Betsy Naff Davis

July 9, 1937 - April 28, 2023

Betsy Naff Davis died on April 28, 2023, at Bon Secours Community Hospice House in Richmond, Va. The daughter of the late Wesley and Ethel Naff of Boones Mill, she was predeceased by her husband of 62 years, Dr. Russell Davis, Jr.; an infant daughter, Beverly Ann; her brother, Wesley W. Naff, Jr.; and two sisters, Rosemary Stevens and Rebecca Green.

Betsy graduated from Franklin County High School in 1955 and attended Bridgewater College for two years. She and Russ married in 1957 and enrolled at MCV where Betsy received her nursing degree and worked as an RN before moving with Russ to Roanoke, Va. They later settled in Radford, Va. There they made their home for over 50 years, raised four children, and established a local medical practice that Betsy managed for five years.

A long-time member of Radford's Grace Episcopal Church, Betsy was involved in many activities, including documenting the church's history. She and the Radford High School Tennis Patrons conducted a Community Campaign that raised money to build six tennis courts. She loved travel, especially camping with family. She toiled tirelessly on the family's Little River farms, where she helped build a log cabin, and was particularly proud of her wildflower gardens. Betsy enjoyed dabbling with watercolor paints, playing tennis, and entertaining friends and family. In later years, she enjoyed reading best sellers, gardening, jigsaw puzzling, and trading in the stock market in which she became quite the expert. Most of all, Betsy loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Betsy is survived by her children, Lewis Naff Davis (Fran), Steven C. Davis (Bonnie), Jennifer Davis Garrison-Dean (Maurice), and David Benjamin Davis (Greg); and her sisters, Virginia Cooper (Gary) and Dr. Gretchen Naff. Also surviving are many wonderful nieces, nephews, cousins, and five grandchildren, Olivia Grace Davis, Catherine Rose Garrison, Ryan Wetzel, Savanna Manning, and Laural Duncan.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Tuckahoe Pines, 12330 Patterson Avenue, Richmond, on Sunday, May 7, 2023, at 3 p.m. with The Reverend Nina Vest Salmon officiating. The family invites attendees to a reception following the service.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Roanoke Times on May 1, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Betsy Davis

11 Entries

David J. Bisset

May 8, 2023

Those of us who played tennis or learned the game of tennis and lived in the City of Radford or the New River Valley, thank Betsy and Russ Davis and the Radford High Tennis Patrons for seeking more courts near the high school.
Betsy´s passion, drive, and love of the game is remembered. It was a strength that drove the RTP.
The RTP may have not realize the additional courts would have on tennis in Radford.
The high school program became more successful in the NRD, Region IV, and Group AA.
Those that played on these new courts gained a confidence of success which carried them into their adult lives.
I thank the Davis Family and the RTP for your passion and drive to support tennis.
May you rest in peace.

Jill Jenkins Alderman

May 6, 2023

Sending prayers of comfort in the upcoming days to the entire family. Our thoughts are with the each of you. Many fond memories through many years with our families. May she rest in peace.

Charles Judy

May 6, 2023

It was an adventure to know and work with Betsy and Russ. She ran a tight ship! Taught us a lot.
We will always have fond memories and are grateful for the opportunities she and Russ provided.
May our Lord grant you peace and comfort and may memories of happy, healthier times bring many smiles.
In Christ's Love,
Charles and Donna Judy

debbie hall

May 5, 2023

Betsy and I used to tube on the river at the "little farm", she will be missed, Rest In Peace, and she kept Dr. R. Davis in line

Charles (Charlie) Thompson

May 3, 2023

I grew up hearing "Betsy" stories from my mother, Claudette Jamison Thompson. Mom loved Betsy. They spent so many hours together on the Naff farm when they were growing up. They formed a wonderful lifelong friendship. Betsy Naff Davis was a bridesmaid for mom. Betsy and Russell were present to me as I was growing up and were always kind and loving as kin. My mother sent me a message just tonight about Betsy's passing. We mourn with you. And send you our love and hugs from North Carolina (mom lives in Raleigh now).

Bill and Sarah Alexander

May 3, 2023

We send our heartfelt sympathy. It was always a pleasure to visit with Betsy at the Davis Christmas parties .

Deb(s) Davis Sydnor

May 2, 2023

Dear Lew, Steve, Jennifer & Ben:
Betsy and Russ and your family were such a special part of my childhood in Radford... from holidays and fun times to tough times, too.
Betsy always kept everyone in line and I was inspired by her artistry and quick wit. I will miss her checking in on me and all my crew in Radford by text. So glad we got to visit her recently to get one last hug, a laugh and hear her call me "Debs" one last time.
With love and sympathy,

Arlene Guilliams Carter

May 1, 2023

Betsy and I grew up in the same farming community in Franklin County and attended our school days together until graduation at Franklin County High. Sending deepest sympathy to each member of her family.

Phyllis Richardson Echols

May 1, 2023

So sad to hear of Betsy's passing; praying for her children & family members. She was a wonderful friend many years ago in Franklin County & Radford.

Sarah Jeanes

May 1, 2023

Lew, Steve, Jennifer, Ben and all your family - I am so sorry for your/our loss. Your mom was a great aunt to all of us and I have so many lovely memories of her over the years. As nurses, we often talked shop and she was always so supportive of me in my career (as was Uncle Russell). She is already miss. You are all in my prayers.

Deborah Stevens Hamilton

April 30, 2023

How we will miss Aunt Betsy´s humor and exuberance! Our sincere condolences.
Deborah and Dale

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