Jean "Jeanie" Davis

After a valiant battle with numerous health issues, Jean "Jeanie" Davis went home to be with the Lord on Monday, September 11, 2023 at the age of 65.

Jean was born on October 12, 1957 to William and Shirley (Soule) Edwards, who no doubt welcomed her with outstretched arms as she entered Heaven. Jeanie was a fighter when it came to facing adversity. She would be the first to say her strength came from God and gave Him the glory whenever anyone praised her for her courage and resiliency.

Jean was born and raised in Michigan which is where she earned her degree in nursing. She served as an LPN in Michigan as well as in Connecticut. After retiring from nursing and moving to North Carolina in 1990, she owned and operated Arf 'n Annie Kennel in Waynesville until 2012.

In 1995, due to heart issues stemming back to childhood, Jean's heart failed with the only hope to save her life being a heart transplant, which through a series of incredible medical miracles resulted in her receiving a heart transplant on Thanksgiving Day 1995.

From that day forward, Jean used the story of her new heart with everyone she met, touching the lives of thousands of other people. It's worth noting that her medical care relating to her new heart included several world renowned cardiologists including the late Dr. Christian Bernard who conducted the first heart transplant surgery, Dr. Gus Vlahakes who invented the BiVAD heart pump, which prolonged Jean's life while she awaited a donor heart, and Dr. Richard Leiberthson, the leading cardiologist for Ebstein’s Anomaly. We owe them a debt of gratitude for saving her life in 1995, as well as Jean's cardiologist in NC, Dr. Vinay Thohan, who many times went well beyond the call of duty over the past 18 years to ensure Jean continued to receive the highest level of care.

Jean's indomitable spirit and groundbreaking history earned her a place in the Harvard Medical Museum. Her heart transplant served as a testament to modern medicine's wonders and exemplified the incredible advances made in saving lives. Additionally, Jean defied expectations by surpassing her life expectancy, despite being diagnosed with Ebstein’s Anomaly - an accomplishment that inspired countless individuals facing similar health conditions.

Jean was a deeply loved and an active member of Bible Baptist Church in Waynesville. Her favorite song was "Walk on for Jesus." Although she was a very gifted writer, she isn't the one who penned the lyrics of that song; however, they are a very fitting testament to how Jeanie lived her life.

Jean was also known for her quick wit and sense of humor. Even in the most dire circumstances, she would nearly always have something to say to lighten the mood and bring laughter.

Jean's passing is mourned by her devoted husband of 45 years, Michael "Mike" Davis. Their strong bond and unwavering love were a testament to the power of partnership and dedication. Jean is also survived by her brothers, John "Johnny" Edwards, and his wife, Kim and William "Marty" Edwards, Jr. Her sister, Sheryl "Sheri" Hawley and brother, Danny Edwards preceded her in death. In addition to her immediate family, Jean leaves behind a wide network of nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, cousins, and cherished in-laws, all who held a very special place in her heart.

To honor Jean "Jeanie" Davis's remarkable life, a funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, September 15, 2023 at Bible Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Friday at the church. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Lapeer, Michigan at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Cardiovascular Research Foundation at https://www.crf.org/crf/donate/donate-overview

Jean’s memory will forever resonate within our hearts as we remember her strength, resilience, and unwavering spirit. She touched the lives of many with her love and compassion. As we say our final goodbyes to Jeanie now, let us celebrate the beautiful life she lived and find solace knowing that she has found peace in the loving embrace of the Lord.