Johelen M. Davis

Johelen (Jo) Mayfield Davis peacefully departed this life, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering faith, selfless service, and unconditional love for her family and community. Born on November 9, 1941, in Danville, Kentucky, she was the cherished daughter of Evelyn and Fred Mayfield.

Raised in Danville, Jo spent her childhood surrounded by family and lifelong friends. She attended Bate High School, where she was known as an exceptional student, a compassionate listener, and someone whose kindness and wisdom drew others to her. It was there that she met the love of her life, Donald Lloyd Davis Sr., beginning a partnership built on enduring love, devotion, and shared purpose.

After graduating from high school, Jo pursued her calling in nursing, becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse and dedicating her life to caring for others. In 1966, she and Donald left Kentucky, first relocating to West Virginia before ultimately settling in Fort Washington, Maryland, where they built a loving home and raised their family.

Her professional career included work in hospital settings, medical offices, and Group Health Association. Throughout her career, Jo was a tireless advocate for quality healthcare and compassionate patient care. She believed every person deserved dignity, respect, and excellent healthcare. Nursing was more than a profession to her—it was a calling that reflected her generous heart and servant’s spirit.

While building a successful career, Jo’s greatest pride was her family. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and an extraordinary grandmother affectionately known as ‘Mima’, who found immeasurable joy in supporting those she loved. Whether attending school programs, athletic events, church activities, or milestone celebrations, she could always be found cheering on her children, grandchildren, and extended family.

A woman of deep and abiding faith, Johelen was a devoted member of Fort Foote Baptist Church for many years, serving faithfully from its early days. She faithfully attended worship services and remained actively engaged in the life of her church.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Donald Lloyd Davis Sr.; her loving daughter, Tamara Jean Davis; her daughter-in-law, Donna Waryanka Davis; her cherished grandchildren, Blake Monroe, Theodore Davis, Chloe Davis, and Evangelene Davis; her siblings: Patricia Benning (Gordon), Norma Bruce, James Mayfield (Pat), Kenneth Mayfield, and Rita Kinley (Ike); her brother-in-law, Errol Hanna, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Donald Lloyd Davis Jr., her sisters Barbara Adams and Martha Hanna; and her parents, Evelyn and Fred Mayfield.

Though she is no longer with us in body, Johelen’s legacy of faith, compassion, service, and unconditional love will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and all whose lives she touched.