Barbara Ellen Davis

Barbara Ellen Davis, 75, of Shawnee, OK passed away unexpectedly following a brief illness on August 26, 2022. Born November 21, 1946 to Ralph and Lavon Davis, Barbara Ellen spent her early childhood in Moore before the family moved to Oklahoma City. Barbara Ellen’s lifelong passion for music took root in early childhood as a young piano student and chorister. Following graduation from Southeast High School, Barbara Ellen earned a degree in Music Education from Oklahoma Baptist University. She fell in love with the community and proudly made Shawnee her home. Her talent as a musician, coupled with her love of children, led to her fulfilling career as a music educator. She taught in the public school systems of Shawnee, Bethel, and Oklahoma City, instilling the joy of music and music-making in young people for more than 30 years. Strong in her faith, Barbara Ellen was an active member of University Baptist Church and generously devoted her musical gifts as member of the choir and handbell ensemble; children’s choir leader; and as a pianist and accompanist. Barbara Ellen delighted in simple pleasures from working the daily crossword to cooking and bargain shopping. In retirement, she enjoyed work as a seasonal employee at Dillard’s wrapping Christmas gifts. One of her most fulfilling pastimes was her membership in Sine Nomine Choral Society. Above all else, Barbara Ellen was a devout follower of Christ with a servant’s heart. She selflessly loved and cared for those she held most dear. Barbara Ellen was preceded in death by her loving parents, Ralph and Lavon Davis. Left to cherish her memory are her beloved campanion, Wayne Cole; sisters Edith Tidwell of Louisville, KY and Karan Southerland (Terry) of Clinton, OK; niece Kristen Tidwell (Eric Meiners) of Lexington, KY; nephew Charlie Southerland of Austin, TX; and nieces Kacy Connon (Sean) of Clover, SC and Amy Holland (Chris) of Moore, OK; as well as a grandniece and grandnephews. Visitation will be on Wednesday, August 31 from 5 to 7 pm at Walker Funeral Home (201 E. 45th Street, Shawnee, OK). A service celebrating Barbara Ellen’s life will be Thursday, September 1 at 10:00 am at University Baptist Church (2515 Kickapoo St., Shawnee, OK 74804). Burial will be at 3:00 pm at Lakeview Cemetery in Marietta, Oklahoma. Memorial gifts may be made to University Baptist Church.