Anne Johnston Davis

Coleman Funeral Home of Olive Branch Anne Johnston Davis, 88, died peacefully at home in Como, Mississippi, on September 30, 2024. Visitation will be held at Como Methodist Church on Sunday, October 13, 2024, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. with a memorial service following. A private family burial will take place in Friendship Cemetery. Anne was born at home on July 16,1936, in Thomaston, Georgia, to William Gibson Johnston and Lucile Marguerite Moore Johnston. After graduating from Columbus (Georgia) High School, she attended Mary Washington College and graduated from the University of Georgia in 1958 with a bachelor's degree in music education. While in college she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and sang with the Men's Glee Club. She was also a member of the Columbus Junior League. She met the love of her life, William "Bill" Davis, on a blind date while he was stationed at Fort Benning in Columbus, Georgia. She was presented to society in December 1957 at the Columbus Country Club with Bill as her escort. They married on August 23,1958. When Bill took a job in Hernando, Mississippi, Anne pursued her teaching career at Whitehaven Presbyterian Day School where she enjoyed putting on musicals with her students. For one performance, she needed some hard-to-find sheet music, and Elvis came to the rescue letting Anne borrow it from his personal collection. As a devoted member of Como Methodist Church, Anne cherished her church family and shared her musical talents by playing the piano for services, singing in the choir, and leading children’s music. She also served on the board, taught Bible school, and participated in the church altar guild. Beyond her church involvement, she dedicated her time to the Panola Partnership, where she was honored as the 2016 Ambassador of the Year. Anne was also a proud member of the James Gilliam Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, serving as a state regent at national conventions. Additionally, she was a founding member of the Como Opera Guild, which provided free outdoor opera performances for audiences in North Mississippi. As part of the Civic Club, she ensured Como was beautifully decorated for every holiday and volunteered as a reading mentor at the Como Library after-school program. Anne had a creative spirit with a passion for gardening and arranging flowers. She was the past president of the Como Garden Club and eventually became a state flower show judge. She took great joy in sharing her delicious coconut cake, chocolate sheet cake, chess chews, and sweet pickles with family and friends. Known as a social butterfly, Anne was always full of conversation and encouragement. Her strength and positivity left a lasting impression on those around her. Above all, she treasured the time spent with her family, creating memories that would last a lifetime. As a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Anne loved and served others exceedingly well. Anne was preceded in death by her husband, William Newton Davis; son, William Newton Davis, Jr.; mother, Lucile Johnston Smith; father, William Gibson Johnston; and sister, Lucile Johnston Griffin. Anne is survived by her daughters, Suzanne Davis Brandon (David) of Nashville, TN, and Louise LeMaster Davis of Como, MS; daughter-in-law, Melissa Edlin Davis of Sardis, MS; granddaughters, Camille Cohen (Lee) of Nashville and Anna Payton Butler (Clay) of Sardis; grandsons, David Brandon III of Nashville, Charles Brandon (Kateryna) of Knoxville, TN, and Will Davis of Sardis; and great-grandson, Davis Butler of Sardis. She is also survived by her brothers, William Gibson Johnston, Jr. (Barbara) and Thomas Moore Johnston (Corrine) of Thomaston, GA. The family extends a special thank you to Virginia Harrison for her dedicated care and steadfast friendship. Virginia took Anne on many delightful outings, exploring new places and creating cherished memories together. Their adventures brought joy to both their lives and strengthened their bond as great friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in honor of Anne Johnston Davis to the Como Methodist Church. (P.O. Box 277, Como, MS 38619) Online condolences may be made on her Tribute Wall at www.colemanfuneralhomeob.com.

Anne Johnston Davis

July 16, 1936 - September 30, 2024

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