Obituary for Gaythel Joy Davis
Gaythel Joy (Hicks) Davis passed away peacefully at home on October 1, 2024. “Joy” was
born on April 3, 1943, to Willard and Rebecca (Tackett) Hicks in Olive Hill, Kentucky. Joy
hijacked her brother Enoch’s fourth birthday, and over the years, they shared many laughs
and birthdays together.
She is survived by her loving daughters, Angela Roseberry of Mansfield, Ohio, and Billie
Boyd (Tim) of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Joy was a cherished grandmother to Shelby
Thompson, Carter Boyd, Davis Ann Boyd, and Nathanael Roseberry, as well as her favorite
great-grandson, Ayden Thompson. She is also survived by her siblings, Charlene Callihan
and Venice Gilbert, both of Kentucky.
Besides her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, William Everrett Davis,
whom she was married to for 36 years, as well as her siblings Marvin Hicks, Betty Rose,
Enoch Hicks, and her son-in-law, Jerry Roseberry.
Joy dedicated 20 years as the manager of Greenfield Estates, where she became a familiar
and beloved presence in the community. Everyone knew the tall, long-legged redhead in
the office. A true southern woman, she was ordained as a Pentecostal minister and had a
strong faith in the Lord, which she instilled in her daughters. Joy never left the house
without her makeup on and her earrings in, always dressed impeccably. She had a gift for
making friends and never met a stranger.
Known by many names—including Nana, GG, Gertie, Madre, Southern Comfort, and Pistol
Packing Nana (because she never went anywhere without her .38)—all her nicknames
were earned honestly, with a story behind each one.
When she wasn’t cheating in a game of gin rummy, Joy enjoyed reading and playing
solitaire. She also loved spending time with her grandchildren and bossing people around.
Joy will be deeply missed by her family and all who knew her.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to a hospice center or an Alzheimer center near
you.
We will be hosting a graveside service at 1pm on Saturday,10/5 at Sunshine Ridge
Cemetery (5658 Sunshine Ridge Rd Blue Creek, OH 45616). Please contact Lafferty
Funeral Home for more information (937-544-2121).