Barbara Jean ''Nana'' Davis

Barbara Jean Freeman Davis, age 68, slipped into the arms of the Lord on June 12, 2014, after a long illness. The youngest of three sisters was born in Portsmouth, Ohio. She was adopted at the age of 18 months by James and Ruby Freeman, who preceded her in death. She spent her early years in Los Angeles, California, but as a young adult, moved to Columbus, Ohio. She was the wife of Richard Y. Davis, who preceded her in death by ten months. Barbara enjoyed cooking, cross word puzzles, arts and crafts, movies, singing, playing the piano, and teaching Sunday School. She had a strong faith and a positive attitude. She was very active in her church until her health began to fail. This made it very difficult to attend regularly, but when she was able, she was there singing and often playing the piano. She was a gracious lady who touched the lives of many during her lifetime. She had the ability to make each relationship uniquely special and significant. The term “it takes a village” suited her well. She mentored many children and young adults. She was “Nana”, “Aunt Barb”, and “Ms. Barb” to so many. Friendship was at the heart of Barbara’s life. She was deeply caring, charismatic, and truly a great friend. That smile and twinkle in her eyes will never be forgotten. As her health continued to decline, she tried to remain cheerful and positive. She could tell a good joke, and always able to say something that would make you smile, even when she didn’t feel well. She leaves to cherish her memory children, Geffrey Freeman, Ruben Freeman, Lucretia Freeman, Darvel Davis, and Deidre (Shannon) Hayes; her grandchildren, LaVon Johnson and LaQuan Prysock; sisters, Mary L. McClendon (Columbus, Ohio) and Ira M. Tate (Atlanta, Georgia); caretaker, Darlene Woolford; nieces, nephew, sisters-in-law, brothers-in law, and a host of extended family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Kidney Foundation, Cerebral Palsy Foundation or the Heinzerling Foundation.