Olivia Moore Davidson

Mrs. Olivia Moore Davidson, 86, of 433 Collier St., died peacefully on "her favorite day of the week" — Sunday, Sept. 25, 2011, surrounded by her beloved family. She was born March 22, 1925 in Olin, to the late Thomas Dixon and Annie Weisner Moore. Olivia grew up on the Thomas Dixon Moore farm in Olin with six brothers and three sisters. She graduated from Mitchell College, where she enjoyed drama classes and received a drama award. After her marriage to U.S. Army Master Sgt. Walter Vaughan Davidson in 1946, they were blessed with four children. Together their life was adventurous living in Germany and other military bases. She has been a life-long member of First United Methodist Church in Gastonia. Her love of the church and members was evident in all her volunteer work, which brought her great happiness. Every time the church doors were open, she was there. She received the United Methodist Women's Laity award in 2004, which recognizes those who are pillars of the church community. For nearly 40 years, Olivia taught the "Special Class" at FUMC. Her students meant the world to her, loving them as her own, referring to them often as "God's little angels." She was heavily involved in the United Methodist Women's group, where she served as president and held many other offices throughout the years. She was a leader in Circle 8, coordinator for Wednesday night services, which included work in the church kitchen. She volunteered for many organizations, including Meals on Wheels, Respite Care Program and Interfaith Ministries. She was named Gaston County Family Advocate of the Year in 1999 for her work with parents and children. Her smile and sense of humor could light up a room. Her gifts of wisdom were given to many. Her selflessness and passion to serve Christ in all capacities could be seen each day through acts of kindness and love to others. Her faith in Christ sparked passion in her soul; sharing God's message of hope, faith and love through her servitude to others. Her daily walk with Christ was seen by all who knew her and could be heard each time she prayed, "Hi God, it's me." She was God's faithful servant. Olivia's blessings and gifts to her church and community will continue after her death. Her positive view inspired others to live in the moment and the legacy of her gentle and kind spirit will live on forever. In addition to her parents, Olivia was preceded in death by her husband, Master Sgt. Walter Vaughan Davidson; sisters, Sue Brawley, Mildred Huff and Peggy Harrington; brothers, Sam Moore, Thomas Moore and Pat Moore. She is survived by her children; a son, Walter Vaughan Davidson II and wife, Salley, of Charleston, S.C.; daughters, Susan Neeley, of Cramerton, Annette Carter, of Dallas, Deborah Davidson and husband, Charles Jones, of Gastonia; and Graham Bell, her special, loving family member and neighbor, who she loved as one of her own and called her "Queen Bee"; six grandchildren, Ashley Watson and husband, Bobby, of Hickory, Rhyne Carter, of Charlotte, Walter Vaughan Davidson III "Trey", of Charleston, S.C., Olivia Neeley, of Wilson, Barton Davidson, of Charleston, S.C. and Ramsey Davidson, of Belmont; one special great-grandson, Carter Watson, of Hickory; brothers, Adolphus Moore and wife, Frances, of Mooresville, Lewis Moore and wife, Doris, of Rowland and Robert Moore and wife, Carolyn, of Harmony; sister in Christ, Connie Austin; very special Sunday school students Tom and Mike and all the students before them; a host of nieces and nephews that she loved dearly; and caregiver and friend, Valerie. The family would like to extend a blessing of thanks to Gaston Hospice for making her final journey graceful and filled with dignity, also thanks to the loving and supportive nurses on third floor-neuro. And loving gratitude to Dr. Addo, who gave her the opportunity to spend her last moments with her family and church. A service to celebrate Olivia's life will be 11:00 Thursday, September 29 at First United Methodist Church. There will be reserved seating for all UMW members and Special Class students and their families. The family will receive friends following the service in the Family Life Center. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, Scholarship Fund or Parish Nurse Fund, P O Box 218, Gastonia, NC 28053.