DAVIS, MINNIE MAE DRIVER 96, lovingly known as 'Mama Davis' and 'Leader of the Band,' a resident of Dallas since 1935, died Feb. 23, 2006 at an Irving hospital. Born Sept. 15, 1909 in Madisonville, Texas, Minnie would often recall the "pioneer' days" when she, as a little girl, and her family moved in a covered wagon to Weatherford, Texas. "I'm a pioneer" she quipped, and with a wink would quickly credit her longevity to eating raw honey each morning as she sipped her coffee. She learned about eating honey from the late Dr. W. A. Criswell, former pastor of First Baptist Church in Dallas, where she was a member. Minnie and her high school basket ball team "whipped" every other team in Parker County, as well as nearby counties, holding the championship two years. "We were the equivalent of the Dallas Cowboys in those days," she would brag. No one doubted her! Minnie's trademark was a never-ending outpouring of love and affection to those around her. She would recall her happy life beginning in early childhood on the farm, when work was fun and mutual respect for each other was the given. About age, she would say with a grin, "When I get too old to laugh, just drag me out-a-here." She is preceded in death by her husband, Forest Landon Davis, they married in 1926; her parents; son, Truett Davis; daughter-in-law, Alta Davis; son-in-law, Herbie Dodd; grandson, Landon Kent Davis and grandson-in-law, Ken Bass. Survivors include son, Forrest L. Davis of Heath; daughters, Carnella Phipps and husband Ted of Irving, Arnetha Dodd of Dallas; sister, Grace Carter of Weatherford; 11 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and 11 great-great grandchildren. Viewing open to the public will be 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., Saturday at the funeral home. Service 1:00 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 25, 2006 at First Baptist Church of Dallas with Dr. James Bass officiating. Interment will follow at Laurel Land Memorial Park in Dallas. Donnelly's Colonial Funeral Home 606 W. Airport Frwy. Irving TX (972) 579-1313 www.donnellyscolonial.com OB6 Obituaries, Notices

Dallas Morning News, The (TX) - Saturday, February 25, 2006