
WARSAW—Beverly Jean Witt Davis passed away on May 29, 2023. She was born in Washington, D.C., on December 21, 1939.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Roy B. Witt and Dorothy P. Witt; her sister Carolyn D. Witt; and her husband of 64 years, Lawrence Harlan Davis.
Jean enjoyed a full life of blessings, joy and peace. Following a happy childhood in Washington, D.C., she married Harlan and spent the next 64 years in loving support and commitment to family. They were the proud parents of Lawrence H. Davis Jr., Cristina D. Hamman and Leigh D. Purcell.
They had a loving relationship with all their grandchildren, Lawrence H. Davis III, Christopher D. Davis, Elizabeth L. Davis, Elise C. Davis, R. Palmer Purcell, Emma D. Purcell, Mia S. Purcell, Ana H. Swann and Lysa H. Walters. Later in life they were delighted with the addition of great-grandchildren, Charlotte J. Davis, Lawrence H. Davis IV, Perry L. Davis, Ava G. Hamman, and the news of another on the way!
Jean accompanied and supported Harlan’s career as a U.S. Foreign Service officer, living in six countries throughout Latin America. She learned Portuguese and Spanish early on eventually earning a master’s degree in both languages. She taught English, Spanish and Portuguese in the various countries they lived. She was at his side for conferences and board meetings throughout Africa, Europe and Asia.
Their second career took them to her alma mater, the University of Georgia where she joined Harlan on the faculty as a Spanish and Portuguese professor. They retired to the Northern Neck in 2000 where she continued her teaching career at Rappahannock Community College.
Among her many passions was her love of writing, authoring two books. She had a passion for flower gardening which taught her firsthand about the miracles of nature and its cycles.
Tennis, biking and walking were important parts of her life. She adored three Labrador retrievers over the years.
Her foundation in faith informed her daily choices; she began every day reading her devotionals and journaling about her faith in our Almighty God, her life was an example of that.
She was buried at her husband’s side at Totuskey Baptist Church on Sunday, June 4, 2023, followed by a celebration of life at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church.
To God be the Glory for the life of Jean Witt Davis.
Welch Funeral Home handled the arrangements.