Lona Davis

Our beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Lona Dee Davis of Hiddenite, NC, passed away the evening of December 31, 2010 at Valley Nursing Center in Taylorsville, NC after a long life filled with love and laughter. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 5, 2011 with the Reverend Mike Duncan officiating. The service will be held at Pisgah United Methodist Church, 488 Hill Farm Road in Hiddenite, NC, with interment following the service in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Mrs. Davis was born April 21, 1918 in Iredell County, NC to the late Preston Milton Godfrey and Laura Myers Godfrey. She was the youngest of nine children, all of whom preceded her in death: Mrs. Wilson Query, Mrs. Glady Elliott, Mr. P.C. Godfrey, Mr. Webb Godfrey, Mrs. Lee Sherrill, Mrs. Mabel Shaw, Mrs. Eugene Daye, and Mr. Paul Godfrey. She was married for 44 years to the late Daniel Davis prior to his death on December 5, 1983. She was also preceded in death by her son-in-law Dr. Craven H. Sumerell and by her special friend, Albert Austin. Mrs. Davis is survived by her daughter, Amy Davis Sumerell of Charlotte and her son Dan Thompson Davis and wife Dell of Taylorsville. She is also survived by four grandchildren, Allison Hunt and husband Roger of Greensboro; Patrick Sumerell and wife Misty of Columbia, SC; Shannon (Missy) Spainhour and husband John of Charlotte; and Jennifer Morrison and husband Aaron of Statesville. She is also survived by five great-grandchildren, Parrish Hunt, Julian Hunt, Anna Spainhour, Blan Morrison, and Charles Morrison. Mrs. Davis is also survived by many nieces, nephews, friends and extended family, including Joyce Godfrey Blue and Winnie Sloan. While raising her family in Hiddenite and maintaining the many responsibilities of the family farm, Ms. Davis also operated "Dee's Beauty Shop" from her home. After raising her family, Mrs. Davis began a second career as an Eligibility Specialist with the Alexander County Department of Social Services, where she worked until her retirement. She was always actively involved in her church, local schools and service organizations, including the Alexander County Hospital Board, and the Order of the Eastern Star. She was named the Alexander County Homemaker of the Year in 1972. Mrs. Davis was a long-time and devoted member and officer of the Alexander County Democratic Party. She also played the piano beautifully, told wonderful stories and had a laugh that could light up a room. Memorials may be sent to the Pisgah Cemetery Fund c/o Pisgah United Methodist Church at the above address. Arrangements are in the care of Nicholson Funeral Home in Statesville. Pallbearers are: Patrick Sumerell, Roger Hunt, John Spainhour, Aaron Morrison, Gary Corley, Michael McLain and Colton Bell.