Aristotle, the Greek philosopher, noted, "What makes men good is held by some to be nature, by others habit of training, by others instruction. As for the goodness that comes by nature, this is plainly not within our control, but is bestowed by some divine agency on certain people who truly deserve to be called fortunate."

Knowing Alma Davis, as pastor and friend, I can see her shaking her head and denying possession of any goodness. However, if this truth of the philosopher applies to anyone, it surely applies to Alma. She possessed an inner quality of spiritual Integrity which manifested itself for all to see as the "light of Cod." Furthermore, she deserved to be called "fortunate" because she was blessed with great courage for meeting the responsibilities of a minister's wife, and the suffering that came to her in later years. One could look at that woman of slight physical carriage and wonder from whence came all that stamina and courage; it was bestowed by divine agency on one whom it was our fortune to know and love.

At birth she was named Alma Virginia, daughter of Henry and Emma Miller; born at LaFollette, Tennessee. November 17, 1903. When her transition came, March 28, 1975, she had been the wife of the Rev. Roy Davis, since their marriage, October 29, 1932. In between these years of birth and death, Alma had lived in New Mexico as a child, journeyed back to Tennessee with her family, and completed her college education in such schools as East Tennessee Teachers College, Johnson City; The University of Cincinnati; and The University of Tennessee. She was in her 10th year as a second-grade teacher at Lafollette when she resigned to marry Roy. From that union came their son, Jack, who with his wife, Jean, gave Alma and Roy two grandchildren, James and Judy.

Alma shared many appointments in the Holston Conference with her minister-husband. When Roy entered the military chaplaincy, she lived with him in several states where he was assigned to military posts, from the east coast to Alaska. Her husband officially retired from the United Methodist ministry in 1966, but Alma had suffered her first heart attack in 1965. For the next twenty years, she was in and out of the hospital.

It can be said of her that she had great faith in God. She loved people of all ages, and especially children and youth. On March 28, 1975, following a massive stroke, she quietly slipped away to be with the Savior whom she loved and served for over half a century.

 Submitted By: Frank R. Snavely – Holston Conference Journal – 1975 – Page: 188