Vanessa Davis

In Loving Memory of Vanessa Davis

Vanessa Davis, 56, of Beebe, Arkansas, passed away on August 6, 2026. She was born on November 30, 1969, in Rockford, Illinois, to James Cleveland Davis and Pfanala Sue “Sue” Davis (Edwards). Vanessa was the youngest of five children and grew up surrounded by her family and extended family, creating the foundation for the deep love she would carry throughout her life.

Vanessa made her home in Beebe, Arkansas, where she spent the last 27 years of her life. It was there that she met Patricia “Pat” Davis in Searcy, Arkansas. Vanessa and Pat shared 31 beautiful years together before officially marrying on June 27, 2015.

Together, Vanessa and Pat built a life filled with love, family, animals, and countless memories. They enjoyed hunting together and shared a little farm where they cared for all kinds of animals. Vanessa also helped raise Pat’s two children, John Southard of Beebe, Arkansas, and Jessie Kong of Beebe, Arkansas, loving them as her own.

Caring for others was at the very heart of who Vanessa was. She earned her nursing degree from the University of Arkansas in the late 1990s and went on to dedicate approximately 28 years of her life to nursing and caring for others. She had a special gift for making people feel loved, encouraged, and cared for. Vanessa didn’t simply care for her patients—she cared about them. Her uplifting spirit followed her wherever she went, and she had a way of loving the people she encountered and being loved in return.

Her greatest role, however, was being a Mimi. Vanessa adored her four grandchildren—Isaac, Joshua, Tully, and Kelly—and being their Mimi was one of her greatest joys in life. She loved them more than anything and treasured every moment she had with them.

Vanessa also devoted many years to caring for her own mother. After the passing of her father, James, in 2008, Vanessa spent approximately 15 years caring for her mother as she lived with Alzheimer’s disease. She remained by her mother’s side until her passing in 2023. Caring for those she loved was never simply something Vanessa did—it was a reflection of who she was.

Vanessa was preceded in death by her parents, James Cleveland Davis and Pfanala Sue “Sue” Davis.

She leaves behind her beloved wife, Patricia “Pat” Davis; her children, John Southard and Jessie Kong; her four cherished grandchildren, Isaac, Joshua, Tully, and Kelly; her siblings, James “Skip” Davis, Susanna “Suzy” Davis, Lecrecia “Crissi” Higgins, and Jeff Davis; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, friends, and loved ones.

Vanessa was a beloved sister, wife, mother, Mimi, aunt, daughter, nurse, and friend. She spent her life caring for others, lifting people up, and giving love freely. Her compassion touched countless lives, and the love she gave to her family and those around her will continue to live on in the people she cared for.

Though her time with us has come to an end, Vanessa’s love, laughter, kindness, and caring spirit will remain in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

She was deeply loved, and she will be deeply missed.

Cremation arrangements by Smith Westbrook Funeral Home, Beebe. Online guestbook at www.smithfamilycares.com