NANCY JANE COPELAND DAVIS
Nancy Jane Copeland Davis, 81, of Mexia, died at home on Nov. 18, 2021. She was born Sept. 4, 1940, in Lufkin to Mavis Jimaloy Tull Copeland and Jesse Weldon Copeland. Nancy was preceded in death by her sister Wanda Bramlon Nov. 5 and her son Foster “Frosto” Davis on Nov. 6, 2021.
Nancy participated as a Candy Striper in high school and became a nurse. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and a Master of Science in Special Education while raising her three children. Her learning continued throughout her life obtaining numerous credentials.
Nancy developed the Early Childhood Center at Lamar University while she was teaching classes. She had a skill as a Grant writer and used this talent to help women and children. At Lamar she was the director of an equity program which assisted women in their education. The program placed women in nontraditional skills such as welding, auto and diesel mechanics. Nancy was involved in the struggle for women’s equity from the 60s. She continued this throughout her lifetime.
Nancy enjoyed reading, journaling, travel, family and friends. She was a Texas Master gardener, a Texas Master Naturalist and a member of the Mexia Garden Club.
Nancy was especially proud of her Girl Scout troop #60 which sold scrap metal, drinking bottles, rummage sales and scrap newspapers for two years to raise money for a trip to Europe. The 14 girls and 2 sponsors toured for three months in 1958. The troop continues to meet annually to celebrate and remember the ones who are no longer here.
Nancy shared her life for 43 years with her husband, Charles Watley. Together they developed a life of love, learning and sharing. Her beautiful smile and blue eyes will be cherished.
She is survived by three sisters, including Loy Beth Copeland McConnell, Veda Faye Copeland Matlock and Jeanie Copeland Willingham; a brother, Jesse Weldon Copeland; and four children, including Debbie McCurley, Clarence “Bubba” Davis; and wife, Jannell; and nine grandchildren including Nancy Watley, Rebekah Watley, Jack Davis, Jesse Davis, Graham Davis, Amelia Watley, Kyla Watley, Jaden Clark and Jianna Brown.
