Adelaide Shull Davis

Sarah Adelaide Shull Davis was a true “Daughter of the South.” Born at her maternal grandparents’ home in East Nashville, September 5, 1913 to Addie Crutcher and Harrison Johnston Shull. She lived her entire life in Tennessee and Mississippi – giving her an abiding sense of southern gentility.



Preceded in death by husband, William Lipscomb Davis, daughter, Martha Davis Sarratt, son, William Lipscomb Davis, Jr., brother, Dr. Harrison Shull, and sister, Louise Shull Morrison.



She is survived by a son, Harrison Shull “Hank” Davis (Robbie) and daughter-in-law, Mrs. William Lipscomb Davis, Jr.



Also survived by nine grandchildren, Harrison Brewer Davis (Jennifer), Sarah Dearing Davis, William Lipscomb Davis III (Kim), Adelaide Grace Davis, Virginia Annee Davis, Denis Sarratt Brock (Jerry), Madison Houston Sarratt (Laura), Martha Davis “Marday” Sarratt Johnson (Gene), and Robert Houston Sarratt (Sandra).



Fifteen great-grandchildren: Charlotte Adelaide Davis, Lipscomb Davis, IV (Rachel), Haley Davis, Will Hannon (Mary Julia), Jane Hannon, Ro Stevens, Davis Stevens, Jay Yeiser (Heather), Will Yeiser (Kelly), Mary Perkins (Jay), Melissa Beasley (Bill), Olivia McCarthy (Dan), Haley Strouth (Adam), Jani Sarratt, and Findlay Sarratt, and 11 great-great grandchildren. Nephews and nieces – Ann Lauterbach, Lynn Perry (Jim), Dr. Harrison Shull (Cathy), Johnston Morrison (Judy), and Judy Gentry.



Growing up on the family farm in Brooksville, Mississippi, she attended public school. Adelaide then attended All Saints College and Ward-Belmont before graduating from Vanderbilt University, where she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta. For two years, She was a beloved fourth grade teacher at Eakin Elementary.



While a supportive member of many local organizations, her main interest and community service was devoted to sociological and educational conditions, notably, The Salvation Army – where she was the only female Life Board member, West End Home for Ladies, Protestant Orphanage (now Duncanwood School), and the Junior League. She was honored by 50 Forward, the United Way and Harpeth Hall~Ward-Belmont as their Spirit of Service recipient.



Other memberships included Centennial Club, Belle Meade Country Club, and the Friday Literary Club. Her love of music, sports, nature and our country was only surpassed by her faith, Christian – ecumenical – lifelong.

The family is most grateful to the wonderful staff at Richland Place, caretakers and friends who filled her days with comfort and joy.

Grandsons and Terry Anglin, Dr. Harrison Shull and Tom Stumb will serve as pallbearers.

For Richland Place residents, there will be a visitation on Thursday, January 21 from 2:00 – 3:00. .

Graveside Service at Woodlawn Cemetery at 11:00 on Friday, January 22 with Rev. Andrew Benedict III officiating. Memorial Music Service on Friday, January 22 at 2:00 celebrating Adelaide’s life, Dr. Todd Jones officiating.

Saturday, January 23, visitation at Hillsboro Church of Christ from 10:00-1:00. .

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the Salvation Army (631 Dickerson Pike, Nashville 37207) or to The Lipscomb and Adelaide Davis Scholarship at Lipscomb University (One University Park, Nashville 37204)