Alma Davis

Alma Jean Davis (Bower), beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend, age 90, of St. Johns, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on June 19, 2016; in the Centennial farmhouse where she raised her family, surrounded by loved ones singing Amazing Grace. Alma was born July 1, 1925 to Harold and Hazel (Campbell) Bower in DeWitt, Michigan. She graduated from DeWitt High School in 1942, where she was president of her senior class, and captain of the girls basketball team. She received her teaching certificate from Michigan State College in 1944, taught school for 3 years, then traveled west with her father after her mother died. For 20 years she raised her children before she continued her work with St. Johns Public Schools. Alma retired in 1989 as a paraprofessional for special needs children. Alma met her sweetheart Don at a 4H hard times party in 1948. The handsome young couple married on April 30, 1949 and together they raised their five children on the same Centennial Farm where Don grew up. They enjoyed farming, raising various livestock and decades of 4-H involvement. Their personal commitment to Jesus Christ was the focus of their life. Don and Alma were prayer warriors, starting out each day praying over their ever growing prayer list. Involvement in Pilgrim United Methodist Church was their joy. Wesley Woods and Townline Lake, retreats and mission trips to Haiti thrilled them as they took part in spreading the Gospel to the ends of the earth. From birthday parties, holiday celebrations, Sunday dinners, 4H fair days to church picnics, Alma’s greatest joy was time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren. ‘Grandma’ was the happy cheerleader not only for her family, but entire sports teams and the children of Pilgrim Church. Alma loved Jesus and she loved her family. She was a lovely person, from her welcoming, positive nature to her open heart and arms for everyone lucky enough to know her. She loved everyone she met and counted them as the most important person in her world for as long as they could talk. Her conversations would end with a sincere and joyful ‘God Bless you!” She was a hard working, joyful helpmate to her Don and their farm, a nurturing mother and friend, loving wife and a beautiful soul. Alma’s kindness, compassion and encouragement will not be forgotten. Alma will be greatly missed by her five children; Dale (Julia) Davis of WA, Roger (Renee) Davis of CO, Jim (Debi) Davis of St. Johns, Janet (Mike) Tisdale of AL, Bob (Kathy) Davis of St. Johns; 17 grandchildren: Aaron Davis, Ivan (Jenny) Davis, Andrew (Elizabeth) Davis, Emily (Lane) Bargeron, Austin, Elizabeth, Matthew, Amanda, Ashley & Alexandra Davis, Lindsay (Noah) Harrell, Nic (Jessie) Tisdale, Cosette (Rob) Kirkpatrick, Tavi (Austin) Smith, Levanna, Ethan & Lucy Davis, great grandchildren Heidi & Alice Davis, Emmi Harrell, Jenna, Anna & Isaac Davis, Nyra Bargeron, many nieces and nephews. Alma was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Donald and her brother, Russell Bower. Alma’s funeral service will be held Thursday, June 23, 2016, 2:00 PM at Pilgrim United Methodist Church 2965 W. Parks Rd. St.Johns with Pastor Andy Croel officiating. Interment will follow at South Bingham Cemetery. The family will receive friends and relatives from 2-4 and 6-8 PM on Wednesday, June 22, 2016 at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, St. Johns. Remembrances on Alma’s behalf may be given to Pilgrim United Methodist Church Children’s Ministries or Clinton County 4-H Foundation.