Lorraine L. Davis, aged 89, passed away peacefully at home following the effects of a stroke. Lorraine was a strong-willed and intelligent woman who left her mark on both her family and community. Born in Great Bend, KS, on May 18, 1929 she was witness to the great Dust Bowl, which left an indelible mark. She was an inquisitive child who loved the outdoors. This love of nature lasted for a lifetime in various forms: hunting and shooting, fossil collecting, camping, boating, fishing, and gardening. As a child she was involved in Girl Scouts, marching band, and long distance swimming. She graduated Parsons High School in 1947, Parsons Junior College in 1948, and then received a degree in zoology from the University of Kansas in 1951. Additionally, she completed hundreds of hours of graduate work in her field. During her years at KU, women’s sports were not officially recognized or supported by the university, so many sports activities were similar to intramural leagues. In this system, she played on KU basketball, swimming, tennis, and archery teams. She was recognized by KU in 2011 for her role in the evolution of women’s sports at the university. After college in 1951, she and two friends bicycled across Europe, visiting the UK, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Monaco, Italy, West Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and France. They stayed in police stations, private houses, castles, and youth hostels and participated in swimming competitions and meets in Munich, Milan, and Marseilles. She worked as Biology teacher for Parsons High School for decades, starting in 1963. She was named Outstanding Biology Teacher of the year for Kansas in 1976, received a National Honors in Biology Science for 1978, and was named Outstanding Educator in America for 1976-1977. She also taught for many years at Labette Community College. From the 1940’s to 1970’s, Lorraine was a Water Safety Instructor and Chairman for the Red Cross in Parsons, being recognized for teaching over 10,000 people how to swim. She was an active and wide-ranging civic leader and in addition to her work with the Red Cross was: Governors Appointee to the SEK Regional Library Board, Reserve Deputy Sheriff, Hackberry Township Justice of the Peace, Democratic Committee Woman, Edna Postmaster 1952-53, and March of Dimes Coordinator. She was married for over 60 years to LaMar Davis. They shared many interests over the years that made for an involved and engaging life: square dancing, restoring antiques, ancient Greek and Roman coin collecting (winning many national awards), reading (mysteries), and a love of travel. She enjoyed frequenting local auctions and haggling in pawn shops. She was a sharp, no-nonsense woman who was unburdened by the stereotypes of her time. She demanded excellence from herself and those around her, and frequently got it. She leaves memories with her son Larry Davis, Bartlett, and his children Jason (wife Karen, daughter Mae); Carla Hill (husband Tim, sons Brooks and Elliot); and Colton Davis. Son Lyndon Davis, Overland Park, and his wife Susie and their children Spencer and Allison. Son Leighton Davis, Bartlett, and his wife Denise and their children Tyler (wife Destiny, children Dylan, Bo, and Peighton); Jonathon, Brendan Finley (wife Kaitlynn; daughters Emerson and Brooklynn); and Paige. And with her sister, Kay Long, Pittsburg. She was preceded in death by her parents Vic and Jennie Seibert, husband LaMar in 2011, and daughter-in-law Patricia. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M., Monday, February 18, 2019 at the Carson-Wall Funeral Home at Parsons. Burial will be in the Lake Creek Cemetery. The family will receive friends following the service. Memorials are suggested to the Southeast Kansas Library System and may be left at or mailed to the funeral home, P.O. Box 942, Parsons, KS 67357. Online condolences may be left at www.wallfuneralservices.com.