Davina Buchanan Tomerlin

Davina Buchanan Tomerlin, 1937-2017, passed on January 15th surrounded by family and friends. A private service is planned, and Davina's ashes will be spread at a few of her favorite places. Expression of condolences may be shown by making a donation to the Arizona Humane Society.

Davina was born in Scotland and enjoyed growing up at her family's Kirkhouse Inn in Strathblane. She delighted in the company of the soldiers encamped by the inn while waiting for D-Day and was shocked when she awoke to find they had unexpectedly left overnight.

A deep love of dance drew Davina to London where she was offered a position with all four dance companies for which she auditioned. She chose to tour the world with the most widely traveled of the companies and was soon dining in Rome, assisting with the rescue of kidnapped fellow dancers in Syria, partying the night away in a seaside grotto nightclub in Algeria, and eventually meeting her future husband in Paris.

Davina arrived in the United States and became a showgirl in Las Vegas where she performed at the Desert Inn, Stardust, and Sands Hotel. Frequently venturing into ballet, Davina performed with Vassili Sulich, as well as the Nevada Dance Theater. Davina later worked at Maine Chance Spa, then Arizona Dept. of Corrections until retiring to Dewey, AZ.

She also loved butter, gardening, reading, swimming, walking among her fruit trees, Game of Thrones (and theories), Downton Abbey, and everyone she met. Although she visited, she missed family and friends in Scotland.

Davina's ex-husband was William Lee Tomerlin [deceased]. She is preceded by her parents, Flora [sometimes recorded as Florence] Miller Buchanan Tennant, and step-father, David Higgins Tennant. Given the name Davidina at birth, Davina changed to the name she commonly used upon becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen.

She is survived by her children, David Tomerlin and Lisa Tomerlin Stultz-Dodge; and five grandchildren, Sara, Michelle, Brad, Tyler, and Christopher. Davina has four great-grandchildren, David, Madelynn, Lilly, and Clair. She rests well knowing they carry on in a family that loves generously.

Arrangements under the direction of Advantage Colonial Mortuary, Phoenix, AZ.