Edna Irene Davis

Born in 1933 during the years of the Great Depression into a rural, poor, Arkansas family, Edna Irene Rhodes Davis "Tootsie" was destined for greatness...not in the usual sense of the word, but in character, faith, and legacy. Our wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend to many had a heart of compassion, resilience, loyalty, and abounding love. Her humility was almost, to a degree, a fault because she never realized her value and impact on the world around her. Visitation with the family will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday, December 11, 2017 at Rose-Neath Southside Funeral Home. A Celebration of her Life will be held at 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 12, 2017 at the funeral home with Pastor Billy Pierce officiating. Interment will follow immediately after in Forest Park West Cemetery. Tootsie, as her father nicknamed her, was born in Rosston, AR and was the fourth child of Howard Olen and Effie Mae McKissack Rhodes. She attended school in Rosston and later graduated from Stephens High School. In Stephens, AR, she met her future husband, Louie R. Davis. They were married in 1951 and by 1954, had two children, Louie Randolph "Randy" Davis, Jr. and Dianne Davis Hanes. Tootsie found her calling when she became a mother. Nursing Randy through polio, she proved she was also part nurse. Tootsie was gifted with a love for babies and children and she lived that out as she nurtured her own children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. An untold number of babies were rocked by her in the nursery at Ford Park Baptist Church where Louie and Tootsie were Charter Members. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and siblings, Evelyn Dale "Sissy" Rhodes McInnis and Howard Olen "Pete" Rhodes. She is survived by her son, Randy, daughter, Dianne and husband Gordon, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brother, Raymond Harold Rhodes, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Grandma's granddaughters adored her. She impacted their lives immeasurably. Her voice of reason and acceptance, her shoulder to cry on, her wisdom and admonishment, her playfulness, and laughter were qualities that made her a safe haven for her family. Lee Anne Tilley and her husband John Elliott, Joni Nicole Tilley Deardorff and her husband, Chad, and April Kathryn Tilley Mobley and her husband, Mark, will forever be blessed by Grandma's legacy, love, and example. Grandma's great-grandchildren, Hank and Hannah Harrington, Clarke and Charley Deardorff, and David and Rhodes Mobley were influenced, as well, by her doting, cooking, rocking, singing, and laughter. By the grace of God, she lived long enough to hug and nurture the next generation before Alzheimer's took her mind and her life. She was extremely proud of her girls and their families. They could do no wrong and she always expected the best from them. Their time with her was a gift and a shower of blessings that few experience. Tootsie was a homemaker for many years. Her cooking skills were unsurpassed and her chocolate pie would have won a blue ribbon in any bake-off. She often delivered those pies to offices, friends, and even the fire department. Her skills as a seamstress kept her and Dianne dressed in the latest fashions. Her skills in the arts produced leatherwork, furniture, ceramics, crochet, needlepoint, and of course, her beautiful quilts. She hit her stride with her quilts and produced her lasting arms of love that can be wrapped around us in her absence. If you received one of Tootsie's quilts, you were blessed. Tootsie's other life began gradually as she supported Louie in his work as a hardware salesman. She became a capable and knowledgeable liaison between him and his customers. When they began their joint venture in the creation of their own business, Louie was the brains, but Tootsie was the love and tenacity. Building South States Wholesale Hardware Company stretched her. She became a savvy, passionate businesswoman who used her artistic skills to stitch all parts of the business together. Her employees worshipped her for her strength and gentleness as she exemplified the meaning of a servant-leader. Although life was, at times, painful for Tootsie, she found great solace and support from her AL ANON groups and friends. She gained and shared peace and serenity as she worked the program and surrendered her life and her will to God. Her faith in Jesus Christ was an example set for others as she taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, rocked babies in the nursery, and stood up to the storms of life as she held the hand of Jesus. She and Louie were very instrumental in building the Koala Club in Bossier. They were active for many years in the Highland Club. Dr. Richard Sipes, his staff, and her nurse, Lodie Conner have been patient, supportive, and kind through this difficult journey. The family will forever be indebted to Betty White, Jessica Ray, Maila Reagan, Arnetta Clark, Demetria Guillary, and the professionals at Divine Health Care. They too will be rewarded with crowns in heaven for all they have done for our family. Her Ford Park Baptist Church family has been diligent in praying for and checking on Tootsie. We thank you for the love you have shown her through the years. Honoring Tootsie as pallbearers will be Chad Deardorff, John Elliott, Mark Mobley, Mike Tingle, and Charlie Upchurch. The family suggests memorials may be made to CADA, 2000 Fairfield Ave., Shreveport, LA 71104, Alzheimer's Association, 3445 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie, LA 70002, or to the charity of donor's choice. Tootsie, Mom, Grandma, Aunt Tootsie, Mrs. Davis will be sorely missed. She is now a bright shining star in the night sky and lives in a mansion in Heaven...and has finally achieved peace and tranquility.