Wilma Westberry Davis 10/31/1930 - 2/4/2018 A Helper Kind and Good

Wilma Davis entered this world on October 31, 1930, as Wilma Westberry, the first and only child of Stafford and Emma Teston Westberry. With her father's untimely death, she grew up in the home of her mom and her grandmother, Charity "Pink" Teston in Mount Pleasant, Georgia, and was surrounded by many cousins in her close-knit extended family.

After meeting the love of her life, T.M. "Red" Davis, in a typing class at Perry Business School in Brunswick, Georgia, she said "I do" in September, 1950, and followed him all over the country as he pursued a career in the aerospace industry during the  exciting years of the space race. During these years, three children--Vickie, Susan, and Russell--were born to Wilma and Red and became the focus of Wilma's energies. Determined to give her best to her children, Wilma threw herself into making dance costumes, organizing scout activities, and volunteering at their schools. Along with her own children, Wilma's caring concern extended to the other children in each community they lived in as she frequently started or revamped preschool children's ministries in the churches they attended.  She was known for her trademark song, "A Helper Kind and Good" that she used to encourage multiple generations of children in her preschool classes.  Her ministry culminated at First Baptist Church, Marshall, where she was honored for her 40 years of service with preschool children.

When Red retired, they had more time to visit their now-grown children to help them with home projects. During this phase, they were dubbed "the migrant workers" as Wilma, the "dreamer", and Red, the "doer", gave of themselves in these labors of love.

She was preceded in death by her parents and by her darling Red, who passed in August, 2004.  She is survived by their three children and their spouses--Vickie and Doug Pautz of Blanco, Susan and John Murray of Austin, and Russell and Rhonda Davis of Greenville--, fifteen grandchildren and their eight spouses, and six great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to the T.M. "Red"and Wilma Davis Scholarship Fund, East Texas Baptist University, 1 Tiger Dr, Marshall, Texas 75670, are encouraged. Please mark to the attention of the Office of University Advancement.

Visitation to be held at 1pm at Downs Funeral Home on Sunday 2/11/2018.  Service to follow at 2.