Tennie Ludy Davis

Ludy Davis, 81, of Midland, was elevated to her final home on Monday, September 13, 2004. She was surrounded by the people she loved and adored all her life, her children and her many friends. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM Thursday, September 16, 2004 at the Calvary Assembly of God Church, 908 S. Johnston, in Midland with Rev. Randall McDonald, pastor, and Rev. Gayle Reeves , former pastor of the church, officiating. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park in Midland. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, September 15, 2004 from 6-9 PM at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home, 3800 N. Big Spring St. in Midland.Ludy and her twin sister, Sudy, were born on January 27, 1923, in rural Eastland County, to Herman and Maggie (Tucker) Niedecken. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Snyder, Texas where she and all her siblings call home. Her grandparents immigrated to America in the late 1870's from Bacharach, Germany, then later to Texas. The death of Ludy's twin sister at the age of 17 affected her all her life.Ludy's father was a published song writer, gospel singer, and musician. he bartered for a piano when Ludy was eleven years old. she passionately practiced and by age twelve was playing at singing conventions, popular at the time. From that time until the present, she shared her extraordinary musical talent everywhere she could. She was a pianist for churches in Snyder, and for 35 years, here in Midland at First Assembly of God. Ludy and Gilmer A. Davis of Borden County, Texas, were married on November 27, 1938. To this marriage five children were born, bringing much joy and pleasure to their lives. In 1945, they moved to Midland. Gilmer settled into various jobs, and Ludy shared another talent of hers with Midland. She could design and sew almost anything. She has made many wedding dresses for Midlanders, MHS Catoico Court, prom dresses, and cheerleading outfits, specialty and designer clothing. She most loved sewing for her five children. She made men's sports coats for gospel quartets and evangelists who came here for revivals, and very often even dresses for their wives back home. She always had a "bountiful eye", as she called it, for the needs of others and followed through on her hunches by sharing what she had with others. Ludy was an avid letter writer. She was an excellent hostess and cook. Their home was always warm and open. She and Gilmer have fed in their home many famous Assembly of God leaders, evangelists, and singing groups. Her hands were never idle. Many told her to write a book, but never having time, her life is now her story. She was truly a remarkable woman. Ludy is preceded in death by her husband, Gilmer, in 1991, after 53 years together, and a son Don, who passed unexpectedly of Leukemia in 1993. Also preceding her in death, were five brothers and four sisters.She treasured her children, who all live in Midland: Arthur Davis and his wife, Carolyn, Mareda Briggs, Karen Lann and her husband, Boyce, and Lajayne Davis, eight grandchildren, tow step-grandsons, eight great-grandchildren, and six step great-grandchildren. She is further survived by brothers and sister-in-law: Ray and Margaret Niedecken of Odessa, Fay Martin of Midland, Caroline Reeder of Fluvanna, Floyd and Marsha Niedecken of Wimberly, TX, and her in-laws: Melton and Martha Davis, and Lura Perry, all of Lake Thomas, and Della Brooks of Loop, TX.Pallbearers will be her grandsons: Greg Davis, Anthony Davis, Jason Lann, Nathan Lann, Colton Lann, and Preston Lann, with grandaughters, Darla Callender and Vanessa Harris also in attendance. Honorary pall-bearers will be Bob Callender, John Harris, Tate Gowin, Jimmy Niedecken and Truman Hall.In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Home Hospice, 901 W. Missouri, Midland, Tx 79701, or the the Calvary Assembly of God Missions Department, 908 S. Johnston, Midland, TX 79701.,