Mary Janell Davis

Mary Janell Wood Davis was born January 30, 1926, in Gorman, Texas, to Charles and Effye Wood. She died peacefully on March 15th, 2024. The family moved to Paducah, Texas, where Janell attended school, graduating from high school in 1943 and obtained bachelor’s and master’s degrees from North Texas State University. After World War II, she met the love of her life, Harold Leonard Davis, who was also graduating with an MBA from North Texas State University. The couple was selected to be married on the radio program, “Bride and Groom”, so on July 14, 1947 they were married in Los Angeles, California.

The couple moved to Big Spring in August 1947. Harold was head basketball coach for Howard College and Janell was the speech and drama teacher at Big Spring High School for four years. She was an instructor at Howard College for one year, teaching speech and journalism. Janell spent the next 23 years devoting her time to family, supporting Harold in his 13 years at Howard and two years at Texas Western, raising two children, Alan Kent and Chris Elaine, the couple tragically lost their first daughter, Nancy Lorraine, at birth in 1953. During these 23 years, Janell became involved in First Baptist Church and civic volunteer work.

In the 1960’s, Janell became the first woman to be Vice President of the Big Spring Chamber of Commerce, co-chairing the Big Spring Bicentennial Committee for two years and wrote a weekly Big Spring Herald column, “The Town Crier”. She reorganized and rejuvenated “Friends of the Library”, and originated the amphitheater, “Starlight Specials”. Janell organized the Heritage Museum, serving as president in addition to several terms on the Executive Board of Directors. Janell served as president of the Big Spring Little Theatre and as Chairwoman of the Chamber Cultural Affairs Committee. Her work at First Baptist Church has spanned over 60 years of service, she taught young adults for several years, and then lead the College/Career department for more than a decade. Janell served on various church committees including finance, by-laws, and trust, as well as outreach director and supply teacher for the Chapel Sunday School class for over 30 years.

In 1976, after Janell sent her two children off to college, she decided to enter a new phase of life. Along with Janelle Britton and Patti Horton, Janell opened Sun Country Realtors. She had obtained her real estate license in 1959, and she later added her GRI and CRS licenses. In 1976, Janell was nominated as the second “Big Spring – Woman of the Year” by the Big Spring Chamber of Commerce. She received Outstanding Citizen awards from the American Business Club, the Big Spring American Legion, and the Mayor’s Commendation.

Retiring from Real Estate in 2000, Janell spent her time playing bridge, golf, and traveling with Harold, all the while maintaining her work with First Baptist Church, Women’s Golf Association, the Big Spring Country Club, Keep Big Spring Beautiful, serving on the Board of the Howard College Foundation, and the Heritage Museum. Janell said she and Harold had intended to remain in Big Spring for one year, however, 72 years later, her contributions to the Big Spring community are legendary.

Janell was preceded in death by her husband Harold Leonard Davis, daughter Nancy Lorraine Davis, and parents Charles Robert Wood and Effye Wood.

She is survived by her son Alan (Mary Davis) of Abilene and her daughter Chris Manis (Bob Manis) of Aledo. Also surviving Janell are her grandchildren Rebecca Davis Hunt (Lex Hunt), Catherine Claire Davis, Lesha Manis Valencia (Scott Valencia) and Matthew Manis (Hailey Dunn), her great-grandchildren Cole and Kate Valencia, and Hayden and Ensley Manis.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to either of her two civic passions, “Keep Big Spring Beautiful” or the Heritage Museum of Howard County.

Private graveside services will be held. The family will receive friends from 6pm-8pm, Sunday, March 17, 2024 at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funera Home.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com

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