Celia McDonald Davis

Cecilia Ann McDonald Davis passed away on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at her home in Lampasas, TX surrounded by her beloved family and caregivers.  She was born on January 15, 1946, in San Angelo, TX to her loving parents, Lenoard Chesley McDonald and Cecile Irene Reed McDonald.  As a child, Cecilia grew up with her siblings, Don and Jeanie, on their family ranch eighteen miles northwest of Sterling City, TX in Sterling County.  She dearly loved that family land that her great-grandparents had homesteaded in the early 1900s.

In time, her name became shortened to Celia.  She never met an obstacle she couldn't face or a challenge that couldn't be conquered.  Her public speaking abilities were honed early in life.  She always participated in Extemporaneous Speaking and Debate in high school.  "Give me any subject and I can argue it" was her mantra and a talent that flourished throughout her life.  Celia graduated with honors from Sterling City High School.  She first attended Abilene Christian University, where she was again on the College Speech and Debate team.  She then transferred to Texas Tech University, where she obtained her degree.

"I can do that" was her embedded approach to life.  In Ozona, TX, she was the co-owner of a ladies' clothing store, The Teacher Store.  There she also taught high school English and Speech, where she led those students to victories in one-act plays and successes in the classroom.  To this day, those students, now grown, sing her praises as their favorite teacher and mentor.  With every step she took and every life she touched, she made a lasting impact.  During these Ozona years, she was also raising her young daughter, Jena Cecile Allen, her firstborn.

Celia moved to Dallas in 1979.  She married Adolphus Merrell Davis on December 7, 1979.  Their two sons, William Merrell and Wesley Benjamin, were born in Dallas, joining their older sister, Jena Cecile.  In addition to raising children, Celia successfully worked in real estate in the Metroplex.

In 1986, Celia and Merrell moved their young family to Abilene, TX.  There she worked for the Abilene Reporter News, in time having her own column.  Once again, that "can do" attitude.  She joined the Hendrick Health System, where she served as a Vice President for many years.  She was extremely active in the Abilene community, where she served on many non-profit boards including United Way, Dyess AFB Military Affairs through the Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Abilene, and Leadership Texas.  She also served on the Abilene City Council.  Celia was awarded Abilene Citizen of the Year, honoring her instrumental role on the Dyess Air Force Military Affairs committee.  This community award recognized her efforts in lobbying to retain Dyess Air Base in Abilene during an intense round of military base closures in the early 2000s.  Her heart always held a special place for those military families who made Abilene their home.

After working tirelessly and educating their children in Abilene, Celia and Merrell retired to Lampasas, TX to be closer in distance to their children and grandchildren.  They loved living in the Hill Country and the pace of small-town life.  Celia was known lovingly as CeCe to her two granddaughters and two grandsons.

Books were her friend throughout life.  Celia always had some type of printed material open, in which she was immersed Also, she loved reading obituaries.  That was a quirky pastime, especially on weekends perusing big city newspapers.  Her curiosity peaked, never satiated.  What have others in the world been doing?  She also had definite political opinions, watching hours of news.  She could be known for her outbursts in this regard.  She held strong opinions but how could she not?  She was intelligent plus informed. "Don't bring up politics" with Celia at gatherings unless you wanted a discourse.

Celia was a hospitable and generous lady.  She could create a party for even non-occasions.  Just come on over!  She also was a fashion-forward lady, whose sense of style was admired by all in her circle and beyond.  Always willing to share with others, she professed to most everyone she encountered as "my friend".  She was admired.  She was loved.  She was treasured.

Celia was preceded in death by her parents, Cecile and Chesley McDonald, and her husband, Merrell.  Celia is survived by her daughter, Jena Allen Price, and husband William (Bill) of Lampasas, her son Will Davis, and wife, Kellie Wiggins Davis of College Station, and her son Wesley Davis, and wife, Jackie of Conroe.  She becomes forever guardian angel to her precious grandchildren, Bryson Price, Celie Price, McDonald (Mac) Davis, and Lucy Davis.  Her brother, Dr. Don McDonald, and wife, Sandy of College Station, and Celia's sister, Jeanie McDonald of Denton will hold her always in their hearts.  Celia is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews who have the fondest memories of their funny and fearless aunt.  The family wishes to express unending gratitude to her faithful caregivers, especially Tina Vanhook and New Century Hospice.

Services for Celia will be held on Friday, December 27, 2024, at Sneed-Carnley Funeral Chapel in Lampasas.  Visitation will be at 1 pm, with service following at 2 pm.  Interment will be Saturday, December 28, 2024, in Sterling City in the McDonald Family Cemetery at 1 pm for family and friends.  She will finally have her wish to be at "home" on the family ranch.

Memorials may be made to the  American Cancer Society, Lampasas Boys and Girls Club, and Abilene Alzheimer's Association.