The Excelsior Standard, Aug. 23, 2024

Benetta Geraldine “Jerri” Davis, 96, of Excelsior Springs passed away Aug. 16, 2024, at Aspire Nursing Home of Excelsior Springs.

Visitation was scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 22, at Excelsior Springs Baptist Church. Funeral services were scheduled for 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 22, also at Excelsior Springs Baptist Church.

Mrs. Davis was born May 1, 1928, in Macon to Andrew and Nellie (Goode) Aldrich. She was one of seven children. The Aldrich family moved to Excelsior Springs, where Jerri graduated in 1946 from Excelsior Springs High School.

On May 19, 1946, at the Christian Union Church, Jerri married Carl L. Davis. They had three children – Becky Sue Batchelor, David Earl Davis and Karen Kay Jones. Together, they were a strong example of what a loving Christian family and marriage should be. Over the years, the family grew to include 13 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren and four greatgreat- grandchildren.

Over the years, Jerri worked at several locations in the Excelsior Springs area. Included in those were The Excelsior Springs Standard, Excelsior Springs Hospital and Excelsior Springs Laundry. At one time, Jerri even sold Avon. Jerri also was a babysitter for numerous local youngsters and relatives.

Jerri was a member of the First Baptist Church and the Excelsior Springs Baptist Church. She loved attending the Janet Boone class at the church. When her health was good, you could find her at church every Sunday.

She also was a member of the Audubon Society. She loved going on trips to see various birds in their natural habitat. Jerri had a local nickname as “The Bird Lady.” She always enjoyed speaking to others about her many bird friends and her birdwatching adventures.

Jerri enjoyed several crafts. She made jewelry, did folk art painting and yarn punch art, just to name a few. She was never hesitant to try some new craft that caught her eye.

Jerri is survived by her son, David (Carla) Davis; daughter, Karen Kay Jones; sisters, Mary Brown and Bonnie Day; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jerri was preceded in death by her husband, Carl; daughter, Becky; parents; brothers, Junior, Joe and Lloyd; and sister, Betty.