Josy Davis (1 Aug 1901-15 Dec 1903) was the third child of Mary Frances Jollett and Walter B. Davis. She was my maternal grandfather’s younger sister.
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| Millard, Orvin, Josy |
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| Josy and Orvin |
This second picture of Josy and Orvin was always on display at my grandparents’ house, but it was on glass in a gold filigree oval frame. No one ever seemed to know how or why Josy died, or at least they never discussed it. The only other story about Josy was that her name was just temporary until Mary Frances and Walter could give her an official name.
After my parents’ deaths, my sister and I were cleaning out the house and discovered a 16x20 portrait of Josy. It’s actually this same picture, but just her. It looks like it was enhanced with blue pastels or chalk. To my knowledge, the picture was never framed. Since we have no other similar portraits of the other children, I’m guessing the portrait was meant as some sort of tribute, or an emotional decision by distraught parents who may have later decided not to be reminded of their sadness by hanging the picture.
On Josy’s tombstone is the name of the youngest Davis child, Kenneth (25 Jul 1912-6 Aug 1912). He didn’t live long enough for a portrait. They are buried in the Coverstone Cemetery, Shenandoah, Virginia, where all their brothers and sisters, and their parents are buried.
Granddaddy and Jason look alike! Josy was so sweet looking.
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