Elsa Judith Elizabeth Flower Davies

Elsa was born November 17, 1913 in Paterson, New Jersey, the daughter of the late Herbert James and Elsa Hofstadt Flower. She died at the Davis Health Care Center on March 6, 2012. Elsa was preceded in death by her devoted husband of nearly 57 years, Joseph Bergin Davies and a brother, Edwin A. Flower. Elsa graduated from Clifton High School where she was captain of the cheerleaders and Rooter Bus Manager, President of her senior class, and involved in dramatic productions in her school. She received her B. A. degree from Montclair State Teacher College in New Jersey now Montclair University and received her Masters degree in Guidance from Columbia University in New York. She also attended Rutgers University in New Jersey and Syracuse University in Syracuse, NY. Elsa loved flying and belonged to the Women Flyers of America. She shared her love of flying with her husband, Joseph B. Davies. They met on May 25, 1954 at Totowa Wayne Airport in New Jersey and were married 5 ½ months later on November 12, 1954. They had a single engine Stinson airplane which they flew together. Elsa and Joe flew to and spent at least one night in all 50 states. Their adventures together included flying inside the Grand Canyon beginning to end, and trips to Cuba and the Bahamas. Elsa loved photography and she assisted her husband, an aerial photographer, develop and print photographs. She also organized and sponsored the Shutterbug Club. Elsa was elected president of the High School Teachers Association in Rockaway, New Jersey, the first woman ever to be elected to that office. She taught at Point Pleasant Beach High School and Morris Hills Regional High School where she was Guidance Counselor and also taught history. The Davies moved to Figure Eight Island in 1980, where they were active in the community. Elsa was actively involved in politics and was the precinct chairman of Harnett 7, New Hanover County. She served as president of the Lower Cape Fear Republican Women's Club. In 1994, Elsa received honors from both the National and North Carolina Federation of Republican Women. Mr. and Mrs. Davies were major benefactors of The Davis Community in Porters Neck, where the Joseph B. and Elsa Flower Davies Wellness Center is named in their honor. They supported many other charities, including the Shriners Hospital for Children, The American Red Cross, Salvation Army, The Open Gate, and Honor Flight. Memorials may be sent to a charity of your choice. Visitation will be Friday March 9, 2012 from 6 to 7 pm at Andrews Market Street Chapel. The funeral service will be held at 2 pm, Saturday March 10, 2012 at Andrews Mortuary Market Street Chapel with Reverend Bob Haywood officiating.