Geneva "Irene" Thomas Davis was a cherished mother, Mamaw, big sister, and friend.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents, Ruby Nanny and Emmett Thomas; her siblings, J.C., Guyve, R.H., and Eugene; her husband, Andrew Jack Davis; her beloved children, Patsy Lynn Davis, Carolyn "Collie" Hensley, and Darlene "Sissy" Jennings; and her grandchildren, Travis Davis and Isabella Davis.

In her final moments, she was surrounded by generations of the family she helped raise - great-great-grandbabies playing nearby while her children and grandchildren sat close, telling stories and remembering a life well lived.

She leaves behind a 94-year legacy rooted in faith, the old ways of life, and the best biscuits ever baked. She is survived by her children, Jackie Davis (Velma), Oletta "Reddy" Davis, Kaye D. Walker (Cecil), and Richard "Mama's Baby" Davis.

Grandchildren, in order by age: Sherrie Davis (Mike), Ray Reeves (Jennifer), Chris Crain, Leaha Jenkins (Chris), Larry Davis (Jennifer), Tonya McClure (Dagon), and Dwayne Jenkins (Stacy).

Great-grandchildren: Raegan Kent (Cory), Sage Barfield (Jake), Weston Reeves, Taylor Proffitt, Dominic Davis, Josiah Davis, Dawson Reeves, Christian Davis, Savannah Crain, Jackson Reed, Gabriella Davis, Sophia Davis, Jillian Davis, Averey Jenkins, Madison Crain, Emalyn Jenkins, and Grayson Jenkins.

Great-great-grandchildren: Easton Buckner, Clark and Laurel Barfield, Asher Kent, Johnny Chavez, Kimber Kent, and Sage Davis.

She is also survived by her sister, Peggy Nanny, along with many adored nieces and nephews.

Irene was born and raised in the Belva community of Shelton Laurel. From an early age, life demanded strength from her, and she answered with the gifts the Lord had given her - the ability to nurture, comfort, provide for, and fiercely love the people around her. Long before she became the matriarch of our family, she was helping raise her younger siblings and tending to those around her with a servant's heart.

She knew hard work all her life and never turned away from it. Irene raised the food that fed her family, worked the tobacco fields, labored tirelessly from morning until night, and carried the weight of motherhood, home, and family without complaint. She would often reflect on those years with a laugh, saying she would "just fall in the bed at night." The life she built was not an easy one, but it was full of love, laughter, and joyful moments with the people she loved most.

Irene was the heart of our family and the one we all gathered around in every season of life. In hardship and in celebration, we leaned on her wisdom, strength, honesty, and unwavering love. Children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even great-great-grandchildren were rocked in her arms, fed at her table, prayed over, and guided by her hand - and caring for them was the great joy of her life.

Her Bible was so well worn it was barely held together - threadbare, dates and scripture scribbled in the margins, tattered but unbroken. We laid it beside her in her final days, and it stood as a testament not only to her faith, but to the full and beautiful life the Lord had blessed her with.

Her story will be remembered for many generations to come. We will carry the imprint of her life, love, and faith with us until we meet her again.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm, Sunday, May 17, 2026 in the Robbie Capps Memorial Chapel of Blue Ridge Funeral and Cremation Service. Reverend Jerry Shelton will officiate. Burial will follow in Walnut Cemetery.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org.