Johnaca Theresa Davis passed away peacefully in her sleep at age 92 at the wonderful
“Over the Rainbow” care home, in Salem, Oregon. She was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, to John L. Vander Sommen and Marguerite (Watrous) Vander Sommen, the second daughter and one of five siblings. She moved to Bell, California as a toddler and attended school there, graduating from Bell High School. An active, hard-working and popular young woman, she met Howard G. Davis and they married on July 9, 1938.
Howard and Jay were married for over 51years until his passing in 1990.
Johnaca was an excellent grocery checker for over 45 years in both California and Oregon. Howard and Jay moved to Medford, Oregon in 1952 along with their daughter,
Judi, to enjoy life in beautiful Oregon. From 1958-61, Howard and Jay owned the Woodland Heights Market in Medford. After a few years in southern California to be near family, it was back to Medford in 1972 where Johnaca remained until 2000 when she moved to Salem with her daughter.
Johnaca was a vibrant and active woman for most of her life. She was an excellent dancer, having square danced and round danced for years along with Howard, a square dance caller. She was an avid fisherman, especially deep-sea fishing; a Master Gardner in Jackson County; a creator of handicrafts and a wonderful cook. She loved and enjoyed
her family, especially family gatherings and had an extended group of long-time friends. Johnaca adored the color red. Jahnaca had a beautiful singing voice and was noted, up through her last day, for breaking into song with pure joy, many times a day. She never forgot the words to all of the “oldies”.
Johnaca was the last of her siblings, sister Peggy Hubbard and brothers Albert, Harry and Billy. A first-born daughter, Nancy Lynne, died in infancy. Johnaca is survived by her daughter Judi Parker of Salem; granddaughters Laurie Branham (David) of Roy, WA and Jody Betts (Craig) of Murfreesboro, TN; great-granddaughter Ashlee Branham; great-grandson Sam Betts and great-grandson Casey Branham; sister-in-law Barbara Vander Sommen and several nieces and nephews and their families.
Johnaca was a long-time breast cancer survivor. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be
made in her name to the American Cancer Society at 0330 SW Curry St., Portland OR
97239 or 31W. 6th ST. Medford , OR 97501
A memorial service will be held September 11, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. at Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service, 605 Commercial St. SE. Salem, Oregon 97301.
“Words cannot express how much I will miss you, my sweet little Dutch Mama.”