Jean Davis

1933 - 2025

Jean Stilwell Davis, 91, of Mint Hill, NC, passed peacefully on October 1, 2025.

Born October 8, 1933, in Matthews, NC, Jean was the first daughter of the late Barney Stilwell and Ruth McCraven Stilwell. She proudly wore the title of "first grandchild" in the Stilwell family.

Recently, Jean reflected on her happy childhood, sharing that above all else she was grateful to be raised by parents that trained up a child in the way she should go. Her mother not only took her to bible school, but she also made it a point to Jean that she needed to offer any of her schoolmates a ride to learn more about the scriptures with her if they didn't have a method of transportation of their own. Jean enjoyed her classes in school, especially English, but stated she knew Sunday school is where she was learning what mattered eternally. Both of her parents reminded her that politeness is important, but faith, character, and integrity are paramount. In her teenage years, her father established the house rule that there was no dating allowed, unless church was attended Sunday morning and evening. Shortly after this rule was established, Sunday night dates began after church with Brooks, the boy she had ridden the bus with to Matthews Elementary School. Jean chuckled as she reminded us that dating at that time consisted of visiting on the porch, never too far away from her father's watchful eyes. Their courtship lasted two and a half years, and Brooks was granted permission to propose to Jean by her father, on the condition that Jean graduated high school.

A graduate of East Mecklenburg, Jean stated that the reward of earning her diploma was secondary to opportunity to begin her story with Brooks. They were married in 1951, and Jean recalled scanning the radio constantly until she found their song, "Too Young" by Nat King Cole on their drive to Chimney Rock after their wedding. After the honeymoon, Jean began working as a bookkeeper before joining Brooks in the founding of a company that she lived to witness her son continue and grow.

The growth of the business afforded Jean many blessings and opportunities she stated she never would've dreamed of as a child. One of the things she was most thankful for was the ability to step away from working a job full-time and having the ability to be a full-time mom. Cooking was a constant theme in Jean's life; ensuring her son had a steak before his Friday night football games, preparing palatable pecan pies using the recipe passed down from her mother, and establishing in the minds and stomachs of her family that no Thanksgiving or Christmas was complete without the presence of her sweet potato casserole. Preparing meals was about more than the sustenance. Jean loved hosting friends and family for dinner, and the fellowship that followed. Christmas was especially important to her. It was time to celebrate the birth of her Savior, deck the halls with the many decorations Brooks could not keep track of and remind those she loved the true meaning of that time of year.

Another blessing she was especially thankful for was the ability to see the world. Jean loved to travel. Although content at home, she found great joy in experiencing new places and cultures. She appreciated her many trips throughout Europe and countless cruises, but her favorite vacation memories were visiting the Holy Land in Jerusalem, and her time in Alaska as she enjoyed seeing the look of wonder on Brooks' face. Jean also loved the many laughs, adventures, and teamwork of treks across the United States with Brooks in their RV. At first, Jean was skeptical of these open-road endeavors. In usual Jean fashion, she made new friends along the way and always returned home with a funny story to share, usually containing elements about how the duo's individual stubbornness made for excellent comedy material. Brooks joked that in a successful partnership you must choose to be right, or happy, and he chose to be happy. Jean stated she was thankful she didn't have to choose, as being right and happy "suited her just fine".

She had a larger-than-life spirit, with a flair for making every moment unforgettable. Whether through her laughter, her style, or her generous heart, she brought light and joy wherever she went. She lived her life boldly, loved deeply, and left behind many memories as bright and unique as she was.

Left to cherish Jean's memory are her son, Richard Davis, wife Dana Davis, her three grandchildren: Weston Davis, Corban Davis and husband John Colpitts, Merrin Davis and husband Victor Mendoza, and her great-granddaughter, Soleia.

The Davis family would like to extend a special thank you to Sandra Greene for her many years of dedication and compassionate care. Also, to Allison Holmes, for her helpful spirit.

In addition to her parents, Jean was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, J. Brooks Davis, son Ron Davis, and her sisters, Nancy Conder and Diane Grooms.

Funeral Services to honor Jean's life will be held 2:00 p.m. Thursday, October 9, 2025, in the chapel of Calvary Church, 5801 Pineville-Matthews Road, Charlotte, NC. Interment will follow at the Mt. Harmony Baptist Church Cemetery. Repast details will be shared at place of burial.

Professional services have been entrusted to House of Rosadale Home of Funerals-Rosa-WL Truesdale Memorial Chapel, LLC.