Juanita Nancy Bryant Davis
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Juanita Nancy Bryant Davis, 92, Lawrence, Kansas passed away on Thursday, April 6, 2023, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. Nancy was born January 7, 1931, in Lakeland, Florida, the daughter of Jesse J Bryant and Virginia Nancy Sarvis Bryant. She graduated from Lakeland High School in 1949, during which time was active in Student Council, Social & Recreational Board, Editor of the Baptist Student Union, and she worked for Dr. Johnson, a family physician. After graduation, she attended the Medical University of South Carolina, College of Nursing, in Charleston, South Carolina, graduating in 1953. While attending school she met her future husband, Robert A Davis, who was stationed in Charleston aboard the hospital ship USS Consolation. Upon graduating nursing school, she returned to Lakeland and was a RN at Morrell Hospital. She was a member of the First Baptist Church, the Young Women’s Auxiliary and Teacher. She married the love of her life, Robert A Davis, on June 6, 1954 in Lakeland, FL. They honeymooned across the states to Long Beach, California and she worked as an RN at Long Beach Memorial Hospital. After Robert’s Navy tour ended, she continued her nursing career in Labor & Delivery at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. She was voted Employee of the Year in 1984, and retired Oct. 31, 1996, after 4 decades.
Nancy and Robert were blessed with five loving children, James Bryant, Melissa Ann, Nancy Elizabeth, Timothy Keith and Jeffrey Jerome. She was a loving mother and supported her children in all of their many interests. Along the way she volunteered at her children’s schools, Cottonwood 4-H Club, and the Boy and Girl Scouts. Since 1955, she has been a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church of Lawrence. She was gifted at sewing, gardening, was a wonderful cook, an avid reader and a lover of animals. Nancy loved music and learned to play church hymns on the piano while a member of the First Baptist Church of Lakeland. She enjoyed going out to eat with friends and loved going to the Dine-A-Mite in the late 50’s and early 60’s when the edge of town was 23rd and Louisiana. She had a wonderful sense of humor, loved her Jayhawks and KC Chiefs, was well respected in the community and had many friends. People would recognize her on the street or the grocery store as the nurse that was with them during the birth of their babies.
She is survived by her daughters Melissa Davis (Carolyn Plunkett), Lenexa, KS, Nancy “Beth” Davis, Lawrence, KS, sons Timothy Davis (Jess Barnett) Lawrence, KS, and Jeffrey Davis, who cared for her during the last several years of her life, grandchildren Katherine “Katie” Barnes (Amber Taylor), Brian Duane Davison (Jamie), Monica Renee Davison and many great-grandchildren. Although many of her close friends have passed on, she still kept in touch with her nursing friend, Mayola Reeves, Fontanta, California, her cousin, Cynthia Betty Bryant Cone, Bradenton, Florida, her friend and hairstylist, Lannie Motelet, Lawrence, Kansas and David Davison, Lawrence, Kansas, her former son-in-law.
Nancy is preceded in death by her husband Robert A Davis and her son James Bryant Davis, her parents, and siblings Reverend Raymond K Bryant, Shirley Marie Broyles and Sandra Sue Bryant.
Memorial contributions may be made in Nancy’s name to the American Cancer Society or the Lawrence Humane Society.
Private graveside services will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery.
Mrs. Davis (I always referred to her as “Mrs. Davis”) was a very special human being. She was full of grace and compassionately wrapped her arms around her family who she loved and cherished beyond words. She was never boastful of her children, but pride was always evident in her eyes. I respected her immensely and valued her friendship. She was astute and sharp and acutely brilliant in her lifelong career as a registered nurse. If you needed answers to medical questions or just needed a sounding board, she held abundant, non-judgmental knowledge and was always willing to share her knowledge with others. Mrs. Davis came to both of my parents’ funeral services in 2006 and 2009, and made a point to sit down with me and to share her love and condolences. Those were the last times that I saw her, and for those two encounters, I will be immeasurably grateful. Goodbye, Bahama Mama! You were one of a kind. Hugs to Melissa, Beth, Jeff and Tim.
I’m very sad to hear of Nancy‘s passing. She was a kind soul indeed. In 1984 when she won employee of the year at LMH, that was the year my first was born, she took wonderful care of me and my new munchkin…she was the best nurse ever! She was a wonderful neighbor, as well. I very much missed seeing her the last few years of her life, but I thought of her often. I will miss you very much Nancy.
To the whole Davis family, I am so sorry to hear about Nancy’s passing. She was an incredible woman. The stories my mom would tell about their work experiences. My Mom LOVED Nancy! My prayers are with you.
Great nurse. Condolences to family. RIP.
I loved Nancy! What a special lady and always had a smile! She was the best nurse and everyone loved her! She will be greatly missed. Fly with the angels Nancy.
Nancy, was one of the greats person that I worked with . setting here as I type this ,I think of all ladies I worked with. We did the folding of all the baby cloths, we make the formal for baby, we did it all. Nancy ,will be back with the gang. What homecoming they will have a lot to talk about. I’m sure they well be saying ( Look how they got it now).Beth and family, She is now with her family , in Heaven. My are Lord comfort and Bless you.
Nancy Davis–mom to kids who were not always her own, nurse extraordinaire—I was in labor with my son and not doing so great when Ms. Davis popped her head in and spoke to me in that assured, confident, smiling way and all was better. She was an amazing person with so much light and goodness, and so many of us benefitted from her life! Sending love and prayers to Jeff, Beth, Melissa, and Tim! God bless you all with comfort and mercy…may you know that your mother is not lost to you…there will be a Sunday for us all. Hugs!
Kim L. Murphree
Friend
April 11, 2023
The most generous , fun, smart, capable soul ever–she took us all under her loving wings, and we always felt loved. Nancy Davis was just the best of the best—I remember when I was not having such a great time in labor and I heard her voice and then saw that smile and twinkle–she told me everything would be alright—as she did for so many–and I knew it would. How do you describe a person who can instill confidence and hope in everyone they meet, just by their presence? That was Nancy Davis—and I think that is what we call an angel. She was certainly a gift to us all. Thank you Nancy for putting up with all of us Junior High and High School kids running around in and out of your house. and thank you for being constant—akways making us feel loved—you always knew, and I will always be grateful—one final thanks for this song—I should have known it would be great. Godspeed. Sending love and prayers to Jeff, Beth, Melissa, and Tim—I know she loved you all so much. She still does.
Dear family of Nancy Davis I am so VERY BLESSED to have had Nancy as a good friend! I worked labor and delivery with Nancy for a few years and I’ve never met anyone like her! She was a good friend and probably the BEST nurse ever! I’m sorry for your loss. I would have been there if I would have known and would have done anything to help. I live in Pulaski Tennessee but absolutely would have made the trip back to Kansas had I known.Wonderful Friend,Absolutely theBEST Nurse Ever! I had to have a major surgery when I was working with her! First night after my surgery (mind You she had already worked that day) She came back that night and out of the goodness of her heart stayed with me overnight and did private duty!WHAT A LADY SHE WAS….There will NEVER be an another one like HER!!❤️❤️