Obituary for Joan Ida Davis (Yarbrough)
Joan I. Davis lived a beautiful and purposeful life devoted to her family, the community, and to her church. She passed away at home on Friday, March 10, 2023.
Joan grew up in the Lindenwood neighborhood of Norfolk where parents Eric and Bernette Yarbrough created a loving and supportive home for her and big brother Eric Jr. Joan graduated from Booker T. Washington High School, where her many activities included serving as head majorette in the highly popular marching band. High School was also where she met her future husband Eugene Davis following his military service in World War II. They married in 1949 and stayed together for 62 years until Eugene’s passing in 2011.
Joan lived a life of dedication and service and always showed a unique form of kindness and grace. She loved the Lord and her church. Joan was an active member of The Historic First Baptist Church since the 1950’s. She served as president of female usher board number 1, the memorial usher board, and she was a faithful volunteer at Ready Academy.
Joan retired after 30 years of service with Norfolk Public Schools as a secretary and school office manager. She received several awards and special recognitions during her work career.
Throughout her life, Joan was dedicated to her immediate and extended family, to her various charities, and to her neighbors on Bolton Street. Everyone absolutely adored her.
Joan is preceded in death by husband Eugene and her daughter Stephanie. She is survived by sons Eugene Jr. and Glenn, and daughter Carolyn Harper. She had three granddaughters: Christina Robinson, Valerie Sampson, and Nicole Harper; four great grandchildren and two great-great grand children. She also enjoyed a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Joan grew up in the Lindenwood neighborhood of Norfolk where parents Eric and Bernette Yarbrough created a loving and supportive home for her and big brother Eric Jr. Joan graduated from Booker T. Washington High School, where her many activities included serving as head majorette in the highly popular marching band. High School was also where she met her future husband Eugene Davis following his military service in World War II. They married in 1949 and stayed together for 62 years until Eugene’s passing in 2011.
Joan lived a life of dedication and service and always showed a unique form of kindness and grace. She loved the Lord and her church. Joan was an active member of The Historic First Baptist Church since the 1950’s. She served as president of female usher board number 1, the memorial usher board, and she was a faithful volunteer at Ready Academy.
Joan retired after 30 years of service with Norfolk Public Schools as a secretary and school office manager. She received several awards and special recognitions during her work career.
Throughout her life, Joan was dedicated to her immediate and extended family, to her various charities, and to her neighbors on Bolton Street. Everyone absolutely adored her.
Joan is preceded in death by husband Eugene and her daughter Stephanie. She is survived by sons Eugene Jr. and Glenn, and daughter Carolyn Harper. She had three granddaughters: Christina Robinson, Valerie Sampson, and Nicole Harper; four great grandchildren and two great-great grand children. She also enjoyed a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.