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LAUREL DAVIS Obituary
Laurel Jean Davis, Gainesville, age 60, passed away on May 17, 2018, after a long illness. Laurel was born in Rensselaer, Indiana, on May 30, 1957, but spent most of her youth in St. Petersburg, Florida, where she attended Lakewood High School. She enrolled at the University of South Florida and earned a bachelor's in political science. There she met her future husband, Carl Van Ness. The couple moved to Gainesville to attend the University of Florida where Laurel earned a Juris Doctor. The two were married in 1984 and decided to settle in Gainesville. They raised two children, Spencer Davis-VanNess, 32, and Sharon Davis-VanNess, 27. The family enjoyed the area's springs and rivers and frequently traveled to places both near and far. She loved community theatre and rarely missed a performance at the Hippodrome.
Laurel was a teacher in Alachua County, first at Loften High School and most recently at the Sidney Lanier Center where she worked with special-needs students. Laurel valued honesty in her family, friends and coworkers. She championed fairness, tolerance and respect for others. In addition to her husband and children, Laurel is survived by three sisters, as well as nieces and nephews.
Laurel will be buried at Prairie Creek Conservation Cemetery. A remembrance gathering will be held at the outdoor pavilions at Depot Park on Sunday, July 8th from 1:00 to 4:00PM. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Alachua Conservation Trust, 7204 SE County Road 234, Gainesville, FL 32641.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for LAUREL DAVIS
Lora Jackson
May 31, 2025
I still miss you and think of you often. Love you!!
Lora jackson
May 16, 2023
I still miss you and think of you often.
Love you!
!
Wanda Moffett
May 16, 2023
You are still loved and missed Laurel.
Lora jackson
May 19, 2022
I miss you and think of you often
Love you!!
Lora jackson
May 19, 2022
I still miss you and think of you often. Love you dear
Jane Adair, Albert and Al Matheny
May 16, 2022
Laurel had such a strong mind and heart! I will always treasure the Parenting classes we attended together during the baby/toddler years, as well as the long-time neighbors and friends playgroup we created. She was my rock, and always ready to help me laugh.
Lora Jackson
May 16, 2020
I still miss her and think of her often. But am very grateful for the time and friendship we shared. Love you Laurel
Lora Jackson
May 16, 2019
I miss you and think of you every day but I know you are traveling the world.
❤xoxox❤
Lora
Yolanda upchurch
May 16, 2019
Still think about you, missing you much.
Rodney Warner
August 6, 2018
Laurel was a friend and colleague at Sidney Lanier the two years I worked there. I could always count on her for a great laugh and conversation.I knew of her struggle with cancer but was not in contact with her lately due to my own struggle with cancer. I went to Lanier this morning to check on her and say hello and see how she was doing. It saddened me to find out that she had passed.She will be missed. God Bless!
Jane Adair
July 9, 2018
Laurel will not be forgotten. She lived a life of strength and integrity providing inspiration to those who knew her. Laurel's devotion to family and community was shown in her tirelessly working to make a better life for all. We were blessed in our friendship. Jane Adair, Albert and Al Matheny
Janis Sharp-Slean
May 29, 2018
Soooooooooooo sorry to hear of Laurel's passing. We were at Loften High School together & shared office space right next to each other. We held many interesting discussions where I found her to be very caring, respectful, fair & funny. She will be missed--Janis Slean, Ast. Principal, retired.
Alexandria Skinner
May 28, 2018
I met Laurie in the 4th grade when I was in Mrs. Sheridine's class at Lakewood Elementary. We remained fast friends through high school. I cherish my memories of a warm, thoughtful, kind, intelligent, fun-loving, respectful, generous, and forgiving friend. We had so many good times together, and some challenging times as we journeyed through adolescence. Though our paths separated after high school, she is someone I will always be grateful to have known. May you have peace and grace at this time, and know that my prayers will be with you as you mourn the loss of your beloved wife, mom, sister and friend.
Elijah Thomas
May 26, 2018
I will miss you enjoyed our talks
Lora Jackson
May 23, 2018
Laurel will be very missed.
With much love .
Laurel at Prom 2015
Carmen King
May 23, 2018
Carmen King
May 23, 2018
Thank you Laurel for being a beacon of what is good and right in this world. In your own way and on your own terms, you stood as a role model for integrity. I will miss our morning talks and the many ways you made a difference in our little corner of the world. My heartfelt thoughts are with your family.
Charles Baggett
May 23, 2018
Laurel will be missed. She was a good friend and coworker. My prayers go out to her family and those who knew and loved her.
Darcy & Kevin Rogers
May 22, 2018
RIP Laurie! We will forever remember your wit, intelligence, good humor, love of Indiana and your visits to see us throughout the years - summers detasseling corn, our scary car rides down (or up?) Moody Road, picking blueberries...so many carefree days when life was young, free and easy. You'll be with us always! Love you!
Monica Coker
May 22, 2018
Laurel, I will miss your smile, wit and intelligence. I enjoyed working with you and getting to know you. Through your stories of your family the love you held for them shone through. I hope your family will have comfort in that knowledge.
Wanda Moffett
May 22, 2018
My sincere condolences to the family for the loss of your loved one. May your memories comfort you. She was a beautiful person who made a difference in the world around her. Gone But Not Forgotten.
Yolanda Upchurch
May 22, 2018
You will be greatly miss.
Connie Lee
May 22, 2018
I will always admire Laurel's passion for women rights and equality for everyone. I give my sincere condolences to her family.
Sherri Britt
May 22, 2018
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Gladys, Portia, and Ruby
May 22, 2018
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your heart.
Dalys/ Cassandra
May 22, 2018
It was with great sadness that we learned of Laurel's passing. Please accept our heartfelt condolences and we hope that in a small way they help through these trying times.
DAVID & STEVE
May 22, 2018
Our friend. Gone but never forgotten.
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