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Submitted: 7/25/22 • Approved: 7/25/22 • Last Updated: 7/28/22 • R1441071-G1441066-S3
1915 - July 7, 2013
*Obituary
Northwest Arkansas Times
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
FAYETTEVILLE — Ora Beatrice Davisson, of Fayetteville, Ark., known to her friends as "Peggy," passed peacefully in her sleep on July 7, 2013, at the Willard Walker Hospice, where she had been staying since July 3. She had reached 97 years of age.
For 12 years, Peggy had been an active resident of the Butterfield Trail Village in Fayetteville, Ark., where she moved after her husband of 54 years, Charles Nelson Davisson. passed away. Peggy and "Chuck" had retired to Bentonville in 1982 to enjoy their golden years together.
She is survived by her two daughters, Beatrice Lynne Davisson of Rogers, Ark., and Cheryl Davisson Gracie of Port Austin, Mich., as well as her grandson, William Chas Davisson Gracie, of Ann Arbor, Mich.
Peggy was born in Oak Park. Ill., to Dr. Bernard DeVilbiss and his wife, Irene. Before long, the family moved to Three Rivers, Mich., where she and her younger brother, Ray T. DeVilbiss, grew up. Peggy excelled in academic work and graduated from her high school as valedictorian.
After she lost her savings in the local bank that failed during the Great Depression, Peggy worked as a secretary to save up enough money to attend college. The family then moved to Columbia, Mo., so she could attend the University of Missouri. Peggy earned her bachelor's degree and became a member of the Mortar Board, a national honor society recognizing college seniors for their exemplary scholarship, leadership and service. Four years later, she received her master's in speech therapy.
She then pursued her doctorate while teaching at the university. That is when she met "Chuck," the true love-of-her-life, who was also a member of the faculty at the university teaching in the business school.
They were married in 1943 and moved to Ann Arbor, Mich., where Chuck had accepted a teaching position at the University of Michigan School of Business Administration, which turned into a lifelong career with Peggy's support.
During their early years of married life, Peggy was hired and worked within the Ann Arbor Public School System to develop and implement a new type of early detection speech therapy program that later became standard practice.
However, she left her job with the public schools in 1949 when Cheryl was born, so she could focus on being a mother and support Chuck's career. Three years later, Beatrice was born and the family remained a part of Ann Arbor until 1981, when Chuck retired.
While enjoying golf and bridge with new friends in Bella Vista, Ark., they often traveled together, counting 18 unique small-ship cruises throughout the world that Peggy had the talent to discover.
When Chuck died in 1997, she remained in their home in Bella Vista until 2001 when she moved to Butterfield Trail Village in Fayetteville. There, she continued to enjoy an active social life that included making many new friends that she grew to love and who became very dear to her.
She played bridge several times a week and served on many committees at Butterfield Trial Village. She was also able to pursue her interest in the arts with the Arts Center of the Ozark's (ACO) and the Walton Art Center being among her favorites.
A private family service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of your choice. Arrangements are by the Bella Vista Funeral Home and Crematory, 2258 Forest Hills Blvd., Bella Vista, Ark.
Online condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.
Contributed on 7/25/22 by judyfrog
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Record #: 1441071