August 23, 1916 – July 20, 2006
Dixie Davis passed away peacefully in her Upper Lake home at the age of 89 the morning of July 20, 2006, after a long illness. She follows her husband of 72 years, Elmer Davis, who passed just one week before she did. She is survived by her two children, Fred Davis of Fresno and Frances (Ed) Seely of Upper Lake; five grandchildren, Jeff, Colleen, Eric, Steven and Mary; and 10 great -grandchildren, Jessica, Stephen, Allison, Mitchell, Austin, Michael, Matthew, Justin, Andrew and Ryan.
Dixie was a loving mother, devoted wife and endearing grandmother who loved to laugh. Born in Hebron, Texas, Dixie was the sixth of seven children of Noah R. and Laura Ann Jones. She was referred to as “Sis” by her brothers and sisters who have gone before her: Gilbert, Jennie May, Bonnie Lee, Annie Elizabeth (Betty), William and Clara Ocia B.
She was the first of her family to graduate from high school in 1934. She married Elmer the very next day on June 2, 1934, in Carrollton, TX. They lived and worked in nearby towns until they moved to Los Angeles with their two children in 1942. After visiting friends in Lake County, Elmer quit his job and they moved to Middletown and later to Upper Lake at the end of 1942. They moved to Fresno in 1958 where Dixie graduated from Fresno Community College in 1964 with her LVN nursing degree. She worked as a nurse while her husband recovered from a trucking accident. They owned and operated two laundromats in Fresno until they retired and moved back to Upper Lake in 1984.
Even though her family in Texas called her “Sis,” she loved her nickname of “Dixie” given to her by a Middletown preacher because she came from the south or the Land of Dixie. She loved to quilt, sew, crochet and knit. She made many formal gowns and wedding dresses, including her daughter”s, which her granddaughter, Colleen, also wore. She enjoyed cooking for her family such as her famous fried chicken, chicken salad, lemon bars, and homemade ice cream. She was happiest when all five of her grandchildren were together during holidays or at her daughter”s and son-in-law”s annual 4th of July party at the Seely Orchard Ranch. She loved to dance with her husband and was an active member of the Old Time Fiddler”s Club in Fresno. She also loved to fish and to travel with Elmer in their camper and go to family reunions back in Texas. She had many friends and loved to visit, and play cards and dominoes.
Her tender heart gave her trouble despite bypass surgery five years ago. Special thanks to Sharon for her devotion and tender care during this time.
A graveside memorial service was held on Friday, July 21, at the Upper Lake Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations in her memory to Hospice Services of Lake County, 1717 S. Main St., Lakeport, CA 95453.
For further information call Chapel of the Lakes, 263-0357 or 994-5611, or visit them online at www.chapelofthelakes.com for directions.
Please sign the guestbook at www.record-bee.com, click on obituaries.
(Published in the Lake County Record-Bee on Friday, July 22, 2006.)
