum will follow the mass. To view and sign the guestbook, please visit lakelawnmetairie.com.