Myra Jane Davis, 87, of Watseka, passed away Monday, February 28th, 2022. She was born on March 21st, 1934, at her grandparents’ home in Westville, a daughter to Oran S. and Elizabeth J. Hale. Myra married Franklin W. Davis on August 16th, 1953, the ceremony was performed by Rev. Lloyd Davis, at the Potomac Methodist Church and they were blessed with 68 years of marriage.
Survivors include her husband Franklin W. Davis of Watseka, IL; two children: Timothy (Karen) Davis of Watseka, IL; and Kathleen (James) Both of Watseka, IL; one daughter in law: Bonnie Davis of Butler, IL; three grandchildren: Christopher (Kailei) Both of Watseka, IL; Tyler Davis serving in the Marine Corps based at Camp Pendleton in San Diego, CA; Katelyn Davis of Watseka, IL; her “doll baby” great grandson Courtland Both of Watseka, IL; sister in laws: Sheryl Hale, Bonnie Spain, and Sarah Davis, several nieces and nephews, and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother Verlin (Bud) Hale of Billings, MT; sister Martha Myhre, and son Franklin W. Davis Jr. of Butler, IL.
Myra spent her childhood in the Potomac area, graduating as the valedictorian from Potomac High School in 1952. Continuing her education later in life, she graduated from the University of Illinois with a Bachelors in Education, with honors, in 1975. She obtained her Masters in Education from Olivet Nazarene University, in 1981. Myra enjoyed teaching elementary school for over 20 years in the Watseka School District. She was always passionate about education and her students, even substitute teaching for several years after her retirement. In her spare time and eventual retirement, she spent many hours reading and conducting research on family history. Myra joined the Mayflower Society after having traced her family roots back to a passenger on the Mayflower. She also traveled to England to explore the origins of her family, an experience she was also able to use in the classroom. Many family history stories have been shared over the years with friends and family. Frank and Myra enjoyed 20 years of fun, warmth, and friends as they spent winters in Ft. Myers, FL. From painting classes to Sunday brunch at the Sunflower Café and the visits from family, they enjoyed every moment of their time in Florida. Myra was an individual of faith and service and was a long-time member of the Watseka First United Methodist Church.
Visitation will be from 9am until 11am on Friday, March 4th, 2022 at Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka. The funeral service will begin at 11am with Rev. Dr. John Davis officiating. Burial will follow at Iroquois Memorial Park, Watseka, IL. Memorials may be made to the wishes of the family or Iroquois Memorial Hospice.
