Obituary of Elva Joyce Davis

DAVIS, Elva Joyce (Illsley),  92  After a brief illness, Mom said good-bye to her family and passed away peacefully on January 18, 2014.  Born on a farm in Dempsey Corner, Aylesford, NS on January 2, 1922, she was the daughter of the late Brenton H. and Fanny Pearl (Rockwell) Illsley. Elva was the last surviving member of her immediate family, having been the second youngest of her siblings.  In her early years she attended Dempsey Corner School and was a member of Aylesford Baptist Church, she was involved in the many community activities including those to support the troops during the war.  She moved to Halifax to see what life was and in 1952, she married John Frederick (Fred) Davis. Together they built the fifth house in the newly developing Thornhill Park, Spryfield and raised their family enjoying their home, neighbours and life in Spryfield since 1954.  As a family summers were spent camping and when home, summer evenings were enjoyed around the backyard fire pit, where all were welcomed.  In later years, Mom spent summers at her trailer in Hubbards and then Glen Margaret.  She loved the numerous bus tours she took to Florida, Nashville, New York and New England.  She enjoyed all the social activities with the Young at Heart Seniors Club especially darts and 45’s.  She traveled to Cuba and the Dominican Republic with family and friends.  Mom had a green thumb and plants thrived whether in the garden, house, or as in later years on the deck.  She passed on her love of sewing, quilting and knitting, teaching her daughter and daughters-in-law.  Mom made many special quilts for all her children, grand-children and great-grandchildren, and recently her great-great nephew. She is survived by her sons, Darrell Davis (Debbie), John Davis (Karen), East Dalhousie, and daughter, Pearl (Scott) Foyers; grandchildren: Lisa Davis, Edward  Davis (Michelle), Melissa (Scott) Sewart, Shawn Davis (Meghan), David Foyers (Courtney)  Alaska.; great-grandchildren: Mikalah and Brayden Sewart, Josh and Lily Foyers, Lana Davis and Brooklyn Davis; sisters and brother-in-laws, Anne and T. William Odland, Alberta, and Marion Davis, Newfoundland. She has many nieces and nephews with special mention to April Reese, Marsha Milberry, Lucille Illsley, Sonya Youngquist, and Greta Aucoin.  She has reunited with Dad (1921-1987) after 26 years of waiting. Predeceased by sisters, L. Greta, Esther (Stanley) Youngquist, and E. Marion, and brothers, H. Keith (Ferna), G. Vernon (Mable), Borden, B. Gilford (Dora), D. Fletcher (Dora) and Donald (Shirley).   Cremation has taken place under the care of JA Walker Funeral Home (2005) Ltd., 149 Herring Cove Road, Halifax, NS (477.5601). In keeping with Elva’s wishes there will be no visitation. A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 24 at 1:00 p.m. from Calvary Baptist Church, 91 Thornhill Drive, with Rev. Dennis Nickerson officiating.  Reception to follow.  Interment will be held at a later date in Aylesford Union Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Canadian Diabetes Association, 1400-522 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 2R5, or a charity of your choice. Words of comfort may be sent to the family by visiting www.walkerfh.com.