Viola Davis

Viola Nix Davis passed away Friday, Jan. 21, 2022, peacefully in her home after a brief illness at the age of 92 surrounded by loved ones. 

Viola was born the daughter of James Homer and Sadie Johnson Nix March 31, 1929, in Lynch, Kentucky. In elementary school, Viola moved to Ohio with her family, and she graduated from Hopedale High School in 1948. On May 26, 1949, she married the love of her life and husband of 57 years, Glenn J Davis. Together, the couple purchased West Motors and turned it into their business, West End Motors. 

Viola is preceded in death by her parents, sister Lorraine Nelson, husband Glenn J. Davis, daughter Karen Davis and infant grandson Zachary Davis and was followed in death by her sister Mary Francis Hutchinson Sunday, Jan. 23.

Viola was an active member of Eastern Star for over 50 years where she held a chair position. She was also active with United Methodist Women and was a Sunday school teacher, a Cub Scout leader, a homeroom mother and an active member of Unionport United Methodist Church until her health would no longer allow it. 

Viola was a talented gardener, a wonderful storyteller, an active Nancy Drew Mysteries reader and audiobook listener and an adventurer and traveler alongside her husband, as well as a caregiver and a friend to all who knew her. Growing up in the Depression Era, she always was sure to make certain no one left hungry and spent her life attempting to keep everything in case someone was to need it. She was always sure to tell you “Everything else is going along okay” when you talked to her and was a supporter of all her children’s and grandchildren’s achievements. She was a frugal woman and active doll collector throughout her years, as well as a mother to many foster pets, whom she referred to as her “babies.” She always had sage advice for her children and volunteered at Jefferson County’s children's home just so she could rock the babies. 

She was caring, loving, generous, ornery and bossy at times. But at the end of the day, she was and will always continue to be one of the greatest blessings and inspirations to her family for her love of the Lord. Viola was a wife, mother and adopted mother to many, an aunt and a devoted friend. Her favorite hymns, “Mansion Over the Hilltop” or “How Great Thou Art,” brought her to peace Friday, as her nurse sang her to rest. 

She will be deeply missed by her children Verna Mooney, Fred (Renee) Davis and Kathy Davis; grandchildren Jerod (fiance Lisa), Heather, Erin (Gates), Stephanie, Trista (Steve), Jeff (Megan) and Courtney (Brenden); great-grandchildren Mickaela, Jesten, Carlea, Avery, Aria, Hailey, Morgan, Beckett and Maddie; and many loving nieces and nephews. Viola will also be missed by her loving cat, Lisa Jo, who was always by her side and protected her even in her final days. 

Everhart- Bove Funeral Home, 685 Canton Rd., Wintersville on Saturday from 11 AM until time of services at 1 PM. Burial will follow at Fort Steuben Burial Estates. Eastern Star services will be held at 12:30. 

In lieu of flowers, please donate in Viola’s name to Unionport United Methodist Church, 64 West St., Bloomingdale, OH 43910. 

The family would also like to thank Janice “Poodie” Parks for being with us and standing watch over our beloved mama and Marilyn Thompson for her spiritual and loving support in her final days.

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