Annette Davis

The kindest person, most loving wife, best mother, sweetest sibling, greatest grandmother, and most amazing mother-in-law entered heaven on the afternoon of December 23, 2024. Annette was born to Eula Lee Gross (Freeling) and Ollie Dee Gross on January 18, 1949. Annette joined her siblings who were waiting for her: Linda (Carl Gildner), Ronald Gross (JoAnn), Joy (Jerry Don Beasley), and Jannette (Randy Minton). (Jannette only had to wait for Annette for 15 minutes as they were twins!). On December 23, 2024, Annette rejoined Eula, Ollie, Joy, Jerry Don, Carl, and other dear friends and family.

 Annette attended grade school and graduated High School from Cabot. After that she attended ASU Beebe then went on to graduate from ASU Jonesboro with an education degree. During her time at college, she found her forever sweetheart, Neal Davis. They were married on August 22, 1971. When they were married, Annette's mother gave Neal some advice, "Don't start anything you don't want to continue." He started bringing Annette her coffee every morning early in their marriage and was still doing so 53 years later!

Annette taught school for several years then was blessed with a son, Jason Davis. She had taught special education for 33 years when she retired from Beebe School District. During her final years of teaching, Jason added a wife to the family (Katy). A few years later, Annette was promoted to the title of Granna. She was made for the grandmother role! She truly enjoyed cooking and caring for her grandchildren Ethan, Jacey, and Kacey as well as many nieces and nephews. They will miss her dearly!

Among many joyful adventures Annette had, traveling with her husband was one of the best. Neal's involvement in auctions and rodeos took them around the country. She got to see waterfalls in Oregon, shop her favorite open market in Texas, and found fun and made memories in Indiana, Florida, and New York City. Annette and Neal weren't just a married couple, they were true partners. Annette clerked and cashiered for Neal at several hundred auctions.

The family wishes to share some things that Granna loved and what made her so special: bluebirds, hydrangeas, Davis Mercantile in Shipshewanna, Indiana (a favorite destination for Neal and Annette), a hot cup of percolated coffee, sunshine (let the sun shine in % cotton sheets and helping others (she volunteered her time teaching adults how to read.)

The family extends deep gratitude and appreciation to the following: Laura Wilson, Tressa Hughes, Gentiva Hospice - Natalie Martin, Myra Granthum, Lindsey, and Bailey. Annette's final days were spent at Seeds of Love, a private care facility. A very special thank you to: Crystal, Sophie, Jadan, and Abby. This institution allowed for a beautiful transition.

Annette enjoyed fresh flowers. However, the family asks you to consider sending memorial donations to Alzheimer's of Arkansas to help patients and families living with Alzheimer's.

Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. Monday, December 30, 2024, at Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home, 404 W. Dewitt Henry Dr., Beebe, Arkansas. Funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m., at Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home, with burial in Hickory Plains Cemetery. www.smithfamilycares.com