Barbara Davis

February 29, 1940 - May 13, 2022
Barbara Davis

Gifts & Memorial Donations



Barbara “Barb” Helen Davis, 82, the matriarch of a large and loving family, passed away peacefully on May 13, 2022. 

Born in East Liverpool on Leap Day 1940 to William and Helen Thorne, Barb liked to point out that, since she only celebrated her actual birthday every four years, she was technically only 20 years old.

Barb was the youngest child of the Thorne family and was protected by her older brothers Robert “Bob” Thorne and Richard “Dick” Thorne, both of whom preceded her in death.

She married the love of her life, Richard Davis, in 1958. When she was 18, Barb’s parents were going on vacation and she wanted to stay behind to spend time with Richard. When they told her she had to come along because she and Richard were not married, the young lovebirds did exactly that. They were married on July 31, 1958 and spent 59 years together until Richard passed away in 2017.

Barb was a dedicated mother of five daughters. She is survived by four of those daughters; Tammy Hancock (Tom Hancock), Christine Francis, Teresa Davis (Corey Boso) and Stephanie “Stevie” Talbert (Art Talbert). She was preceded in death by her youngest daughter, Barbara “Barbie” Davis in November 2021. Barb and Richard dedicated their later years to caring for Barbie, who was in a car accident in 1996. 

She was always happy to have a full house where she cared for many of her kids’ friends who liked to call the Davis house a second home. There was always something going on up “on the hill”, such as bonfires, swimming and sleepovers. She was also happy to play taxi, loading the family car up with so many kids and friends it was difficult to shut the doors. She always made sure everyone was well fed, often doing wonders with a 50lb bag of potatoes to feed her family of seven.

When she wasn’t caring for children or her spotless home, Barb loved to craft and paint. Many lawn decorations in the East Liverpool area and at Guilford Lake, where the family spent their summers, were created by Rich and Barb. Rich would do the woodworking and Barb would paint various cutouts for seasonal decorations.

As her children began having kids of their own, Barb easily transitioned into the role of grandmother. She had seven grandchildren: Mark Francis Jr. and his wife Abby (Hutchison) Francis; Cody Francis and his wife Loriann (Ace) Francis; Amanda Talbert; Art Talbert Jr.; Toni Jones; Jenna Francis; and Andrew Talbert.

When the grandkids came in from the trampoline or swimming pool, they always knew Grandma would have snacks and drinks ready. Holidays and birthdays were always hosted by Grandma, and everyone was welcome. She loved to play cards and games with the family. Her grandchildren were lucky to have their grandmother as an active part of their lives for so long.

Barb always loved babies, and in her later years was blessed to be a great grandmother to eight: Emily, Alexa and Brielle Francis; Coralee Boso; Wyatt, Chloe and Jensen Talbert; and Leonardo Francis. 

Barb’s family wants everyone to remember her fondly as a caring, welcoming person who put her family first, loved to dance, loved Elvis and loved to be around people. She never knew a stranger and would welcome anyone to sit at the kitchen table and have a chat. We will all miss those talks around that table.

Services will be held at the Care Funeral & Cremation Specialists – Martin Chapel in Calcutta on Thursday, May 19, 2022 at 12 p.m. Burial will follow in Columbiana County Memorial Park.

Family will be present to receive friends at the Calcutta funeral home on Wednesday, May 18, 2022 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.

To view this obituary, sign the guestbook, and leave condolences to the family, please visit carechapel.com 

 


Service

Thursday, May 19, 2022
12:00 PM

Care Funeral & Cremation Specialists – Martin Chapel - Directions
15872 St. Clair Ave
East Liverpool, OH 43920
3303820600

Burial

Thursday, May 19, 2022

Columbiana County Memorial Park Cemetery - Directions
Irish Ridge Road
East Liverpool, Ohio 43920

Visitation

Wednesday, May 18, 2022
2:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Care Funeral & Cremation Specialists – Martin Chapel - Directions
15872 St. Clair Ave
East Liverpool, OH 43920
3303820600

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  • May 16, 2022
    Tina Coleman says:
    Barb was a second mother to my sister and me growing up. She was truly an amazing lady and will be missed by all who knew and loved her. My condolences go out to her family.

  • May 16, 2022
    Barbara Johnston says:
    My deepest, heartfelt condolences on your loss.

  • May 17, 2022
    The Clewell Family says:
    Barb was a big part of our lives at the camp. Her obituary says it all. She was an absolutely wonderful person who will always be remembered by our family. Our hearts, thoughts & prayers are with the Davis family & friends as we grieve with them. Rest in heavenly peace, Barb.

  • May 18, 2022
    Deena seigler says:
    So sorry for all your losses Teresa! Prayers to you and all your family