Ellen Davis

DAVIS, Ellen Claire - Age 98.  October 29, 2022.

Ellen Claire was born May 30, 1924, to Ruth and Paul Wain. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Tom, and daughters, Julia Davis Camp and Diane Davis Rourk.  Ellen Claire is survived by her sister, Mary Ruth Ray, three grandchildren, Jonathan (Nanette) Rourk, Susannah Rourk and Davis (Matt) DeLisi; six great-grandchildren, Lillian, Kate, Emilie and Taylor Rourk; Rianna and Isabella Rourk; nieces and nephews, including "greats and great-greats”.

Ellen Claire was born in her beloved grandparents' home in East Nashville. Over the years, she spent a lot of memorable hours with them. She credits her grandmother, “MaMa”, for passing along her love of cooking and sewing.  Anyone who knew Ellen Claire, would certainly attest to her talents for both. She was a wonderful cook and loved “experimenting” with all sorts of recipes. Her homemade rolls and lemon cakes were two of her highly requested dishes at family functions.  She handmade countless items such as doll clothes, pillows, outfits for both of her daughters, Diane and Julia, including formal dresses for proms and even their wedding dresses. Ellen Claire also made beautiful quilts and won many, many blue ribbons for them over the years. Her talents were limitless.

Ellen Claire always loved school and made excellent grades. She remained an avid reader through the years.  After graduating from East High School, she worked for McQuiddy Printing Company as a copy holder.  During World War II, she worked at the Federal Reserve Bank and volunteered with the Red Cross and rolled bandages.

She met her future husband, Tom, when his family moved from Arkansas to Nashville, admitting it was love at first sight for both of them. They dated for about a year and were married on May 7, 1943. She was a wonderful Mother to their two beautiful daughters, who sadly passed before her.  A humble servant of God, Ellen Claire remained a faithful Christian during her darkest times of loss. She was a strong woman whose faith never wavered, even with the passing of both of her children and husband. She expressed many times that her love for the Lord helped her through those heartbreaking losses.