Barbara Joann Davis' Obituary
Barbara Joann Davis, 91 of Centerville passed away Wednesday, April 6, 2022 at Mercy One - Des Moines.
Joann was born to Jesse & Susan (Thistlethwaite) Walker on November 27, 1930 in Centerville, Iowa. She received her education from Moravia High School, graduating in 1948. After high school, Joann worked for Dr. Catterlin as a receptionist. Joann then married Emile Gerard and moved to Rock Island, Illinois where she worked at Regalia Manufacturing Company as an order clerk. After a few years in Rock Island, her and Emile moved back to Centerville in 1953 where she would start her family and began her career as an Avon Representative that would last for 30 years until retirement. Joann and Emile would later divorce and she would be united in marriage to Joe Davis.
Joann was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church in Centerville. She enjoyed visiting with her family and friends. Joann loved helping out at her church and being involved with the congregation. She loved animals, especially dogs and cats.
Her Avon customers were a big part of her life that made her happy. Giving up her route and retiring was a hard thing; she often spoke about her customers and how she missed being around them on a weekly basis.
Survivors include her children: Roxanne Thomas (Ron), Randy Gerard (Christina Johnson), grandchildren: Billy Thomas (Erin), Chrissy Kirby (Jared), Lacey White (Jason), Jessica Gerard, Aaron Gerard, great grandchildren: Emily, Lila and Luke Thomas, Owen and Hudson Kirby, Liam and Ella White. She was preceded in death by her parents, son, Marcus Gerard, husbands, Emile Gerard and Joe Davis, brother, Cleo Walker and her nephew, Craig Walker.
Funeral service will be 10:00 AM, Saturday, April 9, 2022 at Thomas Funeral Home in Centerville. Interment will immediately follow at Highland Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday, April 8, 2022 at Thomas Funeral Home with family present from 5-7 PM. Memorials may be given to First Baptist Church of Centerville and condolences may be shared at www.thomasfh.com or facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome.
Joann's funeral will be live streamed at https://my.gather.app/remember/joann-davis-2022
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