Obituary of Joan Davis

Donna Joan Jackson Davis of Galahad passed away on May 17, 2024, at 80 years old, at Our Lady of the Rosary Hospital in Castor, Alberta.

Joan was born on May 29, 1943, to Hersel Levi Jackson and Marjorie Viola Starzman Jackson. Growing up south of Galahad, in the Tinchebray area on the south side of the Battle River, Joan enjoyed being the big sister to Sandra, Ray, and Trevor and being surrounded by multiple aunts, uncles, and cousins. As a farm kid, Joan would help her dad haul cattle to Edmonton and do all the typical farm chores. After graduating from Galahad High School, Joan trained for three years at Royal Alexandra Hospital, becoming a registered nurse.

In 1964, Joan and two fellow RNs travelled to Hawaii to work at a hospital on Oahu. While there, she met Mac Davis, and after a short while, they were married in Galahad in 1966. Together, they welcomed a daughter, Joanne Lynne Davis, in 1969 and a son, Edgar McArthur Davis, Jr. (Eddie), in 1973. During this time, the family lived in various places, the longest being in Mac’s hometown of Tazewell, Virginia. Mac was often absent, leaving Joan working full-time as a nurse to support the family while caring for the home and children alone. After many turbulent years, Joan made the final move back to Canada in 1999.

Over the years and in different countries, Joan has worked in many areas in the hospital system, on the floor, as head nurse, and as a teacher at the college, but her favourite was surgery. Living in Galahad allowed Joan to help with Joanne’s sons, Colton (1997), Tucker (2000), and Layton (2003). Joan retired from nursing in 2008. Retirement allowed Joan to have extended visits to the States with Eddie, his wife, and their children, Elaina (2012) and Edison (2015).

Joan lived a quiet, drama-free life in Galahad, where she enjoyed working in her yard, playing the piano, reading books, making cinnamon buns and going to Camrose.  Joan’s iPad mini was a constant companion; the library app was always open. The Jackson siblings and their families get together twice a year, and Joan would welcome each new member, whether by marriage or birth, with glee. A recent reunion with her first cousins allowed Joan to catch up on all the happenings of her extended family.

Joan’s illness surprised her; she said she “did not see that one coming.”  Due to her illness, she was unable to attend her 60th-year nursing school reunion at the Royal Alexandria Hospital, but did attend her 50th-year reunion in 2014, where she received her gold nursing cap and she was very proud of that.  Joan spent her last days in the Castor Hospital, where she had worked and knew many nurses and doctors in charge of her care.  Joanne and Eddie were able to stay with her as much as possible.  Music gave Joan much comfort in her last days. The sounds of the Statler Brothers, Tim McGraw, Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton to the Sound of Music soundtrack filled her room.

Joan is predeceased by her parents, Hershel and Marjorie Jackson, and her sister, Sandra Cassells and her grandparents Ern and Carrie Jackson.

Left to mourn her death are:

Her children: Joanne McMahon, husband Stuart, and Eddie Davis, wife Emily.

Grandchildren: Cole McMahon (Erinn), Tucker McMahon (Trishanna), Layton McMahon (Nicole), Elaina Davis and Edison Davis.

Brothers:  Ray Jackson, wife Jean and Trevor Jackson, wife Colleen. 

As well as numerous nieces and nephews.

The family asks that memorial donations be made to Our Lady of the Rosary Hospital Foundation, STARS Air Ambulance, or a charity of your choice in Joan’s name.

We welcome you to join us, for a celebration of her life at the Galahad Cemetary on May 26 at 2:00 pm.