JoAnn Harkness Davis

JoAnn Harkness Davis, age 94, of Brookhaven, MS and formerly of Minden, LA; peacefully passed away on September 12, 2025, after a brief illness.

She was born on September 26, 1930, to the late Augustus Brown and Lula Holdman Harkness. She graduated from Minden High School where she was voted “Best Girl Dancer” and served as a majorette. She immediately went to work for the Telephone Company where she made many lifelong friends. She worked for the Telephone Company until she Married C. L. “Skeeter” Davis, Jr. in 1960. She was also active in the Garden Club and Eastern Star.

She was preceded in death by her parents Gus and Lula Harkness; sisters Frances Harkness and Geraldine Sweatman; her husband Charles Lavelle “Skeeter” Davis, Jr.; and stepson Charles Rick Davis.

She is survived by her son William Kevin Davis (Jefferey C. Clearman); nephew William Benjamin Sweatman (Gloria M. Sweatman) who served as a primary care giver along with her son Kevin; stepdaughter Janet Elaine Davis, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at Rose Neath Funeral Home in Minden on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, from 5 until 7 pm. A grave side service will be held at Gardens of Memory on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at 11 am. Officiating will be Rev. Bill Crider. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Brookhaven, MS at 4 pm. Officiating will be The Rev. Canon Geoffrey Butcher. A reception will follow.

The family would like to express special thanks to her caretakers at the Aspen of Brookhaven: Niesha, Destiny, Gracie, Kristen, Rachel, Aaliyah, BreHannah, Haley, Zandra, April, Tiyuna, Taylor, LaRonda, Catherine, KeyAnna, Rhonda, Silvia and MiOsha. The family also would like to express special thanks to Dr. Gladney and the nurses at King’s Daughters Medical Center for their support during her passing. Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or the charity of your choice.