CARBONDALE — Dorothy Frailey Davis, passed away Thursday, Oct. 15, 2015, in Manor Court of Carbondale. She was 93 years old.
Dorothy was born Feb. 25, 1922, at her family’s home in Benton. Dorothy was the fourth of seven children born to Edward C. and Libby Kirk Frailey. She was a proud member of the Benton High School Class of 1940.
During World War II, Dorothy work at Boeing in San Diego, California. Upon her return home she managed her father’s hardware store on the Public Square in Benton.
She married I. Clark Davis on April 14, 1946. In 1949 the couple moved to Carbondale where Clark accepted the position as dean of students at SIU. Dorothy became a hostess to several generations of students and faculty over the years. They shared 50 years together until his death in 1997. A devoted mother, Dorothy was known for her quick wit and ever present smile. Once her family was raised, she worked as a retail clerk at Phillip’s and Bleyer’s Lady Store. With the arrival of her grandchildren, Dorothy became Nana and she delighted spending time with and spoiling her grandchildren.
Dorothy was a member of the First Christian Church (Disciple’s of Christ) in Carbondale. She was also a Life Member of the SIU Alumni Association and SIU Women’s Club.
Dorothy was proceeded in death by her parents; her husband; siblings and their spouses, Dewey Frailey (Helen), Kenneth Frailey, Mary Evelyn Booth (Graham), Joann Hurley (Hendon), Frances Frailey, and Maxine Overick (Richard).
She is survived by her son, Robert C. Davis (Mary Lou Briegel) of St. Charles, Missouri; daughter and sons-in-law, Marilyn K. Rickard (Allan) of Jefferson City, Missouri, and Joann E. Bleyer (K. Rockne) of Carbondale; grandchildren, Francis C. Bleyer (Jessica) of Bonaire, Georgia, Jonathan E. Bleyer (Suzy) of Houston, Texas, Joanna Rickard-Henderson (Ryan) of Wilmington, North Carolina, Diana E. Rickard of Columbia, Missouri, Katherine M. Bleyer of Marion, David A. Rickard (Amanda) of Wilmington, North Carolina, and Melinda K. Johnson (Darrell) of Troy, Missouri. great-grandchildren, Noah W. Rickard, Davis Maxwell Henderson, Bradley E. Bleyer, Elliana C. Henderson, Greta Sue Bleyer, Hadassah E. Johnson and Miriam G. Johnson; her sister-in-law, Betty Frailey of Benton; 10 nieces and nephews; and other extended family.
The family would like to thank the staff of Manor Court for all their compassion and loving care.
Memorials may be made to First Christian Church, 306 W. Monroe, Carbondale IL 62901 or Hospice of Southern Illinois.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 19, in First Christian Church. Private burial will be in Oakland Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday at the church.
Walker Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.
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