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Charlene Chapman Davis
Pinehurst, North Carolina
July 31, 1932 - April 23, 2025
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Charlene Chapman Davis Obituary
Charlene Chapman Davis
7/31/32 - 4/23/25
It is with great sorrow that we inform you of the passing of Charlene Davis, age 92, who left her earthly body on 4/23/25 following a brief illness. Charlene was born on July 31, 1932 in Utica, MS to Charles E. And Jewel L. Chapman. She attended Utica MS schools and Hinds Junior College. In 1951, Charlene married Walter Rubin Davis, her high school sweetheart, and together they shared seventy-one wonderful years of marriage before his passing.
During their married life they lived in many places; including Keesler Air Force base in Biloxi, MS; Starkville, MS; Chattanooga, TN; Winston-Salem, NC; Burlington, NC; Whitehouse Station, NJ; and finally back to Burlington.
Walter and Charlene spent an interesting year living in Tehran, Iran in 1978 when they were working with American Bell International (ABII). They made many friends there and had fascinating stories to tell of this time, including how they were forced to evacuate so quickly after the Shah was deposed that they left all of their belongings behind. They returned home with many pictures of the beautiful areas they visited and from their camel riding and camping adventures.
One of their happiest times was temporarily living next to Lake Hopatcong, NJ while their house was still being rented upon their early return from Iran. This served as a time of respite and closeness as they had more time together and were in a single room cabin overlooking the lake. Charlene often commented on how she loved this time with Walter.
Charlene retired from Bell Labs where she worked her way up from a typing pool in Whippany, NJ to an Executive Assistant in Burlington, NC. Her dedication, work ethic and ongoing education facilitated her professional growth. She became an expert in developing computer spreadsheets.
As an example of her valued contributions: The very large organization she supported had hundreds of capital equipment spread over multiple locations. Charlene initiated an in-depth analysis of that equipment, considering ownership, obsoletion, usability and ongoing cost. She was able to get a lot of the equipment off the books resulting in substantial savings to the department's overhead cost. Many times her boss would tell her that she earned her salary every day. She was an incredible asset to the organization.
She was a devoted member of Front Street United Methodist Church in Burlington and active in the Altar Guild. She also was a Burlington Women's Club member, often volunteering at their Thrift Shop. She enjoyed maintaining the Appalachian Trail with Walter and the Piedmont Appalachian Trail Hikers Association (PATH) crew; her Saturday evening meals at Stony Fork, where she planned potlucks and cooked delicious dishes, were legendary.
Following retirement, she enjoyed travel and cooking classes with Walt, and stayed current on new technology. Even at ninety-two, she was navigating computers, her iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and apps for smart technology like an IT tech, often sharing information with family and friends.
Walter passed on Valentine’s Day 2022, and a year later Charlene embraced change and moved to Pinehurst, NC to be closer to Susan and Bo. There, she once again turned her house into a beautiful, welcoming and meticulously maintained home where family, friends, and wonderful neighbors enjoyed delicious home-cooked meals, laughter, and time spent together.
Charlene was a master of organization and applied that effectively to every aspect of her life. She was also well known for her culinary skills, caring for others, her joyful and spunky nature, and her love of family. She was kind to everyone and saw goodness in those she met. Charlene was a cherished, dedicated, and loving mother, wife, friend, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and cousin. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her and the ripple effect of her beautiful life will continue to positively impact our world. We take great comfort in knowing she is home and reunited with Walter, the love of her life.
Charlene is survived by children Lois Ann Davis Ramsey, Charles Walter Davis (Kristin), and Susan Davis Kopynec (Bo), grandchildren John Blackwood (Stephanie), Gerald (JJ) Ramsey (Jessica), Natalie Ramsey, Rhiannon Kopynec Menn (Slava), and Alex Kopynec (Shira), great-grandchildren Iris Villarreal, Aiden Ramsey, Cimorene Menn, Moseah Menn, and Zion Menn, sisters Sallie Little and Martha Bowling, her dear cousin Beverly Ivy, many beloved nephews and nieces including Dana Cole, who loved to visit his Uncle Walter and Aunt Charlene, and lastly, her dog Toby.
