Mrs. Leslie Sturges Parker Davis, age 80, of Alexandria, TN, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at her home.
Mrs. Davis was born May 4, 1943 in Bryn Mawr, PA, a daughter of the late Dr. William Sturges Parker and Anita Woodworth Jones Parker. Her parents would separate and divorce in the late 1950’s and Dr. William Parker would go on to marry Noel Smyth Butcher on February 6, 1961. Leslie was preceded in death by two siblings; Anita Woodruff Parker Purves on March 11, 1975, and Sanford Sturges Parker in May 1942, and Step-mother; Noel Smyth Butcher Parker.
Leslie graduated from high school at The Booth School, in Rosemont, PA, in 1962. During her years in school, she was not only a scholar student, but also participated in several team sports over the years. From high school, Leslie went on to attend Southern Seminary College, and earned an associate degree in 1965.
She spent the next few years traveling the world, site seeing locations near and far, eventually settling down for about a year in Hawaii where she taught history in a local Elementary School. She would return to southeastern Pennsylvania in the late 1960’s and would marry J.C. Davis on December 19, 1970. They would go on to reside in Glenmore, PA, and have two children; William Whitmore Davis and Briton Clyde Davis.
The summer of 1994, the Davis family would move to Tennessee and establish themselves into the Alexandria community. Leslie would begin a part time career as a waitress/hostess, serving customers at the Timberloft Restaurant for nearly 20 years until retirement. Over those 20 years, she would get to know a countless amount of wonderful people and gained some lifelong friendships along the way. Taking care of others needs, serving others first is the mark she left on everyone, everywhere she went. Outside of work, she devoted all her time to family and her hobbies. She loved nature and all things wildlife, her most favorite was hummingbirds. She had numerous pets over the years (indoor and out). She was an avid artifact hunter, constantly looking for unique or rare treasures, near and far, taking trips with friends, covering most of the continental US in search of something fun or unique and enjoying the countryside along the way. By far her most coveted interests were Indian artifacts and coin collecting.
Along with her parents, stepparents, and siblings; Leslie was also preceded in death by her Husband; J.C. Davis on March 11, 2008.
Mrs. Davis is survived by Two Sons; Whit and Beth Davis of Alexandria, TN, four grandchildren, Leslie Elizabeth Davis, Hannah Elizabeth Brooks, Riley Grace Davis, and Braxton R.J. Davis. Brit and Kara Davis of Alexandria, TN, two grandchildren; Arabella Grace Davis and Parker Alexander Davis. Siblings; Brit and Karen Parker of Ambler, PA, two nephews; William “Bill” Parker and Charles Parker, and Noel and Chris Hanley of Bryn Mawr of PA, niece; Christine Somers Pratt-Zoellner and nephew; John Peter Nettl.
From all of her family and friends over the years, to know her was to love her. She had a servant’s heart, a work ethic second to none, outpouring of love and kindness in every breath, and always looking to make sure others had what they needed before worrying about her own wants, needs or concerns. At the end of most every conversation, no matter the situation, she would leave you with the remark “now what can I do for you?”. A truly God sent servant, one that we all will miss for the rest of our days.
Funeral services for Mrs. Davis are scheduled to be conducted from the Avant Funeral Home on Wednesday, November 22, 2023 at 12PM with Eld. Rickey Hall officiating. Interment will follow in the Hillview Cemetery.
Visitation with the family will be at Avant Funeral Home on Tuesday from 11AM until 7PM and on Wednesday after 10AM until service time at 12PM.
The family requests memorials be made to assist with funeral expenses.
Avant Funeral Home, Alexandria, is in charge of the arrangements.
Smithville Review
(Smithville, Tenn.)
Nov. 29, 2023
