Iris Loretta Davis

1933 - 2020

Iris Loretta Davis
November 27, 1933 - December 19, 2020
Charlotte, North Carolina - Iris Loretta Cochrell Davis passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, December 19, 2020. Her granddaughter Hannah was lovingly by her side holding her hand and singing to her. Iris was born in Waxhaw on November 27, 1933. She was affectionately known to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren as GMom and GGMom.
She was predeceased by her mother Etta Rone Cochrell and father James Lewis Cochrell, husband of 66 years, John Alexander Davis, Jr., grandson Josh, sister Dorothy, nephew Alan, and sister in-law Betty, as well as Iris and John's beloved cat Scaredy.
Survivors include her children Ginger (Carey), Judy, Marie (Steve), Joan (Anthony), Susan (Steve) and Stephen; grandchildren Hannah (Eric) and Kyla; and great-grandchildren Gavin, Emma, Camden and Blake.
Her life was enriched by the large extended family of nieces and cousins she truly loved, including Janice, Ann, Brad, Tim, Mickey, Greg, Meredith, Tris, Sharon, Jon, Kenny, Neil, Mary Lynn, James, David, Nina and Dean.
She was proud of each and every one of us and never hesitated to tell us or anyone else who would listen, from a shopkeeper to the mail carrier or restaurant server!
She also leaves behind very special people in her life with whom she shared true and long-lasting friendships, particularly Gladys, Pat & Larry, Patti & Ernie, Mark, Roy, June & Don and Karen & Jennifer.
She had many, many friends over the years whom she truly adored. They appreciated her personality, her wit and her playful and loving spirit. She could take a joke and could certainly dish one out too! Her granddaughter Kyla described her as a "force of nature"; she certainly was! She was always positive and optimistic and had a special gift for making everyone around her feel good about themselves. She genuinely cared about all people from all backgrounds and cultures. Her ambition in life was to be a mother with a large family.
Mom/GMom/GGMom sure knew her way around the kitchen. She especially loved complementing her dishes with the variety of fresh herbs she grew. She also enjoyed sharing the love of a good cup of gourmet coffee with her son Stephen.
At Waxhaw High School, she was the Class Poet and a cheerleader, and she received the Class Superlative of Friendliest. She enjoyed twirling a baton from her schoolgirl days in Miami to as recent as this spring. She began pursuing her passion for oil painting once she retired from her 30-year career at Presbyterian Hospital. She recently began writing a book of short stories based on events in her life. Iris was a longtime member of Eastern Hills Baptist Church, where she enjoyed volunteering.
Iris always looked forward to the annual family trip to Asheville to attend the Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands. Iris and John shared an appreciation for the art of handmade pottery. They enjoyed many trips to potteries in Williamsburg, Seagrove, Asheville and more.
A private service was held in Waxhaw on December 28, 2020. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the American Heart Association, Eastern Hills Baptist Church, your local animal rescue or food bank. Iris believed in supporting medical research, she was a woman of faith, she loved animals and never wanted anyone to go hungry.
Online condolences may be made to www.gordonfuneralservice.com. Gordon Funeral Service and Crematory is caring for the Davis family.