The family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to the FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital medical and non-medical staff for the extraordinary inpatient care Charlene received. We want to acknowledge Hospitalist Dr. Mannava, Pulmonologist Dr. Thornton, Pulmonary Specialist DNP Holly Weiss, RN Hayley, Respiratory Therapists Emily and Ed for their excellent care and kindness, and Dina and Deborah from Housekeeping for their cleaning provided with smiles and comfort. Charlene was transferred to FH Hospice House by EMS, with attention to detail and care by K. King. In the few hours that Charlene was there, the care provided by Dr. Gavett, Charge Nurse Charlotte, and CNA Domonique was thorough with clear communication. Thanks to Christy of Custom Floral Creations in Burlington for gifting a large vase of gorgeous pastel flowers that arrived at just the right time. A few minutes later Charlotte brought in Tracy, a gifted volunteer with an angelic voice who sang a medley of five hymns, beginning with Mom’s favorite, “Amazing Grace” just prior to Charlene’s peaceful passing. Finally, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our cherished family, Charlene’s past and present neighbors, friends, and all who generously shared their presence and love with her throughout her life.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 17 at 1:00 pm at Front Street United Methodist Church in Burlington. The family invites friends and loved ones to join them to honor Charlene’s life and legacy and to attend a reception afterward. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Front Street UMC, or the charity of your choice.
Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home.
7/31/32 - 4/23/25
It is with great sorrow that we inform you of the passing of Charlene Davis, age 92, who left her earthly body on 4/23/25 following a brief illness. Charlene was born on July 31, 1932 in Utica, MS to Charles E. And Jewel L. Chapman. She attended Utica MS schools and Hinds Junior College. In 1951, Charlene married Walter Rubin Davis, her high school sweetheart, and together they shared seventy-one wonderful years of marriage before his passing.
During their married life they lived in many places; including Keesler Air Force base in Biloxi, MS; Starkville, MS; Chattanooga, TN; Winston-Salem, NC; Burlington, NC; Whitehouse Station, NJ; and finally back to Burlington.
Walter and Charlene spent an interesting year living in Tehran, Iran in 1978 when they were working with American Bell International (ABII). They made many friends there and had fascinating stories to tell of this time, including how they were forced to evacuate so quickly after the Shah was deposed that they left all of their belongings behind. They returned home with many pictures of the beautiful areas they visited and from their camel riding and camping adventures.
One of their happiest times was temporarily living next to Lake Hopatcong, NJ while their house was still being rented upon their early return from Iran. This served as a time of respite and closeness as they had more time together and were in a single room cabin overlooking the lake. Charlene often commented on how she loved this time with Walter.
Charlene retired from Bell Labs where she worked her way up from a typing pool in Whippany, NJ to an Executive Assistant in Burlington, NC. Her dedication, work ethic and ongoing education facilitated her professional growth. She became an expert in developing computer spreadsheets.
As an example of her valued contributions: The very large organization she supported had hundreds of capital equipment spread over multiple locations. Charlene initiated an in-depth analysis of that equipment, considering ownership, obsoletion, usability and ongoing cost. She was able to get a lot of the equipment off the books resulting in substantial savings to the department's overhead cost. Many times her boss would tell her that she earned her salary every day. She was an incredible asset to the organization.
She was a devoted member of Front Street United Methodist Church in Burlington and active in the Altar Guild. She also was a Burlington Women's Club member, often volunteering at their Thrift Shop. She enjoyed maintaining the Appalachian Trail with Walter and the Piedmont Appalachian Trail Hikers Association (PATH) crew; her Saturday evening meals at Stony Fork, where she planned potlucks and cooked delicious dishes, were legendary.
