Irene Davis

IRENE DAVIS, age 81, of Creal Springs, passed away at 9:45am on Thursday, October 4, 2007 at her home in Creal Springs. Irene was born in Crab Orchard on March 25, 1926, the daughter of Lewis and Eunice (Motsinger) Blackwell. She married William A. Davis on February 22, 1946 in Piggott, Arkansas. He preceded her in death on October 6, 2001. They shared fifty-five years of marriage. Mrs. Davis was a member of the Fairview Baptist Church in Creal Springs. She was a homemaker and also worked in numerous factories, including Douglas Aircraft in Des Plaines, Illinois during WWII. She also worked at Olin Corporation, Hoosier Cardinal Paint Company and she retired after many years of service from Smoler Brothers. Survivors include: Son and daughter-in-law- Donald L. and Carolyn Davis of Creal Springs, IL Daughter- Wanda J. Rushing of Creal Springs, IL Five grandchildren- Tina & Pat Barger of Crab Orchard, IL Dawn Ellen and Jeffery Wherle of Ozark, IL Carrie and Brett Tapley of Crab Orchard, IL Angel and Jerry Menser of Creal Springs, IL Jeremy and Ashleigh Rushing of Creal Springs, IL Seven Great Grandchildren- James Jeralds, Tara Jeralds, Donovan Barger, Bethany Barger, Miranda Menser, Caleb Menser, Kinleigh Rushing and she was expecting her eighth great grandchild next year. Four Brothers- Don & Gladys Blackwell of Mayville, MI Paul Blackwell of Sparta, IL Jim and Bea Blackwell of Goreville, IL William & Sue Blackwell of Tilden, IL Three sisters- Mary Smothers of Marion, IL Anna Mae Sims of Creal Springs, IL Betty & Jackie Bishop of Creal Springs, IL Mrs. Davis was preceded in death by her parents, her husband- William, one son-in-law- Steve Rushing, and two brothers- Leon and Kenneth Blackwell. Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm on Tuesday, October 9, 2007 at Fairview Baptist Church in Creal Springs with Rev. David Hancock officiating. Burial will follow at Tanner Cemetery near Arnold View in Crab Orchard. Visitation will be held from 5-9pm on Monday, October 8, 2007 at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home in Marion and also from 11:00 until the time of service on Tuesday at the church. For those who prefer, memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois. Envelopes will be available and accepted at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home; 800 N. Market Street; Marion, IL 62959.