Obituary of Jean Tarter Davis

Jean Tarter Davis, native of Wytheville, VA, entered Jesus’ presence on the brilliant snow-covered morning of January 10, 2021. Born June 27, 1929, she was preceded in death by her husband, Alexander M. Davis, and her daughter, Susan Davis Zammit. She was also predeceased by her parents and three sisters. She is survived by one sister, Katherine Haines Tarter, daughters Deane Davis Groseclose (Tom) and Rebecca Davis England (Tom), and son-in-law Mark Zammit (Judy). Other survivors include eight grandchildren: Mathew R. Groseclose (Amadea), Aaron T. Groseclose (Christa), David B. Groseclose (Heather), Andrea England Kramer (Nick), Hope England Smith (Adam), Margaret Grace England, Katherine Zammit Barrar (Richard), and Alex M. Zammit, along with eight great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Jean married Alexander Mathew Davis Jr., native of Wythe County, August 18, 1951, and enjoyed 63 years of marriage, the majority of which were spent in Pearisburg, VA. There, they were charter members of Redeemer Lutheran Church and were involved in numerous church and civic organizations. Jean was sponsored by the Pearisburg Women’s Club in the Mrs. America Pageant of 1963, where she represented her beloved state as Mrs. Virginia. Additional calls to servant leadership included 68 years in the National Society DAR (Stuart-Wilderness Road Chapter), and 17 years in the Girl Scouts first as a troop leader, and later as a leader trainer. Alex’s retirement from Celanese Fibers Co. ushered in a season of active leadership in the Giles County Historical Society that saw the restoration of the historical Andrew Johnson house with accompanying museum in downtown Pearisburg. Their next season included extensive travel with the elder hostel program, and relocation to Wythe County in 2004. They subsequently transferred their membership to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Wytheville, the church where they had been married. Jean’s love of preserving history for posterity led her to serve on the St. John Cemetery Board of St. John Lutheran Church Historical Landmark. Jean’s life was characterized by her love of family, love of country, civic duty, and unceasing hospitality. She modeled Southern grace and kindness to all who knew her and left a rich legacy to her family. Jean’s life will be celebrated with a summertime graveside service at St. John Cemetery; on June 26, 2021 at 11 A.M. with pastor Cindy Privette officiating. Memorial contributions in Jean’s honor may be made to either of the following: St. John Endowment Fund, PO Box 300 Wytheville, VA 24382 Saint Francis Service Dogs PO Box 19538 VA, Roanoke, VA 24019. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.grubbfuneralhome.com Grubb Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.