Barbra Ann “Barb” Davis

Barbra Ann "Barb" Davis, long time resident of Emporia, passed away peacefully at herhome, surrounded by loved ones, on December 21, 2015 at the age of 80 years, 9 months and9 days. Barbara was born March 12, 1935 in Buffalo, New York, the second of 3 children, to WilliamWhite II and Esther Virginia (Marks). As a child, the family moved around quite a bit asthey followed her dads work in the Naval/shipping industry. Barbara lived in Illinois, Ohio,Philadelphia and Indiana before the family settled in Marion County, Kansas. She completedschool and while working at the local restaurant, met her future husband, William Henry"Corky" Davis. They married in the spring of 1953 and to this union, 3 children, DanielLee "Danny", Linda Kay, and Larry Gene, were born. Corky was tragically killed in anautomobile accident, leaving Barbara widowed with 3 small children. In the summer of 1963,Barbara was married to Charles E Thurston. They had one child, a daughter, Regina. Theydivorced in 1968. In 1972, Barbara gave marriage one more try and wed Douglas E. Dill.They divorced amicably in 1988. An excellent cook and homemaker, Barb's home was always welcoming to friends andfamily. The coffee pot was always on for anyone who stopped. And if you were lucky enough,you just might get a slice of her homemade pie or banana nut bread to go with that fresh cupof joe. Up until these past few years, Barbara had always hosted and cooked the meals forthe large family gatherings. Everyone loved her homemade chicken or beef noodles, besides afew other dishes, they were the family favorites. At Thanksgiving, she would make each oneof her kids and grandkids their favorite pie. Barbara was an active woman. She enjoyed the outdoors whether it was planting flowers,growing a vegetable garden, boating or bird watching. But, her favorite thing to do, wasload up her tackle box, minnow bucket and go fishing. Some say she was such a naturalfisherwoman, she could cast a line into an empty bucket and still pull out a stringer full ofcrappie. Barbara was creative and artistic. She would crochet, paint ceramics, or cross-stitch in herspare time. Over the years, she crafted many keepsakes and treasures for her family and closefriends. She was a talented cake decorator, doing many birthday and wedding cakes for herfamily and friends. Barbara was never afraid of hard work. Besides raising children and running a household,she was a waitress, cook and diner owner. She also worked at IBP, the Bakery and DiddeGlaser. In later years, she kept busy cleaning homes and caring for children and elderly adults.A devoted and loving Mother and Grandma, Barbara was stead-fast and generous by nature.She cherished her friends. She truly enjoyed people and loved visiting with all those she met.Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, her sister Faye, and her brother,William (Bill) J. White III. She is survived by her children; Dan Davis of Emporia, Linda (Davis) Rich and husband,Charlie of Emporia, Larry Davis of Emporia, and Regina (Thurston) Wilson and husband,Shawn of Elk City, OK. Four grandsons: Clint Davis of Emporia, Charles (Bubba) Rich ofEmporia, Chase Rich of Elk City, OK, and Levi Wilson of Elk City, OK. Three granddaughters:Ursula Davis of Lawrence, KS, Elizabeth Wilson and fiancée, Sam of Elk City, OK, McKenna(Wilson) Brooks and husband, Evan of Elk City, OK. Four great granddaughters: Taylor,Savannah, Camille and Maylee. One great-great granddaughter: Azalea.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation can be made to: Hand in Hand Hospice, 1201 W 12th Ave, Emporia,KS 66801 or Emporia Public Library,110 E. 6th Ave,Emporia, KS 66801.