Clara Emory Davis

DURHAM After 90 full and wonderful years with family and friends, Clara Emory Davis went to be with her Heavenly Father on March 25, 2014 while resting at home. A woman of exceptional faith, she devoted her life to her family, as well as praying for and encouraging others. Clara was born April 2, 1923 in Durham, NC to the late William Hubert & Clara Crane Emory. With 14 brothers and sisters, her parents instilled in her a strong work ethic, a love of family, and a deeply rooted faith that remained prominent throughout her life. Her family fondly referred to her as “Piggy” because she was such a tiny thing. In 1943, Clara married the late Warren Markham. Clara was a working mother and, while raising their three sons, held several jobs, including Durham Dairy and many years at the UNC. In 1966, Clara married the late Tom Davis and welcomed becoming a mother of three additional children. Clara and Tom later relocated to Atlantic Beach where they enjoyed many years together prior to Clara returning to Chapel Hill to be closer to family. Clara enjoyed the beach and loved being outdoors and gardening or “digging in the dirt,” but more than anything, Clara enjoyed being with her family and was always active in their lives. She was a lifelong church member no matter where she lived, and her final church was Aldersgate Methodist Church. Clara’s heart was passionate regarding the work of helping others. Through her love, prayer, and council, Clara’s life touched the hearts of all who knew her. Anyone that ever met her walked away a better person, she just had that kind of impact.

In addition to her parents and husbands who preceded her in death, Clara will be greeted in heaven by her siblings.
Clara will be dearly missed as she is survived by her sons; Pat Markham of Charlotte, Michael Markham of San Angelo, Tex. and Preston Markham of Burlington; step-daughter, Teri Horton of Apex; two step-sons, Tommy Davis of Raleigh and Richard Davis of Wilmington; one sister, Jean Williams of Durham; 14 grandchildren and12 great-grandchildren. As Clara’s siblings passed, her relationship with numerous nieces and nephews grew even stronger and all were so very special to her. The family would like to especially thank Robert Jones and Angela Jackson.

A Memorial service in Celebration of Clara’s life will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2014 at 1 p.m. at Hudson Funeral Chapel. Pastor Donnie Evans-Jones will officiate. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at Hudson Funeral Home. The family requests donations be made to Aldersgate United Methodist Church,632 Laurel Hill Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27514.