Dorothy L. Davis

1938 - 2025

Dorothy L. Davis, 87, of Butler, Missouri, formerly of Clinton, MO passed away Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at her home. She was born February 8, 1938 in Clinton, MO, the daughter of Hadley Herbert Vanderburg and Violet Ann (Elliot) Vanderburg.

She attended Clinton schools, graduating from Clinton High School in 1956 where she was a cheerleader all four years. She married the love of her life and best friend, James B. Davis, in 1957. To this union, three children were added to the family, Michael C. Davis; Kimberly S. (Davis) Duncan and Bradford Davis; and seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Dorothy attended First Baptist Church in Clinton, MO with her family. It was during this time she became a Christian at the age of 7 years old. She was baptized shortly after that at First Baptist Church. She became involved in the church and as a teenager she taught pre-school and children's Sunday school.

As a child, Dorothy loved the outdoors and the activities of camping, hunting, fishing and a good campfire. She enjoyed these activities with her cousins, but her favorite outing was to go fishing with her dad, Hadley Vanderburg. Dorothy was known to stay out all night fishing if the catfish were biting.

In Dorothy's early years she worked as an office nurse for Dr. Hughes and Dr. King. It was during this time that she developed her love for medicine. Dorothy's dream was to become a nurse, however her family came first. Dorothy assisted Jim in the auction business as the clerk and also served as First Lady and supportive wife of the churches Jim pastored during 40 years of ministry in the states of Arkansas, California and Missouri. She served in various roles as Sunday school teacher, singing in the choir, church and Christian school secretary.

Dorothy loved her family unconditionally. She was a devoted wife and mother. She was involved in Campfire girls, Boy Scouts, Rainbow girls, and countless little league and high school games. Dorothy loved decorating and entertaining large groups of people. She was an avid antique collector and bargain shopper. One of her greatest loves was participating and traveling to craft shows.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, Hadley and Violet Vanderburg, Clinton, MO and a sister, Barbara Harvey, Riverside, California.

She is survived by her loving husband and best friend of 68 years, James B. Davis; one brother, Jerry G. Vanderburg (Claudia); three children, Mike and Elizabeth Davis; Kim and J.R. Duncan and Brad and Jacquie Davis; seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Dorothy was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She loved her family, friends, and everyone who knew her. She will be sorely missed.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 13, 2025 at the Northeast Baptist Church, 619 East Lincoln Street, Clinton, MO 64735. The family will receive friends from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the church. Interment will follow in the Englewood Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions to Heartland Hospice, 601 West Nursery Street, Butler, MO 64730 or to Northeast Baptist Church, 619 East Lincoln Street, Clinton, MO 64735. Services are under the direction of the Bradley & Hadley Funeral Home, Clinton. Condolences may be left online at www.bradleyhadley.com.