OBIT-Odilia Avila Davis
MISSION – Odilia Avila Davis passed away on Friday, December 20, 2013 at the age of 92.
She was born on April 11, 1921 in Donna, Tex. to Evaristo and Belen Munoz Avila, the oldest of four children. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Evaristo Jr. and Eloy Avila. Her sister, Dora Avila Renaud (B.G.) resides in Dallas.
In 1946 she was married to Edward Downey Davies, III of Mission. They were married for 55 years until his death in 2002. Downey and Odilia had six children and Odilia was wife, mother and homemaker. She and her husband were involved in school parent organizations as their children attended the Mission public schools. She assisted her husband in his many community service projects through Lions Club, and recently she was acknowledged at the Presidents’ Pioneer Award Ceremony honoring her late husband Downey and their family by the Mission Historical Museum.
Odilia was active in many organizations that provided an outlet for her creativity. She became a member of the Hobby Club and Good Neighbor Club of Mission, where she learned many different kinds of crafts. She assisted on projects for the Citrus Fiesta. She was a skilled seamstress and made many outfits for both herself and her daughters. She was always fashion conscious and looked her beautiful best—and she was a shopper!
In addition, Odilia was a member of the Damas Catolicas in Mission and recently received an award for over 50 years of service to the organization. The Davis Family was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, and is now active at St. Paul’s Catholic Church. Odilia was a member of both the Mission and Starr County Historical Societies.
She is survived by her children, Edward Downey Davis, IV (Norma) of Garland, Marie Davis of Pleasanton, Richard Davis (Cindy) of Houston, Doris Tomas (Gene) of Richmond, and Michael Davis (Ginger) and Carl Davis (Denise), both of Mission. She had 14 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.
At the time of her death, she was lovingly surrounded by her local family and friends.
Pallbearers were her grandsons, Edward Downey Davis, V of Anna, Mack Davis of Austin, Luke Tomas and Matt Tomas of Richmond, and Robert Hinojosa and William Davis of Mission.
Her funeral mass was held on Monday, December 23, 2013 St. Paul’s Catholic Church, followed by interment at Laurel Hill Cemetery, all in Mission. The family requested memorial contributions be made to Comfort House of McAllen.
The family would like to thank her caregivers Isidra Sandoval, Susie Ramos and Sara Garcia for their kind and attentive care of their mother. We would also like to thank Dr. Charity Abreu and her staff for her loving care and guidance over the years.
The online guest book can be signed at www.virgilwilsonmortuary.com. Funeral arrangements were under the care of Virgil Wilson Mortuary of Mission.
