Sara Jane Davis

1938 - 2025

Sara Jane Davis

August 17, 1938 - June 16, 2025

Fort Worth, Texas - On June 16, 2025, the earthly journey of Sara Jane Smith Davis came to a gentle close after a life defined by compassion and a quiet, sustaining faith. She died as she lived, with grace, poise, and serene composure.

Her memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church of Fort Worth, 800 West 5th Street. A reception will follow.

Born in Tupelo, Mississippi on August 17, 1938, Sara was the youngest daughter of Clytee Orville Filgo Smith and Claude Franklin Murff Smith. Her childhood was spent riding in the truck and on the tractor with her father at the family farm, learning cooking and sewing from her mother's hands, and building friendships that offered her a true sense of belonging.

At age 10, Sara began piano lessons, quickly revealing a natural talent that was lovingly nurtured. While she also played flute in the Tupelo High School band, it was the piano that truly captured her heart and showcased her gift.

In the summer of 1949, Sara contracted polio. She turned 11 years old during her six weeks in isolation at a hospital in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Although polio left her with a lifelong limp, she always carried herself with calm aplomb and steadfast spirit.

Following in the footsteps of her mother and two older sisters, she attended Mississippi State College for Women, now Mississippi University for Women. She later graduated with a degree in music from The University of Mississippi. In college, she was initiated into the international music fraternity Sigma Alpha Iota and was an active member of SAI's Fort Worth alumnae chapter for almost 60 years.

After graduation, she made a rare and bold choice for someone in her family: she relocated to Texas, where she taught group piano in the Dallas ISD. The decision to move shaped the course of her life. She met her future husband, Don Davis, in 1964. They married in Tupelo in 1966 and settled in Fort Worth. She treasured being wife to Don and embraced motherhood with the arrival of their daughter, Kathryn, excelling in both roles with joy and devotion. When Don's health began to decline, Sara met that unprecedented season of life with strength and unwavering care, remaining by his side until his passing in 1983. She navigated the redefinition of "family" with tender resolve and a resilient heart.

From 1967 until 2000, she served as staff accompanist in the School of Church Music at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, where she formed some of her dearest friendships. For more than 25 years, she accompanied the children's and youth choirs at First United Methodist Church of Fort Worth, where she was a member for more than 58 years. These choirs were a perfect merging of her passions for children and church music. She especially loved the hymn "When in Our Music God Is Glorified," and her musical career stands as a testament to fulfilling exactly what the title expresses.

Outside of music and family, Sara had a gift for creating beauty and connection. She hosted elegant gatherings, created an inviting home that made every guest feel welcome, played competitive duplicate bridge, read voraciously, and felt most at home at a Neiman Marcus makeup counter. She treasured her family and expansive circle of friends, gave thoughtful and intentional presents, fancied herself a capable Dallas Cowboys coach, and was known for her dry wit, keen humor, and quiet wisdom. She forgave quickly and did not hold a grudge or keep score. People of all ages turned to her for warm comfort, thoughtful counsel, and the uncommon assurance of being heard with nonjudgmental grace. She encouraged others to believe in themselves and to quiet the inner voices that diminished them, making space for more truthful and affirming ones. She believed honesty was indeed the best policy, and she lived it and modeled it magnificently.

Sara's legacy is one of kindness, compassion, Southern charm, and dignity. She will be remembered with deep love and gratitude and missed beyond earthly measure. The world is gentler and better because of her.

Sara received attentive and devoted care from the skilled nursing staff on the third floor of The Stayton. Special thanks go to Jackson, Armstrong, Radia, Juanita, Ceci, Corinne, Dora, Jay Huntzinger, and the many others who treated her with tenderness, humor, and respect, embracing her as one of their own. Their skill and presence brought comfort to her final months and reflected the deep regard she inspired throughout her life.

She was preceded in death by her husband, C. Don Davis; her parents, Orville and Claude Smith; and her sister, Betty Jean Conger.

Sara is survived by her daughter, Kathryn Davis; nieces, Sara Williamson, Betsy West, and Lisa Scoggins (Rick); and nephew, Claud Conger. She cherished being a great-aunt to Blake Williamson (Ashlee), Dave West (Aja), Parker West, Chad Scoggins (Kayla), Monica Sosa (Stefen), and Trent Scoggins (Jenkins). She was proud to be a great-great-aunt to Holder and Miller West, Kayden and Kennedy Williamson, and Barrett Scoggins. She also is survived by her sister, Mary Ann Simpson; her sister-in-law, Carol Vaughan; and her stepson, Todd Davis (Brenda). She took great delight in and wholeheartedly adored her "chosen" grandchildren, Jessica Gradante Lattner (Travis), Tony Gradante, and Taylor and Madison Ledbetter.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to First United Methodist Church (please specify Children's Ministry), Operation Smile, Emily's Entourage, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.