Following retirement, she enjoyed travel and cooking classes with Walt, and stayed current on new technology. Even at ninety-two, she was navigating computers, her iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and apps for smart technology like an IT tech, often sharing information with family and friends.
Walter passed on Valentine’s Day 2022, and a year later Charlene embraced change and moved to Pinehurst, NC to be closer to Susan and Bo. There, she once again turned her house into a beautiful, welcoming and meticulously maintained home where family, friends, and wonderful neighbors enjoyed delicious home-cooked meals, laughter, and time spent together.
Charlene was a master of organization and applied that effectively to every aspect of her life. She was also well known for her culinary skills, caring for others, her joyful and spunky nature, and her love of family. She was kind to everyone and saw goodness in those she met. Charlene was a cherished, dedicated, and loving mother, wife, friend, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and cousin. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her and the ripple effect of her beautiful life will continue to positively impact our world. We take great comfort in knowing she is home and reunited with Walter, the love of her life.
Charlene is survived by children Lois Ann Davis Ramsey, Charles Walter Davis (Kristin), and Susan Davis Kopynec (Bo), grandchildren John Blackwood (Stephanie), Gerald (JJ) Ramsey (Jessica), Natalie Ramsey, Rhiannon Kopynec Menn (Slava), and Alex Kopynec (Shira), great-grandchildren Iris Villarreal, Aiden Ramsey, Cimorene Menn, Moseah Menn, and Zion Menn, sisters Sallie Little and Martha Bowling, her dear cousin Beverly Ivy, many beloved nephews and nieces including Dana Cole, who loved to visit his Uncle Walter and Aunt Charlene, and lastly, her dog Toby.
The family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to the FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital medical and non-medical staff for the extraordinary inpatient care Charlene received. We want to acknowledge Hospitalist Dr. Mannava, Pulmonologist Dr. Thornton, Pulmonary Specialist DNP Holly Weiss, RN Hayley, Respiratory Therapists Emily and Ed for their excellent care and kindness, and Dina and Deborah from Housekeeping for their cleaning provided with smiles and comfort. Charlene was transferred to FH Hospice House by EMS, with attention to detail and care by K. King. In the few hours that Charlene was there, the care provided by Dr. Gavett, Charge Nurse Charlotte, and CNA Domonique was thorough with clear communication. Thanks to Christy of Custom Floral Creations in Burlington for gifting a large vase of gorgeous pastel flowers that arrived at just the right time. A few minutes later Charlotte brought in Tracy, a gifted volunteer with an angelic voice who sang a medley of five hymns, beginning with Mom’s favorite, “Amazing Grace” just prior to Charlene’s peaceful passing. Finally, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our cherished family, Charlene’s past and present neighbors, friends, and all who generously shared their presence and love with her throughout her life.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 17 at 1:00 pm at Front Street United Methodist Church in Burlington. The family invites friends and loved ones to join them to honor Charlene’s life and legacy and to attend a reception afterward. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Front Street UMC, or the charity of your choice.
Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home.
Charlene Chapman Davis
7/31/32 - 4/23/25
It is with great sorrow that we inform you of the passing of Charlene Davis, age 92, who left her earthly body on 4/23/25 following a brief illness. Charlene was born on July 31, 1932 in Utica, MS to Charles E. And Jewel L. Chapman. She attended Utica MS schools and Hinds Junior College. In 195
7/31/32 - 4/23/25
It is with great sorrow that we inform you of the passing of Charlene Davis, age 92, who left her earthly body on 4/23/25 following a brief illness. Charlene was born on July 31, 1932 in Utica, MS to Charles E. And Jewel L. Chapman. She attended Utica MS schools and Hinds Junior College. In 195
Events
Celebration of Life Service
Saturday, May 17, 2025
1:00 pm
Front Street United Methodist Church
136 N Fisher Street Burlington, NC 27217