Christine Davis

Christine J. Davis, 96, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2019.

Daughter of James and Mona Jewell, Christine grew up on a tobacco farm in western Kentucky. She attended college in Murray, Kentucky, and later earned a Master's in Elementary Education from Southeast Missouri State University.

Christine's first teaching position was in Blodgett, Missouri, where she met her husband, Aubrey. She taught third grade for many decades at Matthews Elementary in Sikeston, Missouri. Chris was a dedicated teacher, enjoying her students and their families and her wonderful colleagues.

Chris and Aubrey were longtime members of First United Methodist Church in Sikeston. They were loving and proud parents, never missing the activities of Ken and Janet.

Chris was an avid reader. She loved feeding and identifying birds. She collected birdhouses, decorative plates and Hummel figurines. Chris delighted in beautiful flowers and plantings, landscaped by Sonja. Watching figure skating and St. Louis Cardinals baseball were enjoyable pastimes.

Christine is survived by her son, Ken (Sonja) of Jackson and their children Kevin (Amy) Davis, parents of Kayla Jean and Cody James; Scott (Debbi) Davis, parents of Aubrey Jean; Raunda Graham, and her son Luke; and Chad (Liz) Reimann, and their children Elliott, Garett, and Natalie. Also surviving are her daughter, Janet (Ray) Galbreth of Iowa City, Iowa, and their son, Doug (Sarah) Galbreth, parents of Hayden Elizabeth and Reagan Catherine. Chris cherished her nephews, Joe Bill (Jackie) Davis, Ray Sparks and Mack (Linda) Sparks; nieces, Micca Jewell and Tan Jewell; and sister-in-law Ruth Jewell.

Chris was preceded in death by Aubrey; daughter-in-law, Jean Cowan Davis; and dear siblings, Jimmie (Mattie), Desda (Isom) and J.D.; in-law, Bob (Glenda) Davis; and nephews Larry Jewell and James R. Davis.

Chris lived independently well into her 90s, with assistance from her fabulous friends and adjacent neighbors, Faye and Jay Bledsoe, Carl and Annabelle Meredith and the Willis family. The Davis family feels blessed by the longtime friendship of Jack and Frances Britt.

When Chris needed extra attention, she was lovingly cared for by Ken and Sonja in their home. Last spring, health concerns necessitated more assistance, and Chris was fortunate to live at The Villas of Jackson. The family would like to recognize the compassionate care of the wonderful Villas' staff, Dr. Deborah Price and Southeast Hospice.

Visitation will be from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday and from 2 to 3 p.m. Monday at Ponder Funeral Home, 1120 North Main, Sikeston.

Funeral will be at 3 p.m. Monday at the funeral home, with Pastor Jennifer Moxley officiating. Internment will follow at Forest Hills Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, her family suggests memorials to First United Methodist Church or Sikeston Public Library.