With heavy hearts, we share the news of the death of Hattie Rachel Davis (née Irwin), who passed away peacefully on January 14, 2026, in Melbourne, Florida, at the age of 91.
Born on June 8, 1934, in Marysville, Tennessee, Rachel was the cherished daughter of Ernest and Sarah Irwin. She grew up surrounded by a loving family that included her brothers Lester and Fate Irwin and sisters Agnes Letherwood and France Starritt. Rachel was the last surviving sibling of both the Irwin and Davis families—a matriarch whose presence anchored generations.
Rachel married her beloved husband, Ernest Lee Davis, with whom she shared a life filled with love and devotion until his passing. Together they raised six children. Though she endured the heartbreaking loss of three sons—DA, Ricky, and Ernie Jr.—Rachel remained a pillar of strength for her family.
She is survived by her daughters Betty Smith of St. Mary’s, Georgia; Patricia Boutin and husband Steve; and son Raymond Davis of Melbourne, Florida. Her legacy continues through her seven grandchildren: Allen Smith; Roy Davis; Rhonda Bishop and husband Mike; Marc Russo; Nicci Young and husband Danny; Jonathan Russo; and Billy Smith with partner Jennifer Sylvester. Rachel was also blessed with seventeen great-grandchildren—Marshall Schneible, Tiamarie Kind, Raylin Bishop, Cora Davis, Jonathan Davis, Paul Withrow, Blake Young, Chase Crider, Tanner Crider, Koby Crider, Asher Crider, Bailey Young, Kailyn Smith, Adam Smith, Mikey Rollston, and Bryant, Chase Russo—and four great-great-grandchildren: Emmitt, Austin Hughes, Ada, Nali Davis.
Known affectionately as “Grandma Rachel” since becoming a grandmother in 1975, she embraced each new generation with open arms and an open heart. The light of her life was her family—her children and their children—and she found joy in every moment spent with them.
Rachel was a devoted wife and loving mother who dedicated her life to caring for others. Though she did not work outside the home in a traditional sense, she babysat countless children over the years and served as a caregiver to her youngest son Ricky until his passing in April 2022. Her nurturing spirit extended far beyond her immediate family—she was deeply loved by numerous nieces and nephews from both the Irwin and Davis families.
A woman of deep faith, Rachel was a charter member of Central Baptist Church in Melbourne. Her commitment to her church community reflected the same steadfast love she gave to her family.
Rachel had a childlike spirit that never faded with age. She delighted in playing all day with her children when they were young—a testament to the joy she found in motherhood. She was truly the rock of her family: strong yet gentle; wise yet playful; always present.
Her absence leaves an immeasurable void in the lives of those who knew her. We will all miss her dearly.
May Hattie Rachel Davis’s memory be a blessing to all who loved her. A Memorial Service will be held on March 8, 2026, from 12:30 AM to 04:30 PM at Captions House At Goody Park 1300 Bianca Dr NE . Join the Family for a pot luck, and Celebration Of Life
Born on June 8, 1934, in Marysville, Tennessee, Rachel was the cherished daughter of Ernest and Sarah Irwin. She grew up surrounded by a loving family that included her brothers Lester and Fate Irwin and sisters Agnes Letherwood and France Starritt. Rachel was the last surviving sibling of both the Irwin and Davis families—a matriarch whose presence anchored generations.
Rachel married her beloved husband, Ernest Lee Davis, with whom she shared a life filled with love and devotion until his passing. Together they raised six children. Though she endured the heartbreaking loss of three sons—DA, Ricky, and Ernie Jr.—Rachel remained a pillar of strength for her family.
She is survived by her daughters Betty Smith of St. Mary’s, Georgia; Patricia Boutin and husband Steve; and son Raymond Davis of Melbourne, Florida. Her legacy continues through her seven grandchildren: Allen Smith; Roy Davis; Rhonda Bishop and husband Mike; Marc Russo; Nicci Young and husband Danny; Jonathan Russo; and Billy Smith with partner Jennifer Sylvester. Rachel was also blessed with seventeen great-grandchildren—Marshall Schneible, Tiamarie Kind, Raylin Bishop, Cora Davis, Jonathan Davis, Paul Withrow, Blake Young, Chase Crider, Tanner Crider, Koby Crider, Asher Crider, Bailey Young, Kailyn Smith, Adam Smith, Mikey Rollston, and Bryant, Chase Russo—and four great-great-grandchildren: Emmitt, Austin Hughes, Ada, Nali Davis.
Known affectionately as “Grandma Rachel” since becoming a grandmother in 1975, she embraced each new generation with open arms and an open heart. The light of her life was her family—her children and their children—and she found joy in every moment spent with them.
Rachel was a devoted wife and loving mother who dedicated her life to caring for others. Though she did not work outside the home in a traditional sense, she babysat countless children over the years and served as a caregiver to her youngest son Ricky until his passing in April 2022. Her nurturing spirit extended far beyond her immediate family—she was deeply loved by numerous nieces and nephews from both the Irwin and Davis families.
A woman of deep faith, Rachel was a charter member of Central Baptist Church in Melbourne. Her commitment to her church community reflected the same steadfast love she gave to her family.
Rachel had a childlike spirit that never faded with age. She delighted in playing all day with her children when they were young—a testament to the joy she found in motherhood. She was truly the rock of her family: strong yet gentle; wise yet playful; always present.
Her absence leaves an immeasurable void in the lives of those who knew her. We will all miss her dearly.
May Hattie Rachel Davis’s memory be a blessing to all who loved her. A Memorial Service will be held on March 8, 2026, from 12:30 AM to 04:30 PM at Captions House At Goody Park 1300 Bianca Dr NE . Join the Family for a pot luck, and Celebration Of Life
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