Betty (Welch) Davis

Betty Welch Davis was born in her grandparents' home in Harlingen, Texas on October 11, 1929. The eldest of three children, she received Christ as her savior while in school and that never wavering faith shaped and supported her all her days. She grew up mostly in Houston until the family moved to Tyler while she was in high school. Providence led the Welches to buy a house around the corner from the young man who would become her beloved husband, Neil Davis. She attended college, first at what was Texas State College for Women, and then at Baylor University, before returning to Tyler to marry Neil on December 15, 1951. For several years she worked for the Mayfield Company until the children began to come. Betty then spent her time caring for her family and friends, and participating in several civic organizations, among them the East Texas Association of Petroleum Landmen's Wives and the Women's Symphony League. Over the years, she developed her design skills, first at home and then helping friends. She established a studio, Custom House, and later became an interior designer with Almand's, when they opened a Tyler store. After that she and her dear friend Virginia established Davis and Low Interiors. Betty and Neil were blessed with many wonderful friends. The Birthday Group met together monthly for over 60 years, and members of The Gang travelled the world delighting in each other's company. Betty passed away peacefully at home, in hope of the resurrection to eternal life, on April 5, 2019. Betty is survived by her children, Hardy Davis, Carter and Kathleen Davis, and Danna and Fred Champion; her dear grandchildren, Travis Cameron, Amanda Rose Cameron, Elizabeth and Jared Kilmer, Laura Jo Cameron, Andrew Davis, Stephanie Davis, and Ian Champion; a great-grandson, Cyrus Cameron, who delighted his Gran with winsome smiles and laughter; her brother, John Edgar Welch; sister; Mary Lou Russell; sister-in-law, Henrietta Bootsie Davis; nieces and nephews, John Russell, Donna and David Grahmann, and Cody Davis and Susan Ivester; a large number of Welch cousins; and countless friends. Those who know Betty remember her love of Christ, her love of family, friends, and neighbors, and her love for all things well ordered, well formed, and beautiful. In her last few years she was fond of listening to an English anthem based on this text. It is offered here as her testimony: My eyes for beauty pine, My soul for God's grace: No other care nor hope is mine, To heaven I turn my face. One splendor thence is shed From all the stars above: 'Tis named when God's name is said, 'Tis Love, 'tis heavenly Love. And every gentle heart, That burns with true desire, Is lit from eyes that mirror part Of that celestial fire. A graveside service will be led by the Rev. Charles Dodson at Rose Hill Cemetery in Tyler at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, April 14, 2019. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the First Baptist Church of Tyler, 301 W. Ferguson St., Tyler, TX 72702. Funeral arrangement are being made by Stewart Family Funeral Home of Tyler.

Betty (Welch) Davis

October 11, 1929 - April 5, 2019