Joan Davis

BRENDA JOAN BRATCHER DAVIS

October 22, 1945 – February 27, 2026

"God was always with me." - Matthew 28:20

If you're reading this, I have gone home to the Lord. I was born to Paul and Isabelle Bratcher in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on October 22, 1945.

Preceded in death by my parents, Paul and Isabelle Bratcher; my husband, Larry Davis; my son, John Davis; and my nephews, Joseph Bratcher and Austin Horne.

Survived by my sons, Jefferson Davis and Jason (Gretchen) Davis; grandchildren, Bradley and Lindy Davis; my brother and dear friend, Rusty Bratcher; and my brother-in-law, Rob Davis, a client of the Orange Grove Center-whose staff I deeply appreciate. Also surviving are my niece, Julie (Scott) Givins; my nephews, James Davis (Westlake, Louisiana) and Jesse (Chantel) Bratcher; Jenny Pickett (fiancée of my late nephew Joseph); many great-nieces and great-nephews; beloved fictive kin, Julian Causey and Jayden Ireland; Beulah (Gretchen's mother); my sweet, beautiful hairstylist, Sandra, and my beautiful cousins of whom I was once removed.

I graduated from East Ridge High School in 1963 and the Erlanger School of Nursing in 1967-having a blast with my roommates, Margaret and Diane. The very next weekend, on August 12, 1967, I married Larry. During his internship and residency at Erlanger Hospital, we formed lifelong friendships. Our sons arrived: Jeff on September 20, 1968; Jason on March 1, 1970; and John on July 18, 1973.

From 1970 to 1972, Larry served as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force at McConnell AFB in Wichita, Kansas, where we made many dear friends. (Marge, my prayer warrior in Ohio, I kept up with you!) In 1974, we moved to Lake Charles, Louisiana, where Larry established his OB/GYN practice. I fell in love with the food, culture, bayous, and people, and met my best friend, Ginger. I joined the Junior League of Lake Charles. A young boy from a Texas foster home named Bobby spent summers with us.

In 1980, we returned to Chattanooga. I transferred to the Junior League of Chattanooga and joined the Medical Auxiliary. We settled in the Shepherd Forest subdivision on Signal Mountain, a fabulous neighborhood where we built lasting friendships. I found a loving church home at Signal Mountain Church of Christ; those friends supported us through Larry's hospitalizations and recovery and later blessed me with many visits and meals in East Brainerd. Everyone needs a church family, and I love each one of you. I went on six mission trips to Central America. I also cherish the fine people at Signal Crest United Methodist Church, Larry's church home.

Janice began as a housekeeper and helper with our boys and became like family until her untimely passing from cancer. I'm also grateful to Martha, Kim, and Jill, who have helped me over the years. In 1983, we bought a lake cabin and shared it with family and friends. We hosted a young man from the West Indies for three months while he underwent surgery, and Jose lived with us for nine months while attending Notre Dame High School to improve his English-he is now a doctor in Mexico. We joined the Chattanooga and Signal Mountain Golf & Country Clubs; while my golf never quite took off, the friendships did. I was a soccer mom and involved in each of my children's schools. Working in Larry's office was a joy-the staff felt like family. Later, I worked as a bookkeeper for Jeff's company and loved working with him and his team. Larry's medical school "Rat Pack" remained close; our annual LSU weekends in Baton Rouge with "the Rats" and their wives were a highlight. I loved them all.

My attorney, Mollie, and my CPA, Jerry, stood by me when I needed them most. Larry died in November 2019. The worst day of my life was in March 2020, when my son John died. I was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in 2021; my doctors, Dr. Heinsohn and Dr. Tucker, and their staff took excellent care of me. My brother, Rusty, gave countless hours-and muscle-helping me prepare my home and yard to sell. Leaving the mountain and my neighbors was hard.

I built a home in East Brainerd next to Jason and Gretchen, with Beulah on the other side-we are surrounded by love. My caregivers, Susan and others, were remarkable. To my many friends-some I'm not even sure how we first met-thank you.

In 2003, my grandson Bradley was born; in 2005, my granddaughter Lindy arrived. They are the apples of my eye.

In place of flowers, please consider a donation to: Orange Grove Center 615 Derby Street Chattanooga, Tennessee 37404

Visitation and Memorial Service

Signal Mountain Church of Christ 960 Ridgeway Avenue Signal Mountain, Tennessee 37377

Tuesday, March 3, 2026

Visitation will be held from 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm, followed by services at 5:00 pm.

Interment: Chattanooga National Cemetery

Arrangements by Lane Funeral Home Ashland Terrace Chattanooga (423) 877-3524 www.LaneFH.com

This is my chronicle, written with gratitude for a life filled with faith, family, and friends. God was always with me.