MANTACHIE - Augie Vern Davidson, age 104, passed away peacefully on September 4, 2025, at North Mississippi Medical Center-Gilmore in Amory, Mississippi, following a brief illness. Remarkably, this was her first serious sickness in a life defined by strength, health, and independence. She had not seen the inside of a hospital room since 1941, which is when she welcomed her son, Bobby Eugene Davidson, into the world.
She was born on July 22, 1921, Augie lived more than a century with grace, grit, and an unmistakable spark. Known as a firecracker with a “tell you how it was” attitude, she spoke her mind plainly and honestly, and those around her loved her all the more for it. Well into her late nineties, she was still mowing her own lawn with a push mower—a living testament to her independence, determination and lively spirit. She was the oldest living member of the Shiloh Community Church.
Though she never drove a car, Augie was one of the most social people you could meet. If you called her home, you knew she was likely on the landline, as she dearly loved long conversations and had a gift for never wanting to hang up.
A devoted homemaker, Augie found joy in caring for her family and cooking for others. Her kitchen was always full of warmth and the aroma of the sweets she loved to bake—tea cakes, pies, and country meals that she gladly shared with neighbors and friends.
Her greatest pride was her family, and she would let you know it when she had a conversation with you. She loved her late son Bobby Gene and adored her granddaughter, Rhonda. She cherished the blessing of becoming “MawMaw” to Rhonda’s daughters, Paige and Hope. Life grew even sweeter when Hope welcomed little Sadie, making Augie a great-great-grandmother. Watching five generations of love unfold was one of her life’s most treasured joys.
Augie’s life was not just measured in years but in the countless conversations, home-cooked meals, and heartfelt lessons she shared. Her strength, her humor, and her honest words will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
She will be profoundly missed, but her legacy of independence, love, and laughter will continue to shine through the family she leaves behind.
Services will be at 4:00 p.m. Saturday, September 6, at the McNeece-Morris Funeral Home Chapel in Mantachie with Bro. Joseph Jones and Rev. Jacky Byrd officiating. Burial will be in the Center Star Cemetery.
Survivors include her granddaughter, Rhonda Kennedy (Noel); two great-granddaughters, Paige Kennedy and Hope Kennedy Caldwell (Matt); one great -great granddaughter, Sadie Caldwell; a special sister-in-law, Ruth Franks; a special brother-in-law, Grady Davidson; her best friend and caregiver, Tina Kindt (Eddie), and her other best friend, Geneva Tabler (Jimmy); several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins, and other extended family members.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Alvie R. Davidson; her son, Bobby Gene Davidson and his wife Sudie; two sisters, Syble Stephens and Earlene Fennell; four brothers, Cletus Franks, Buddy Franks, Boogie Franks, and Billy Wayne Franks; a brother-in-law she raised, Joe Davidson and his wife Joan; and her parents, William Arthur and Mary Eva "Evie" Guess Franks.
Pallbearers will be Eddie Kindt, Jimmy Tabler, Robert Ellis, Tim Tackett, Travis Franks, Jamie Franks, and Jimmy Dale Franks.
Honorary pallbearers will be the Banana Box girls.
Visitation will be Saturday from 2:30 until service time at the McNeece-Morris Funeral Home in Mantachie.
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