Edna S. Davis

Edna “Nerlie” Davis, age 93, of Huntsville, AL, died March 10, 2020. Edna was born in Boyle, Mississippi. After high school, she received her R. N. diploma from Baptist Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, as part of the WWII program to increase the number of nurses for returning soldiers. Although she started her career as an obstetrics nurse in Memphis, the family moved to Huntsville in 1958 and Edna joined the staff of the Huntsville Hospital Oak Valley unit. She furthered her nursing knowledge in psychiatry with multiple courses and seminars, and was promoted to head nurse of the unit. Her career lasted over 35 years, most of it in psychiatric nursing.

In retirement, Edna volunteered with Hospice care, volunteered with the Red Cross, gardened, and traveled. She was always available to her family and friends for advice, for support, or as an excellent listener. Her travels took her to Ireland, Nova Scotia, Australia, and New Zealand among other places. With her dear friends from the Huntsville Unitarian Universalist Church and from work she enjoyed movies, lunches, and local events.

Edna was preceded in death by her parents Rebecca W. Searcy and James W. Searcy, by her brothers Wesley “Sonny” Searcy (and wife Faye Searcy) and Paul Searcy, by her sister’s husband James “Jim” Neely, and her nephews James Searcy, George Holm, and John Holm, and friend and ex-husband Thomas D. Davis. Survived by her beloved three children and their spouses Laurie Valiga (Robert), Russell O. Davis (Marylyn Coffey), and Thomas E. Davis. Also survived by sister Rebecca Holm (Frank), nieces Susan Maynard and Phyllis Wood (Jake) and their families, as well as families of nephews George Holm (Karen) and John Holm (Mary). Survived by sister Glenda Neely (James) and her sons Kirk Neely (Stacey) and family, Keith Neely, and Craig Neely. Survived by family of brother Sonny (Faye) Searcy, Sandra Biagioli, and Julie Caldwell (Charles) and family. Survived by family of brother Paul Searcy (Jimmie Dot), Jackie Mcgough (Oscar), and Robbie Searcy (Charles Sawyer) and their families.

There will be a Celebration of Life for family and friends in the summer.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers any memorials be made to Huntsville Hospital's Behavioral Health unit or to a charity of your choice.

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