Judith Ann Davis

Judith Ann (Judy) Rowell Davis, 82, passed away on Monday September 8th, 2025 at home, surrounded by family. She was born September 30, 1942 in Norfolk, Virginia to Earnie Willie Rowell, Sr. and Rosa Cleo McGee.

Judy was the second of three children and grew up on US Air Force bases all over the US and Japan. She met the love of her life, Sterling Clifton Davis, while both he and her father were stationed at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. It was love at first sight, and they were married in Ohio on February 1, 1963. The marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple. They are the proud parents of six children, two of whom were born in Japan while her husband was stationed there with the US Air Force for three years.

Born to a family of limited means, Judy always wanted to better herself. She started her career as a secretary and often bragged that she made more money than her husband. Once her children were all in school, she went back to college with her eldest daughter where they both earned a nursing degree.

Judy was a gracious hostess and always made people feel welcome in her presence. Her life was an example of service, faith, and unconditional love. She served in many callings, but perhaps her favorite was serving with her sweetheart in the Salt Lake City South LDS Mission.

Skilled in all domestic arts, Judy taught her children and grandchildren to cook, sew, crochet, bake bread, and more. A special favorite was making homemade chocolates at Christmastime. During the holidays, she would tell her grandchildren they were “in trouble,” only to lead them to a back room to secretly choose a chocolate or two. She also frequently gave her grandchildren a good “smack,” which was a big, fat kiss on the cheek.

Despite her many health challenges, she maintained a spirit of courage, determination, and perseverance. In her later years, she spent countless hours providing care for her grandchildren while their parents worked. Her family will be forever grateful for her love and influence in their lives, and her legacy will live on in them.

Judy is survived by her husband of 62 years, Sterling; her brother Earnie Willie (Beccy) Rowell, Jr; her in-laws: Kent Davis and Keith (Debbie) Davis; her six children: Michelle Davis, Monique Davis, Melanie (Rusty) Woodruff, Phillip (Angela) Davis, Paul (Leticia) Davis, Brandon (Janet) Davis; 18 grandchildren; and 37 great-grandchildren, plus one on the way. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister: Marjorie Jean and Harold Rich; and her in-laws: Clifton and Dorothy Davis, Carollyn and Walter Daye, and LaDonna Davis.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at IMC and IHC Hospice Services for their kindness and professionalism. Their care and concern have been much appreciated.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday September 13th, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Taylorsville North Stake Center located at 1250 West Atherton Drive, Taylorsville, UT. With the interment to follow at 3:00 at Valley View Memorial Park located at 4335 West 4100 South, West Valley City, UT. A viewing will be held 1 hour prior to the funeral. The family will also hold a viewing the evening of Friday, September 12th from 6:30–8:00 p.m. at the same location.