Jessie May Davis

CHARLESTON,IL – Jessie May Davis, age 87 of Charleston, passed away on Saturday, September14, 2013 at her home.  Visitation will beheld Wednesday morning, September 18, 2013 from 9:30 – 11:30 at Enon BaptistChurch, located near Ashmore.  FuneralServices honoring and celebrating her life will be held at 11:30 a.m. onWednesday at the church with Pastor Wayne Carrigan officiating.   Burialwill follow in the Enon Cemetery.  It isrequested that thoughtful donations in her honor be made to the Enon BaptistChurch.  Gifts may be left on thememorial table at the visitation or service or may be mailed to Adams FuneralChapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920. 

Maywas born on November 19, 1925 in Ashmore, a daughter of the late Jesse andNeona (Johnson) Coartney.  She marriedFred M. Davis on April 30, 1947 in Charleston and they were married 25 yearsprior to his death on June 17, 1975.  Sheis survived by three loving and devoted children, Marlene Ashby and husbandMichael of Carol Stream, IL, Phil Davis and special friend Cheryl Roberts, andLoretta Buell and husband Marty, all of Charleston; seven grandchildren, Chad(Michelle) Ashby, Jenny (Jason) Uhlmann, Jesse Davis, Steffanie Davis, Ashley Davis,Natalie (Chris) Holloway and Mandy (Jon) Seiler; and six great-grandchildren,Ellie and Grace Ashby, Jacob, Olivia and JT Uhlmann, and Kinser Holloway.  In addition to her parents and husband, shewas preceded in death by two brothers, Kenneth and Robert Coartney and asister, Catherine McGahan. 

Maywas a statistical researcher for the Illinois Department of Agriculture.  It was a job she held for 25 years and onethat suited her well as she was actively involved in farming for most of herlife.  She was a member of the ColesCounty Farm Bureau Women's Committee as well as Home Extension and theUniversity of Illinois Cooperative Extension Councils.   She was a supporter of the local 4-H programand served as leader of the Rardin Readies. May was a life-long member of the Enon Baptist Church and was but ayoung girl when she joined the church which her father helped to build.  

 Mayloved to garden and enjoyed spending time tending to her flowers.  She would also crochet in her spare time andwas an avid reader, especially of farm related magazines – she always kept upwith changes and news in the area of agriculture.  For May, life revolved around her family asshe followed and participated in the lives of her children and grandchildrenwith great interest and affection.  Shedearly loved each of them and cared about their activities – she always knewwhat was important and meaningful in their lives.  Her devotion and love for her family wasoften demonstrated through the wonderful meals which were so lovinglyprepared.  She was a marvelous cook and wouldprepare everyone's favorite foods.    "Grandma May" as she was affectionatelycalled, knew how to create a smile with her homemade pies, birthday cakes andnoodles, in addition to her signature dish – banana pudding! 

Mayblessed her family with a love and affection that knew no boundaries.  She will always be fondly and lovingly rememberedas they treasure their many fond memories.