LaNita “Skeeter” Davis, our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 26, 2025, at the age of 90. She was born to Leon and Geneva Ward on March 14, 1935, in Carnegie, Oklahoma.
Skeeter was a woman of boundless love and joy, touching the lives of all who knew her. She married the love of her life, Roy Lee Davis, on July 24, 1955, and they shared 50 wonderful years together. Their union was filled with deep love and devotion, and Skeeter’s ultimate pride and joy in life were their three sons.
She was preceded in death by her husband Roy Lee Davis, her son Roy Clint Davis, and her daughter-in-law Marla Davis. She leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and laughter that will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Visitation will be held at Bright-Holland Funeral Home on Saturday, March 29, from 6:00 to 7:30 PM. Funeral services will take place on Sunday, March 30, at 2:00 PM at Life Tabernacle in Cunningham, TX with Rev. Frankie Norwood officiating. Burial will follow in Restland Cemetery at Cunningham.
Skeeter’s life was one of rich fulfillment. While she had no desire to pursue a career, her dedication to her family was unwavering. Raising her three sons was her greatest accomplishment. In 1973, she and Roy moved their family to the Rio Grande Valley, where they opened the first Pizza Hut franchise in the area. Over the next 30 years, they expanded to over 40 Pizza Huts, from Laredo to South Padre Island. Throughout this time, Skeeter stood proudly by her husband, supporting him every step of the way.
Outside of her family, Skeeter had many passions. She was an avid painter, an enthusiastic racquetball player, and an extremely talented golfer, winning the Cimarron Country Club Women’s Golf Championship three times. In 1992, she and Roy acquired Rockin’ D Ranch in Cunningham, TX, where she thrived in the outdoors, tending to her beloved flower gardens. It was there that she found peace and joy, surrounded by nature, as long as it was warm.
Though she often claimed not to enjoy cooking, Skeeter’s love for her family made her cook with care. She encouraged her three sons to take turns cooking a weekly dinner, helping them develop a passion for the kitchen. Her sons became wonderful cooks, and this was one of her greatest legacies.
LaNita loved her family with a depth that knew no bounds. While she had her three sons, there were so many others who considered her a mom and grandmother. She was known for her warm hugs, frequent “I love you’s,” and her infectious laughter. Whether she was hosting game nights, sipping champagne, or simply sitting by a fire, she was the life of the party, bringing joy and light to everyone around her.
Knowing that to whom much is given, much is expected, Skeeter was deeply committed to helping those in need. She was instrumental in the creation of the Roy and Skeeter Davis Family Foundation, which has helped untold numbers of people in need. Another fond memory we have of Skeeter happened two Christmases ago. After we said grace, she looked around at all of us and simply said, “I don’t know a whole lot, but I know that I love you all.” Those words, spoken from her heart, perfectly captured the essence of who she was — someone whose love for her family was deep, unwavering, and without condition. Her love will always be felt, and we will carry those words in our hearts forever.
Left to cherish her memory are her sons Wesley Davis, Charles and Gina Davis, and her grandchildren Crystal and Heath Sessums, Lacy and Kyle Penwell, Roy Davis, Jesi and Dooley Morgan, Ashley and Hank Klaerner, Marli Elrod, Nicki and Justin Campbell, Leslie Davis, Kati and Dakota Nation, Trent Evans, Charlie Davis, and Matthew Davis.
LaNita was also deeply cherished by her great-grandchildren: Connor Sessums, Ali Sessums, Brynlee Penwell, Rylee Penwell, Jordin Davis, Channing Nation, Jagger Nation, Dallyn Morgan, Trenton Coleman, Lela Campbell, Anderson Nation, Liv Nation, Sunny Nation, Kenzli Erickson, and former daughters-in-law Vicki Malone, Belinda Davis, and Edith Franklin.
Though our hearts ache at her loss, we take comfort knowing that Skeeter’s spirit lives on in each of us. Her life was full of love, laughter, and memories that will remain with us always. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her, but her legacy of warmth, generosity, and joy will never be forgotten. Rest in paradise, “Skeeter”. Your love will live on forever in our hearts.
Pallbearers are Heath Sessums, Kyle Penwell, Dooley Morgan, Trent Evans, Dakota Nations, and Oneal Drinnon
