Detsey Davis

Detsey Johnston Davis age 70, of
Moundville, Alabama, passed away on August 25, 2022 at her residence. Visitation will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 31, 2022 at Magnolia Chapel South. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Kenneth Wyatt officiating. Burial with graveside service will be 12:15 p.m. Wednesday at Oak Hill Cemetery in Moundville, Alabama. Magnolia Chapel South will be directing.

Detsey was preceded in death by her parents, James F. (Buddy) and Mary Ruth Johnston, sister Deborah Ann Wilson and grandson Caleb Scott Davis.

Survivors include her husband Tommy Davis, son Scott Davis, daughter Kim Davis McCrory (Shannon); sister Trina Johnston Holcomb (Jerry); grandchildren Jay Payne (Brooke), Ally Grace Payne, Abby Kaye Payne, Landon Davis, Morgan Stoudenmier and Hamner McCrory; great grandchild Laiken Gladys Payne, great niece Teagan McNair and several nieces and nephews.

Detsey was the firstborn daughter of proud parents Buddy and Mary Ruth Johnston at Druid City Hospital in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Detsey's journey began in the small town of Moundville, Alabama on Woods Place Road. She was a member of the Moundville Nazarene Church, attending with her parents and two sisters growing up, as her mother was one of the charter members. In high school, her honors included National Beta Club, Journalism Staff, Senior Maid, Girl Scouts and various school clubs. She graduated from Hale County High School in 1970 and married her high school sweetheart Tommy Davis. They made their new home in Pine Ridge Subdivision in 1973 where they lived for 45 years. More recently, they bought a home in the Indian Mounds Subdivision which gave them a new perspective on their life journey.

Detsey's career path began at Tuscaloosa Finance Company, then on to the Moundville Archeological Park Museum. Detsey was a Mary Kay consultant for many years and attended many company conferences in Texas. Meeting Mary Kay Ash was a neat highlight during her working experience. Later on she worked at the Moundville Telephone Company for many years. Detsey's last employment before retiring was for Lloyd Wood Construction as a manager for apartment complexes.

Retirement allowed her to be able to spend time with family, grandchildren and her friends, especially The YoYo sisters. This lady's club, formed by lifelong friends, gathered monthly to celebrate birthdays, special events, holidays and other milestones. Spending time with these special ladies was something she looked forward to.

Fondly known as Mrs. Detsey or Mama Det, her swimming pool was the hangout place for the neighborhood kids. Making snacks for the kids, conversation and swimming usually was the main activity during the summer. Shopping for her family, especially the grands, was an eventful time she cherished. It gave her great joy to see the reactions of those opening the gifts.

Making family photographs during events was always a top priority and she made sure all the family participated. She was considered the camera guru. Detsey also enjoyed all types of musical artists, including Floyd Cramer, Ricky Nelson, Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, Alabama and Little Big Town. Detsey loved to watch her favorite shows which included "I Love Lucy," "Ozzie and Harriet," anything on the Hallmark Channel, HGTV, The Food Network, or any show involving making crafts or cooking. She could watch these for hours.

Detsey had a love for reading and was particularly fond of novels written by John Grisham, James Patterson, Beverly Lewis, Jan Karon, local authors and various celebrity biographies. She enjoyed making and painting ceramics, cross stitching and holiday crafts. Making desserts with her sisters during the Christmas holidays was one of her favorite activities.

Detsey loved making connections with people and kept in touch often through social media, cards or phone conversations. Detsey was best known for her quick-witted humor, love of family and her sweet spirit. Talking to the elderly, total strangers and anyone in general was her forte. Singing and humming church hymns, or any music was something she loved to do. Some of Detsey's favorite expressions were "Come in if you can get in," "Don't look at this mess," "Y'all be safe," "Watch for crazy drivers," "Y'all don't hurry off," "What are you supposed to say?" "Please and thank you," "Yes mam and no mam" and "Always tell someone you appreciate what they did for you."

Pallbearers will be Jay Payne, Landon Davis, Todd Wilson, Leon Seale, Jerry Holcomb and Kirt Warren.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Dr. Larry Skelton and Staff, Sandra Davis Seale, Keith Weaver, Mike and Debbie Clements, Bobbie and Angela Harris, Hale County High School Class of 1970 and The YoYo Sisters Club - Patty Hartley, Deb Ward, Karen Johnson, Linda Lester, Peggy McCray and Zach Miller.

In lieu of sending flowers, donations can be made to the Moundville Public Library or The American Diabetes Association.