Doris Lou Davis

Doris Lou Taylor Davis, 85, passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by family, on Monday, December 8, 2025.

Born on November 7, 1940, in Johnston County, North Carolina, Doris was the daughter of the late Elbert (Tut) Taylor and Pauline Taylor. She is preceded in death by her husband of sixty-six years, Edward (Ed) Davis Sr., her son, Freddie Ray Davis, her brother, Charles Taylor, and her granddaughter, Taylor Addison Davis.

The family will receive visitors at Parrish Funeral Home on Thursday December 11, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM. A funeral service will be conducted in the chapel at 2:00 PM. Entombment will follow the service in Price Cemetery near Pine Level.

Doris lived a vibrant, full life. She was never afraid of trying something new. Over the years, Doris built and sustained multiple businesses, including assembling fishing tackle, styling hair, selling fabric, and catering events. Whatever she set her mind to, she conquered.

Her most successful venture was owning and operating Doris's Day Care in Pine Level. With the help of Ed and her family, Doris grew the day care from a home startup to a thriving business with multiple locations. For twenty-seven years, Doris shaped the hearts and minds of hundreds of young children with the same devotion she gave to her own.

Traveling was one of Doris's favorite pastimes. Whether taking day trips across North Carolina or embarking on cross-country adventures, she was always ready to hit the road. During her life, she traveled to forty-six states, Europe and Canada. Some of her favorite memories included weekends at White Lake and Kerr Lake; annual visits to Singin' in the Sun, the National Quartet Convention, and the Blue Ridge Mountains; and shopping trips to Williamsburg, Virginia.

Above all, Doris will be remembered for her boundless love and care for her family. Her home was a gathering place, full of warmth and energy. She could often be heard singing in the kitchen while cooking a meal, with children playing in the next room and family gathered around the table. She rocked babies on her knee, stitched worn clothes back together, and offered counsel to those who sought her advice. Doris led the Davis family with faith and love, leaving a lasting and remarkable impact on all who knew her.

Her best friend and favorite companion was her sister, Alice Norris. The two shared an unshakable bond. They lived as neighbors for fifty-seven years, never more than several feet from one another. Together, they spent many days swinging in the afternoon sun or stepping out for a treat. Where you saw Alice, you most often saw Doris. She also shared a close relationship with her brothers, Elbert and Charles.

Doris is survived by her children, Edward Davis Jr. and girlfriend June Edwards, Paula Davis, Amy Wells and husband R.G. Wells; sister, Alice Norris; brother, Elbert Taylor; grandchildren, Brandi Hinnant and husband Matt, Edward Davis III (Adam) and wife Nikki, Lance Davis and wife Jessica, Hunter Davis and wife Nicole, Emily Wells, and Madison Wells; great-grandchildren, Ashlan, Zaida, Maverick, and Emmi Lou Hinnant, Alexis and John Thomas Davis, and Ava and Kyndall Davis. She is also remembered by a host of nieces and nephews, whom she loved dearly.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Doris's devoted caregivers. Michelle Staton was her longest caregiver, supporting the family for nearly five years. She had a special touch with Ms. Doris, often coaxing her to cooperate with care when no one else could. Zaida Hinnant, great-granddaughter of Doris, served as her nurse and caregiver in her final months. Doris's niece, Cindy Holcomb, and close family friend, Sharon Cox, graciously stepped in to provide care on many occasions. Brenda Newsome, Phyllis Exum, Sherry Jones, and many others blessed the Davis family with their compassion and excellent care for Doris during this final season of her life.