TUPELO – Joan Pritchard Davidson, 84, died on Sunday, June 13, 2021 in the home of Martha Homan and Natalie Stone in Shannon. “Cricket” was blessed with their perfect care the last 2 years. Joan was born in the Palmetto Community of Lee County on February 26, 1937 to Norris and Mildred Metcalfe Pritchard, pioneer families in the Palmetto Community. She spent her childhood in Palmetto and always appreciated the families she grew up with. Joan graduated from Shannon High School in 1955, where she was a star basketball player and helped her team to the State Championship. She furthered her education, graduating with her associate’s degree from Itawamba Junior College. After graduation, Joan began working for the Mississippi Department of Human Services, where she served the people of this area for 50 years; she retired in 2008. Joan loved her job and loved serving thousands of people with dignity, respect, compassion, and professionalism. On February 2, 1968, Joan married Joe Davidson. They had a faithful, loving, happy marriage until his death on August 16, 2015. Joan enjoyed bowling, water skiing, softball, and outdoor activities. She had many friends, and she loved being around people who respected her independent spirit and joviality. Joan was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and Palmetto Baptist Church. Her legacy will include a life of service to her family, friends, and so many of the least, last, and most vulnerable souls in Lee County.
A private service will be held on Thursday, June 17, 2021 at Holland Funeral Directors. Burial will be in Palmetto Cemetery. A public visitation will be held from 4PM-6PM tomorrow, (Wed. June 16, 2021). The family has requested that everyone visiting wear a mask, which the funeral home will provide. Holland Funeral Directors is honored to serve their lifelong friends.
Survivors include her sister, Sara Pritchard Salzer (James) of Jacksonville, FL; two nieces, Johanna Salzer (Ryan Lash) of Atlanta, GA and Christianne Blumberg (David) of Jacksonville, FL; one great nephew, James Blumberg; one great niece, Adeline Lash; and her beloved caregivers, Martha Homan and Natalie Stone of Shannon.
Joan was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Kenneth Davidson; her parents, Norris and Mildred Metcalfe Pritchard; her brother, John Will Pritchard; and her grandparents, John and Maggie Jenkins Metcalfe.
Those wishing to view the service online may do so at 12:30 PM Thursday at www.hollandfuneraldirectors.com/live-streaming where it will be archived. Condolences may be emailed to hollandfuneraldirectors@comcast.net.
Memorials may be made to Sanctuary Home Hospice, P. O. Box 2177, Tupelo, MS 38802.
Dear Davidson family, I’m sorry for you loss and you have my deepest condolences. The loss of a loved one brings great pain and sorrow but you can gain comfort from Gods word the Bible. Acts 24:15 says, “There is going to be a resurrection” so you can see your dear loved one again. This is a promise from our loving Heavenly Father. I hope this was a source of encouragement for the family.