Nora Lee Key Davis

Our dear mother, Nora Key Davis, also known as Granny, departed her earthly home surrounded by her daughter, granddaughter and great grandson, on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at the age of 83.  Granny was a wonderful mother who was always there when we needed her.  She also had many friends and family and was well-loved by all.  Her smile and helpful attitude brought joy to many.

 Nora was born June 20, 1940, in Olive Branch Mississippi and was the second child to her parents Ben and Viola Key (deceased).  In 1946, at the age of six, the family moved to the small town of Capleville, TN.  God was the center of their life and the family attended Capleville Church of Christ.

 Nora was always eager to learn and enjoyed studying at Capleville Elementary and Getter High School.  During the 40s, attending school had its own set of trials.  Nora and her sisters walked 12 miles per day to and from school.   She would jokingly say, she got her degree from the school of “hard knocks” and the “joy of Jesus Christ.”  At the age of 15, Nora married David Irving and they would begin their family.  The first addition to the family was their eldest child and only daughter, Gloria Jean Irving.  After a couple of years, Nora gave birth to her second and last child, David Jr (now deceased).

Nora’s first job was taking care of her family and home but eventually obtained a job at the Tennessee Psychiatric Hospital in Memphis, TN where she worked for 19 years.   Nora was a lovely, hard working mother and wife and a Christian woman.  She followed the tradition of her parents, giving her children a Christian foundation.  She encouraged them to live up to their potential and was their biggest cheerleader.   After 19 years of marriage to David, the marriage grew weak, and she experienced a divorce.  Nora picked up the pieces and found a new love saying yes to the proposal of Robert Davis (deceased).  Nora and Robert resided in Dallas, Texas where Nora worked 20 years at Baylor Hospital in Irving, TX.  Her career at hospitals demonstrates her love for people and heart of serving others.

 Nora is known for idioms and quotes such as, “my momma always said. . . .,”  or things like “look at that tall drink of water” (referring to a tall man).  Nora was an avid reader, loved hymns, country and western music, bingo, eating at good restaurants and lovingly doting on her great grandson Darius Minor! She would remind all of us, “Give me my flowers while I can smell them.” 

 Nora is survived by her daughter Gloria Jean Irving, Euless, TX; grandchildren, Clarice Nicole Jefferson (Tommy Floyd), Euless, TX; Adrienne Denise Hughes, Yolonda L. Rocket, Angela H. Brown (Perry Brown) all from Memphis, TN; sisters, Lizzie Blackman, Memphis, TN; Annie Joyce Beard (Paul Beard), Nashville, TN; Stella Washington, deceased (Tony Washington), Detroit MI; brothers, Ben Key Jr (Emma Key), Gaithor F. Key (Cowintha Key), both from Memphis, TN; a host of nieces, nephews, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, friends (many who were like daughters and sisters to her), church family, & Irving family members.