Blanche Wilma Huddleston Davis

Blanche Wilma Huddleston Davis of Harriman, Tennessee, age 88, passed away on Friday, April 27, 2012. For the many friends and family of our mother, its time we gather to say goodbye to a beautiful mother, loving wife, and fantastic biscuit-making Grandma. As many know, Mom has been in failing health recently. Today, though, she is better, joining her heavenly family and friends who have gone before and are now welcoming her with open arms. Mom fought hard, always did. But in the end, God said it was time. Having recently celebrated her 88th birthday in February, her health was not well, but her spirit was alive and welcoming. As with anyone up in years, her heart had grown tired and her physical abilities were limited. But, her mind remained strong, and she often gave us direction while saying a prayer for our families. Born February 2, 1924, in Wilder, Tennessee, to Horace Wilburn and Pernina Lucinda (Lou) Wright Huddleston, Mom was the 8th of 10 children. Her brothers and sisters include Thelma Huddleston Russell, Delta Huddleston Abston, Wayne C. Huddleston, Ward Wright Huddleston, Gladys Huddleston Wilson, Howard Wilburn Huddleston, Ralph Morrison Huddleston, Lawrence Paul Huddleston and Bonnie Huddleston Scarborough. Mom spent nearly everyday from 1928 to today in Harriman and around Roane County, as this was her home. Her first job was as an usher in the Princess and Webbo Theaters in Harriman, which was followed by serving as a clerk at Miller and Brewer Department Store keeping the shelves neat then moving into the back office to run the books. She then worked as an accountant for the Clinton Engineering Works in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. There she met and then married Charles Elmer (Charlie) Davis in April 1946, who just so happens to be saving her a seat in the choir above. For a time they ran the Charles Davis Independent Insurance Agency in Harriman. After retiring, they spent countless hours together traveling the country to see friends and family, providing advice to their kids, worshipping at church, and ushering UT basketball games and concerts. More than anything Mom loved and cared about her family, many friends, and fellow church members at Trenton Street Baptist Church, where she was a life long member. Later in life she struggled, but she never worried about her next step. So don't you either. As a family, we would like to say thank you for your support and friendship of our Mom, especially from her church and close friends over these last several years and especially the last few days. The outpouring of love for her, and us, has been humbling to our family; and we are exceeding grateful. Mom is survived by her three sons, James David (Denise) Davis of Clinton, John E. (Dawne) Davis of Eagleville, and Joseph Huddleston (Melanie) Davis of Alexandria, Virginia and her sister Bonnie Huddleston Scarborough. She has 5 grandkids and 1 great grandson, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. She does, as we do now, appreciate your prayers and continued support of her as we transition our families through this phase of her life. But, don't cry for Mom. Celebrate her life and say a pray for your family. When you hang up the phone or send an email (she never really liked that by the way) say "God Bless You," because that's how Mom would have liked it done. So, to bring this chapter in her life to a close many of you know that Mom loved parties and would have wanted a big gathering. The family will receive family, friends, and neighbors at Trenton Street Baptist Church in Harriman, TN from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m., Sunday, April 29, followed immediately by her funeral service at the church. A graveside burial at New Fairview Baptist Church in Oliver Springs, Tennessee will follow the service. Kyker Funeral Home in Harriman is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, give a little extra in the offering plate or to the University of Tennessee to support the Pat Summitt Foundation Fund, the Lady Vols, and her extended family at UT. Mom would have liked that. And she wanted us to tell you, may God Bless You.

Blanche Wilma Huddleston Davis

February 2, 1924 - April 27, 2012