Jo Elaine Davidian

1931 - 2017

Jo Elaine Davidian

1931 - 2017

Jo Elaine Davidian of Palm Desert, California was born December 22, 1931, in the shadow of a soft coal mine in Nason, Illinois to Joe and Mona Fairchild. She entered into the House of the Lord on September 2, 2017.

After the family moved to Southern California, Jo Elaine always recounted her first glimpse of the Pacific Ocean in 1948. She graduated from Inglewood High School in 1949. She then went on to earn a bachelor's degree from U.C.L.A., a master's degree at University of Redlands, and further post graduate studies at U.S.C. When speaking of her education, she proudly bragged that she never missed a day of school. That dedication to the spirit of education continued into her professional career.

Her career in elementary education spanned 36 years. The last 33 years she served at Desert Sands Unified School District where she was a teacher, special education teacher, principal, and assistant superintendent. Her prideful career was just not about educating students and working with their parents, but also her mentorship of teachers, and their own career growth. Jo Elaine was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma International and president of the Theta Epsilon Chapter, where she passionately promoted their mission - the promotion of professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education. Upon retirement in 1994, she relocated to Las Vegas where she served as president of the Ararat Investment Corporation.

Jo Elaine's first career teaching assignment was in Lowell Joint District in Whittier, California. It was there where she met her future husband. In 1954 and with a shaking voice, she said "I do", and married Eugene Davidian. Eugene preceded her death in 1986. Together they were the proud parents of three children. Gina Shibata of Palm Desert, Jeffrey Davidian of Norwalk, and Andrew Davidian of Bermuda Dunes. Jo Elaine also leaves behind four grandchildren and three great grandchildren. All those who heard her speak of her grandchildren and great grandchildren know of her beaming pride.

Jo Elaine was a lifelong member at Coachella Valley Christian Church where she served as deaconess as well as the on finance and missionary committees. Her commitment to her church ran deep.

The last two years Jo Elaine resided at Atria Senior Living where she forged special friendships and served on the resident board.

The family would like to graciously thank all those who were compassionately involved in her care and comfort in the last year, not just from professionals, but from dear friends as well. She always espoused her philosophy, "Life is good, but to die is to really live". Jo's wit and passion will be greatly missed by family and friends, and those will keep her close to heart until we are reunited.

At Jo Elaine's request, FitzHenry-Wiefels will facilitate visitation at Coachella Valley Christian Church, 50100 Jackson Street, Indio CA on Monday, September 11, 2017 from 5:30 - 8:00pm. Burial will be private at Coachella Valley Cemetery.