May 25, 2022, 83, La Grange –
Emma Jean Kearney Davis, 83, was welcomed into her heavenly home in the early morning on Wednesday, May 25, 2022. Jean was born in Greene County to the late Jim Berry and Fannie Butts Kearney on May 16, 1939. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death her siblings, Lynwood Kearney and Naomi Kearney.
Being introduced by a cousin to her future husband, Leo, the two married in 1959 and spent a wonderful 63 years together. Raising their daughter, Barbara, was one of the greatest joys of their home. Though their family remained small, their love was tremendous.
Yearly trips to White Lake were a highlight for their family. Those from whom they rented the home were likely pleased with their yearly tenants, for Jean always left the home cleaner than she found it.
With attention to each detail, Jean embraced each opportunity to hem or mend clothing for her family and their friends. From mending tears to making her own clothing, Jean was great at it all. Wanting everything to be just right, Jean was known for her love of ironing, and made sure to iron every stitch of clothing she and Leo wore.
Possessing great skill in the kitchen, her family has fond memories of the many dishes she made. Her barbecue chicken sauce was a delight. It was great on chicken, but found a welcomed home on anything on your plate.
Though Jean was soft-spoken and mild mannered, the words she spoke had great meaning. Her family knew that when she spoke, it was wise to listen.
A service of love and remembrance will be held at Rouse Funeral Home at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, May 27, 2022. The family will receive friends in the hour prior to the service. Interment will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 28, 2022 at Snow Hill Cemetery.
Jean is survived by her husband of 63 years, Guy Leo Davis; daughter, Barbara Pate and husband, Frank; grandchildren, Amanda Pate and Berry Pate and wife, Lauren; and great-grandchildren, Henry Pate and J.B. Pate.
The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to Anna Jones for the care and compassion given to Jean and her family for the past six years. The family also extends their thanks to Leslee Johnson with Community Hospice for her devotion in Jean’s final days.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. Flowers are welcome, or memorials may be given in Jean’s honor to Harrell’s Chapel Free Will Baptist Church, 1505 NC Highway 58, Snow Hill, NC 28580. Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.
