Doris Nell Davis

Doris Nell Davis, age 90, passed away peacefully Friday afternoon, January 24, 2025, at Maury Regional Medical Center.

Doris Nell was the daughter of Marion Luther Bishop and Flora Welborn Bishop. She was the middle of three sisters. Her childhood years in rural Lawrence County, Tennessee were a basket full of fond memories. Growing up on a farm as a child was idyllic. There was work and chores never ending, but play was in abundance—a foundation of love and appreciation that would forever last. Later the family moved to Columbia, Tennessee where she would graduate from Columbia Central High School and marry her high school sweetheart, Massie Rayburn Davis.

Doris Nell was a homemaker and master seamstress. In school she was everything home economics and parlayed her talents into making her family’s clothes, especially her sons’, and later on her blankets and quilts for grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was known for her volunteering at church, her children’s schools, the neighborhood, election polls, hospitals and for her large extended family. Along with her loving husband of 68 years, Massie and Doris Nell were known and counted on by all for their love and talents, and giving spirit. Together they traveled all they wanted and passionately followed their children and grandchildren’s adventures and sports.

Doris Nell joins in heaven her parents, husband, and big sister, Margaret Bishop Wheeler (and, her Robert).

She is survived by her little sister, Patsy (Randal) Harris, who was with her when heaven was calling. Doris Nell is also survived by her two sons—John Luther (Carol) Davis and William Alan (Anne) Davis of Columbia, Tennessee. As well as five grandchildren—John Lawrence (Thankful) Davis and William Alexander (Kelsey) Davis all of Signal Mountain, Tennessee, Massie Bond (Anthea) Davis of Bergen, Norway, Lucy Margaret (Dillon) Bert of Cookeville, Tennessee, Alan Bishop Davis of Murfreesboro, Tennessee and six great-grandchildren—Marion Light Davis, John Levi Davis, Ford Alexander Davis, Hadley Bond Davis, Iselin Nell Davis and Nora Marilou Davis.

She also leaves her beloved friends and angels, she will see again.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made on behalf of Mrs. Davis to Craft Memorial United Methodist Church, Columbia, Tennessee.

A service for Doris Nell will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Williams Funeral Home in Columbia, Tennessee at 11:30 am. The family will receive friends from 9:30 am to the start of the service at Williams Funeral Home in Columbia, Tennessee. Doris Nell will be laid to rest at Jones Cemetery.

Williams Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences can be given to the family at www.williamsfh.com.