Joan Marie Ashcraft Davis

"Joanie" was born in San Antonio on January 22, 1951, the oldest of three children to Joseph Herbert Ashcraft, Sr. and Marie Ohmes Ashcraft. A talented pianist, Joan attended high school at Ursuline Academy, earned a bachelor's degree in music from the University of Incarnate Word in 1972, and completed a Master's degree in Theological Studies from Oblate School of Theology with an emphasis in liturgical music.

Joan met her husband Mike while attending Incarnate Word and they married on February 2, 1972. A devoted mom and "Mimi", Joan was very proud of all her children and grandchildren. Her son Josh swam in two Olympics and was the only man in any sport to win three gold medals at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games. Her son Will is the Associate Pastor at Grand Prairie Bible Church in Grand Prairie, Texas. Her son Sam is an attorney and actively volunteers with Child Advocates San Antonio. Her daughter Tynan is an accomplished opera singer who performed at Carnegie Hall earlier this year.

Joan touched and inspired many lives through music. When her children were young, she provided piano accompaniment to the Joffrey Ballet and Incarnate Word Ballet companies. She also accompanied a dress rehearsal performance by the famed Russian ballet dancer Rudolf Nureyev. She later served as the organist and pianist for St. Pius X Catholic Church, Holy Spirit Catholic Church, St. Mark's Catholic Church, and the Children's Chorus of San Antonio. After her children were nearly grown, Joan earned a teaching certificate and taught for several years in the distinguished choir programs at MacArthur High School and Reagan High School. She encouraged and inspired many students to pursue their musical talents. Some of her proudest accomplishments include the successful high school musical productions that she helped produce during her teaching tenure. In addition to her musical endeavors, Joan was also a former president of the St. Monica's Guild.

Joan was funny, bright, and her sense of humor could be tickled by the intellectual musings of The New Yorker, a Mel Brooks film, or a robust Dr. Pepper belch, but most often by the antics and one-liners of her beloved husband. Mike and Joan laughed together for 40 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph Herbert Ashcraft, Sr. and Marie Ohmes. Joan is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Michael Dennis Davis of San Antonio; her four children whom she adored: Joshua Clark Davis and wife Shantel of San Antonio, Pastor William Culpeper Davis and wife Cara of Grand Prairie, Texas, Samuel Joseph Davis, Esq and wife Shannon of San Antonio, and Katherine Tynan Davis of New York City; her 11 grandchildren: Caleb, Abigail, Annabelle, Luke, Liam, Jack, Josephine, Katherine, Samuel, Connor and Brody; her two brothers: Joseph Ashcraft, Jr. and wife Karen of Tallahassee, FL and Leonard Ashcraft and wife Simone of Austin, TX and her niece: Ina Maeve Ashcraft.

Joanie left this world far too soon. Her family and friends will dearly miss her and the way that she could just light up a room with her red-headed spunk and vivacious spirit. However, Joan's legacy of love, laughter, and music will continue to live on with those who were blessed to have known her.

The Davis family is grateful to those who helped care for Joan: CHRISTUS Cabrini Cancer Center of Alexandria, LA, Cancer Therapy and Research Center, CHRISTUS Hospice, Caring Companions, Universal Nursing Services, and many generous relatives and friends.

The family will receive friends and relatives on Sunday, July 15, 2012 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 pm at Porter Loring North, 2012 North Loop 1604 East, San Antonio, TX 78232.

SCRIPTURE AND PRAYER SERVICE

SUNDAY

JULY 15, 2012

7:00 P.M.

PORTER LORING NORTH

MEMORIAL MASS OF THE RESURRECTION

MONDAY

JULY 16, 2012

11:00 A.M.

ST. MARK THE EVANGELIST CATHOLIC CHURCH

1602 THOUSAND OAKS DRIVE

Everyone is invited to attend an "old fashioned hymn sing" thirty minutes prior to the Memorial Mass.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Children's Chorus of San Antonio, 106 Auditorium Circle, Suite #115 San Antonio, TX 78205.