Judith Mae Davis

A loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend, cousin and aunt, Judith (Judy) Mae Davis passed away suddenly at her home in Barrington, IL. Her family and friends are devastated.

Judy was born on August 30, 1943, in Watseka, IL, to one of the world’s greatest and bravest servicemen, Wenum Wallace. Wenum, a Purple Heart and Bronze Star Medal recipient, died in the Battle of Luzon in the Philippines fighting for the freedom and rights of all. Judy was one years old. Her mother Waunita Wallace was a homemaker and eventually co-owned a successful flower shop in Watseka with her second husband, James Peck, Judy’s step-father. Waunita and James had two children, Judy’s sisters, JoEllen Schlereth (Rick) of Oostburg, WI, and Janis Peck of Sheboygan, WI.

Judy graduated at the top of her high school class and would be offered a full scholarship to Northwestern University. But love would take her to Southern Illinois University (SIU) where her high school sweetheart and eventual husband of almost 60 years, John Earl Davis of Sheldon, IL, attended. Judy graduated from SIU with honors and became a kindergarten and second grade school teacher. On March 21, 1964, Judy married John at the First Methodist Church in Watseka where Judy was baptized and years later, her daughter, Lisa Anne Davis, would be too. Judy, John and Lisa had the great fortunate to live in so many wonderful places throughout the United States, including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Ohio, Texas and St. Louis. Judy would become the number one duplicate bridge player in the world and also served as president of the Dallas Bridge Association. She was also very involved with P.E.O., a philanthropic organization dedicated to assisting women with college scholarships, grants, awards, loans, and stewardship of Cottey College.

Judy’s legacies are enduring. Her laugh is something many have said they wish they could bottle. It will forever be one of life’s greatest melodies. She also fancied the gift of gab, loving to tell stories, that when paired with her laugh got the whole room chuckling. Her kindness and compassion for others endure as North Stars on the importance of family and friendship and how to treat others. Judy didn’t have a mean bone in her body. She was always loving, always happy for others, and always wise and brave to take the “high road.” In Judy's memory, when people are now faced with challenging situations, they ask themselves, “What would Judy do?”

Her friendships were one of her greatest legacies. She loved her friends dearly and as they her, including her best friend from grade school Doris Uddin and Doris’s husband David of Centerville, OH; Ann Cariker of Dallas, TX; Brenda and Peter Marcus of Dallas, TX; Ramses and Isis of Dallas, TX; Frank Tao of San Francisco, CA; Rita of Loveland, CO; Krishna and Sharda Bobba of Columbus, OH; Karen Siebold and Doug Eddy of Flowery Branch, Georgia; John and Nancy Hartung of Charlotte, NC and Bettendorf, IA; Don and Linda Gossett of Libertyville, IL; Vic and Roxy Callahan of Kalamazoo, MI; Roger and Lillian Voigt of Arlington Heights, IL; Paula and Donna Dionne of Bradley, IL; and so many more, as well as her dear friends and bridge partners at the duplicate bridge club in Crystal Lake, IL, including Elaine Rose and Karen Miller. She was also greatly devoted to her family, whom she loved with all her heart, including her husband of nearly 60 years, John; her daughter Lisa; her beloved grandpups Boo & Blanca; her sisters JoEllen and Janis; brother-in-law Rick; cousins Charles Ferry (Shelley) and the late Lesta Mae Ferry-Daly (Richard); and many grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. She also loved animals, including her adored dogs Beaurgard Baschnagel III named after an Ohio State football player, and Duchess, a rescue from Houston, TX.

Judy’s loving and beautiful life will be celebrated on what would have been her 80th birthday, August 30, 2023, at the First Methodist Church in Watseka, IL (301 S 4th St., Watseka, IL 60970) where she was baptized, married, and now will be laid to rest. A visitation will be held from 12 to 1 p.m. followed by a service at 1 p.m. and then lunch and dessert. All are welcomed to attend to celebrate Judy's eternally beautiful, loving and caring soul and life.