Obituaries

Frances Jewell Davis, 94, of Martinsville, died peacefully on October 25, 2022, at her home in the Rich Acres Community of Martinsville.

She was born on Jewell Ridge, in Richlands, Tazewell County, Virginia, on February 11, 1928 to the late Albert T. Jewell and Mary Young Jewell. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Harvey Wilson “Willie” Davis, and her son, James “Steven” Davis. She was also preceded in death by two brothers, Raymond Jewell and Earl Jewell; eight sisters, Chloe Colley, Nila Abshire, Thelma Horton, Janie Smith (MacDaniel), Dorothy Patrick, Jean McGlothlin, Reba Harper and Shirley Jewell.

Survivors include a son, Jeremiah L. Davis (Sandy Hodge Davis); two granddaughters, Sarah Jean Davis (Nathan Zaborowski) and Sydney Jewell Davis; and one great-granddaughter, Tatum Claire Zaborowski. Frances was also blessed with her special caregivers, T. Bertha Prunty, Jerri Allen, Carolyn Jones and Sharmaine Thorton.

As a born again Christian and a servant of God, Frances was an organizer for Martinsville Church of Truth Holiness Church in the Rich Acres community. Frances helped her husband, Wilson, build and establish Davis’ Curb Market, now known as Peoples Save Station. There she prepared meals at the lunch counter and was known for her homemade cakes and pies.

Not surprisingly, her nurturing nature and desire to help others led her to attend Danville Memorial Hospital School of Nursing where she graduated top of her class to become an LPN, class of 1967. During her 35-year career, she worked at Martinsville Memorial Hospital, Patrick County Hospital and Danville Memorial Hospital. Her most fulfilling position was Head Nurse for Dr. John R. Smith, Cardiologist.

The family will receive friends at Martinsville Church of Truth on Friday, October 28, 2022, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM. A funeral service will immediately follow the visitation at 2:00 PM with Brother Bill Preskitt officiating. Burial will follow at Horsepasture Christian Church Cemetery.

Wright Funeral Service & Crematory is serving the family.