On April 25, 2020, Cecelia Adeline Veronica “Fwin” (Reyor) Davis walked through the pearly gates of Heaven into the arms of her husband, Lester Davis, Sr., her beloved daughter, Charlotte, her “ma” Cecelia Reyor, “pa” William Fredrick Reyor, brother, Uncle Buster, beloved cousin, Marian, and multiple other loved ones who were waiting to welcome her. All of those who meant so much to her during her lifetime – from her childhood in Northampton, Massachusetts and Hartford, Connecticut to her movement towards adulthood as she married and became part of another family and the ultimate creation of her own – either greeted her on this journey or grieved for the loss of her from this world.

Celia left her home in Connecticut to marry a young soldier and they subsequently established their family of 6 children, moving to Illinois and then making Missouri their final home. Celia grounded her family in love and raised them to understand the importance of their family ties. She left them with many important instructions for life that, of course, carried over to her grandchildren and many, many great-grandchildren. She instilled the rules of frugal living tempered with the ability to give to others as the “hobos” of her generation knew her front door would always provide a morsel of sustenance for them. She taught us to be strong, to always give a bit more than was expected, to keep a clean house and that dirt in the front yard could truly be swept until it shone. She taught us how to cook – a bit of nutmeg makes the apple pie better and a pan of gravy can make the meal go further. She taught us through her strength of character and physical stamina that “can’t never did nothing”. Raising 6 children did not come easy but Celia always had the ability to carry it off and keep moving forward. She could chase a disobedient child to the alley but could also soothe a bumped knee. She was stern at times but we also knew she loved us and would protect us at all costs. She enjoyed having fun as can be seen in many of her crazy pictures. She made sure her children were educated, respectful, and proud, but never boastful. She liked to dance to a round of polka music, fish from the bank, and would shop with the best of us in her prime. And she taught us to honor our elders above all else. Her work as a nurse aide in later years showed us that truly she not only “talked the talk but walked the walk” as well. She left us with an understanding of our own personal spirituality as we observed her Catholic upbringing that carried her through her darkest hours. There are multiple stories that demonstrate her character and life lessons, but, unfortunately, brevity prevails. How do you say enough about someone who meant so much to so many in such a short space? We will miss you and we thank you for all you did (including the spankings) to make sure we grew up to be good people. Mom, we pray we can leave a legacy that mirrors yours. Thank you for being our mom – how lucky we were! We will cherish you and the countless memories you created for us forever.

She leaves behind 2 daughters, Becky Shoemaker (husband George and children John and Bree and their families), Patricia Clutter (husband Randall and children Justace and Benjamin and their families), 2 sons, Lester Davis, Jr. (daughter Anna and her family), John Fredrick (children Sarah and Brodie). She also was loved and cherished by her daughter, Charlotte Herrod’s family – Michelle, Melissa, Joshua, and Michael. Additionally, she leaves behind one brother, Stanley Reyor and his family in Florida. She made many friends of both staff and residents of the Bolivar nursing home and they will miss her dearly. Many thanks to the multitude of people who made her smile and laugh and feel a part of something greater than herself. This includes Patricia, Barbara, Claire, Sue, Dolores and more. Staff members will be remembered for their kindness and the sharing of their love – too many to mention but you know who you are. You impacted her and her family more than you will ever know. Other individuals who made a difference in her life were Freddie, her housekeeper and long-time friend and Nancy who sat with her and provided many special moments.

Services will be provided by Greenlawn North (Springfield, MO) with visitation on Wednesday, April 29, 2020 from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. with internment on Thursday April 30 at Pisgah Cemetery in Dixon, Mo at 2:00 P.M. where she will be laid to rest next to her husband, Lester. Rest in peace – you have earned it.