Wilma Marie (Gracey) Davis

On Wednesday, March 16, 2022 at 8:42 a.m., following a month-long battle with pneumonia, Wilma Marie (Gracey) Davis departed this world and went to be with her Lord and Savior.

Wilma, the daughter of Evert and Hazel Gracey of Chesterfield, Illinois, was born on November 18, 1937 and grew up near Chesterfield. Soon after graduation from Carlinville High School in 1955, and eager to make her way in the world, Wilma went to work as a teller at Chesterfield State Bank. She worked there, in one capacity or another, for 50 years, finally retiring at the age of 70.

On August 19, 1961, Wilma married the love of her life, James L. “Jim” Davis. Jim and Wilma purchased Cedar View Farm in Greenfield in August of 1974 and raised their three children and eventually, welcomed two granddaughters.

Wilma leaves behind her three children, Beth Davis, Susan Davis (Phillip Gilbert) and Dale Davis (Jackie); granddaughters, Kassy (Brandon Early) and Kaity. Also surviving are her sister, Frances Gracey; brother, Bill Gracey; sisters-in-law, Verna Brown, Ruth Scanlan, Karla Davis, and Irene Davis; and brother-in-law, Wayne Davis. She is also survived by three generations of nieces and nephews, who were all very dear to her.

She was preceded in death by husband, Jim, in June of 2015. Also preceding her in death were her parents; parents-in-law; sister, Estella McCleery; son-in-law, Kelly Greeley; brothers-in-law, Virgil McCleery, Mancel Owings, Russell Davis, Jerry Davis and Dwight Brown; nephew, Alan Brown; and niece, Marie Monteith.

Wilma was an avid (and prize-winning) photographer. Her camera was never far from her side. She leaves behind albums of photographs telling the stories of her 84 years. Another of her favorite pastimes were her days singing in the Greenfield Community Choir and as the soprano member of the quartet at Faith Bible Church.

Wilma was happiest in the moments spent with her family and friends. Most Sundays found her in her element - cooking a delicious meal for those lucky enough to be gathered around the table. Chicken being fried, potatoes being mashed, cookies being baked, she scurried around the kitchen, taking time out now and again to discuss an important issue of the day. The young children gathered around the table to eat her food, were all too soon replaced with young adults, asking her advice. She happily provided advice, often with a warm chocolate chip cookie and a cold glass of milk.

The world seems a little quieter and a little smaller now, with the loss of Wilma. She is unforgettable, irreplaceable and will be forever missed.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Sunday, March 20 at the Shields-Bishop Funeral Home in Greenfield. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Monday, March 21 at 10 a.m.

Memorials are suggested to Mercy Ships and Operation Smile.

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