Dolorez LaVerne Davis' Obituary
Dolorez LaVerne Davis died in her home Sunday, August 3, 2008.
Services will be held 11:00 AM Monday, August 11, 2008 in St. John’s Episcopal Church, with visitation at the church one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be directly after the service in St. John’s columbarium. Memorials may be made to St. John’s Episcopal Church or the Alzheimer’s Foundation.
Dolorez, affectionately known as “Dee,” was born February 12, 1928 in Decatur, Illinois, the daughter of Walter Earl and Lucille D. Wendt Baker. Dee graduated from Decatur High in 1945 and attended the University of Illinois where she was a member of the Terrapins, the university’s synchronized swimming team. She was a lifeguard at Lake Decatur and owned her own sailboat. As a young woman, Dee was a supervisor for Illinois Bell. She married Byrd L. Davis III on October 31, 1952.
Dee and her sister, Joanne Bourne, coordinated the Miss Macon County Fair Queen contest in the early sixties. She was a member of Delta Theta Tau sorority and St. John’s Episcopal Church where she taught Sunday school and served on St. Francis’ Guild. Dee later worked for Illinois Power as an engineering clerk, retiring in 1990.
Dee Davis was a fun loving person known for her intellect and creativity. She was an accomplished pianist, skillful bridge player, excellent cook and an avid reader. She enjoyed attending the opera with her friends and camping with her husband, friends and family.
Dee is survived by her children, Sara J. Davis William Rotz of Decatur; Byrd L. Davis IV Cheryl of Springfield; and Robert E. Davis of Minneapolis, MN; and granddaughter, Suzannah Rotz of Decatur; sister, Joanne Bourne; brother, W. Earl Baker Bev; and nephews and their families.
She was preceded in death by her husband, father and mother.
The family is grateful for her loving friends and caretakers, especially Helen Smith.
The family of Dolorez LaVerne Davis is being served by Moran & Goebel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2801 N. Monroe Street, Decatur.
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