Donna Fay Davis, 84, passed away July 26, 2021. She was born October 11, 1936 in Kewanee, Missouri to the late Harry Tucker and Sally Tippin.
Donna married Robert “Bob” Pawloski in Sikeston, Missouri. They had three sons and a daughter. Donna lost him unexpectedly to a heart attack in 1973. In 1975, Donna found someone to spend the rest of her life with when she met Jim Davis. After spending 25 years together, she again became a widow in 2000.
Donna found her love and passion working with children. She began teaching Kindergarten in 1964 at “The Little Red School House” in Newport, Arkansas and continued working with children at the “Ding Dong Campus” Childcare in Jacksonville, Arkansas from 1971-1977. She had bigger dreams within the childcare system and opened her own center, “Humpty Dumpty Child Care Center” in Jacksonville, Arkansas in 1977. She operated “Humpty Dumpty” until 1989 when she planned to retire. After a year break, she realized she wasn’t quite finished so she started and directed Rebsamen Child Care Center in Jacksonville, Arkansas. She officially retired in 1999.
Donna had many awards for the accomplishments in her lifetime:
1985 President of the Jacksonville Business & Professional Women
1986 Citizen of the year named by Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce’s Presidents Council
1986 Name “Woman of the Year” by Jacksonville Business & Professional Women
1988-1989 President of Arkansas Childcare Providers Association
1997 Named “Outstanding Early Childhood Professional of Arkansas” by the Early Childhood Association – Awarded by Governor Huckabee
1999 Served on the Early Childhood Commission appointed by the Governor
2000 Named “Child Care Director of the Year” by the Arkansas Child Care Providers Association
Donna enjoyed giving back to her community and was a member of many organizations such as: Director of Volunteers at Rebsamen Auxiliary, Member of The Eastern Star of Arkansas, Member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the VFW, Member of the Sertoma Club of Jacksonville, and Daughters of the Nile.
Donna is preceded in death by her mother Sally Tippin; father Harry Tucker; sisters Tootsie Cantrell and Dorothy Frederman; brother Frankie Tucker; and daughter Nancy Drury.
Donna leaves behind her sons Robert James “Jim” Pawloski (Kris); Robert “Bobby” Pawloski; Steven Pawloski; grandchildren Shawn Pawloski (Kerry), Tina Biller, Sonya Pawloski, and Amber Pawloski; 7 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; brothers Jimmy Tucker and Bill Tucker (Carolyn); sister Shirley Acuff; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.
Donna’s visitation will be Monday, August 2, 2021 at 9:00am at A Natural State Funeral Service in Jacksonville. Funeral Service will follow at 10:00am. Burial will be at Little Rock National Cemetery.
Arrangements entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service, 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400
Please Click Link for Tribute Video of Donna’s Life:
https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/QDYM347YPLW56BTC
10 Comments
It was an honor to have known Donna. I’ll cherish the memories of our short visits when passing through Jacksonville. I have precious memories of “things” Donna taught me as a young child. I can only imagine the reunion between Donna and my mom. What a joyful moment that will be!!! Peace and comfort to Donna’s family in knowing she was loved by many..
God’s blessings to a beautiful lady. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
It was my privilege to work for her. She touched and influenced so many lives. Heaven has truly gained an angel!
Ms Donna was such a sweet person. I loved going and getting her to her to see Mom(Bettye Cundiff) they were the best of friends. Now they are together again laughing Prayers for comfort for all the family
Mrs. Davis was the best. She worked tirelessly for the children at her daycare. She kept many of us parents in line too. Fond memories and a thankful heart for your mom. God Bless.
I was one of many children who attended Humpty Dumpty and Davis Academy from the late ’70s to the late ’80s. She was always so kind to me and my younger brother. May she rest in peace.
Donna was a wonderful neighbor and a caring person. We always enjoyed visiting with her across the street. She always asked about our kids and grandkids. We will miss her.
Mrs. Davis was such an amazing woman. I started working for Mrs. Davis in 1998 or 1999, at Rebsamen Childcare. I remember my 1st year there as a toddler teacher, she would always encourage me to do the best as I could.I didn’t work long after she retired, because I couldn’t work for anyone else other than her. She was as real as it got. Not long ago I visited her in her home, we set and talked about the old days at work. I told her that I really thank her for the years I worked for her. Before I left I gave her my number and told her to call me anytime, if she needed me to come and sit a just to talk. I won’t her family know that she really touched my life in a major way. And she will truly be missed my me. Love Katie, RIP IN HEAVEN
Ms. Davis was a jewel on earth and is now a diamond in Heaven. My three children attended her Humpty Dumpty Day Care Center, from 1976 until she closed. She always showed so much love ❤️ to myself and my family. She always made you feel so special. The minute that I heard about her opening her next Day Care Center I called her to put my last child back in there. I didn’t feel safe with any Day Care in Jacksonville unless it was her’s. My children ❤️ loved her as well. Losing her is heart breaking. She has gotten her Crowns in Glory for all of the beautifully and wonderful things that she has down on earth. She really touched many hearts 💕. We will miss her. To the family put all of your trust in the Lord and he will strengthen you.
Thank God for all of the beautiful memories.
Sorry for your loss. I wasn’t a friend or a family member, but I came across her obituary and noticed she worked at Ding Dong Campus. I had been searching for this daycare I went to when I was 3 1/2 which would have been in 74-75. No one ever believed the name of it when I would tell them. FINALLY after 50 years there is proof it exists. I wish I could see this lady in her younger years because believe it or not, I have memories at this daycare. My sister and I both went there. Just for a small time. I have a photo of myself sitting on an Easter Bunny’s lap in that daycare with a piece of candy crying because he scared me. We actually walked there every day. I wonder if I would recognize her if I saw a younger image of her?
Sign Guestbook