Alice Davis

Alice Farmer Davis, of Wilson, passed away in the comfort of her home on November 11, 2026. She was 101 years old.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, November 17 at First Christian Church of Wilson, 207 Tarboro St NE at 11:00 am. A reception will be held following the service in the Education Building Parlor at the church. Interment will be held at Maplewood Cemetery.

Alice was born in Wilmington, NC to Alice Belle Rulfs and Graham Douglas Farmer on June 13, 1925. She lived in various parts of NC, including Wilson and Lumberton during her childhood years, but would later return to Wilmington and graduate from New Hanover High School. It was in the 4th grade, while in Wilson, that she would meet and later marry her future husband, James William “Bill” Davis. Bill loved to tell the story that she was “the cutest girl on the playground”. They continued to correspond during their high school and college days, as well as during WWII, and would marry in 1948.

After graduation from high school, Alice attended Women’s College of North Carolina (WCUNC), a teacher’s college, which would later become UNCG. She was the Everlasting Secretary of her class and obtained a teaching degree with the Class of ‘47. Her professional career spanned over 25 years as an elementary school teacher beginning in Durham while Bill was attending Duke University and later in Wilson. During her time in Wilson in the 60’s, she became a reading specialist and was one of the first teachers to incorporate animals in the classroom, noting that when the class rabbits sat with the children in the reading circle, they were more relaxed. Children in her classes often learned how to plant, harvest, and cook foods that they grew in a garden and nature walks often created opportunities to learn math, spelling, and storytelling.

Alice would often say, “I wish I had more time to volunteer.” She had a heart to serve. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, American Heart Association, Wilson Women’s Club, and Wilson Arts Council. A longstanding member of First Christian Church of Wilson, she was involved with the Christian Women’s Fellowship, was a Sunday School teacher, a regular attendee in church and then later watched services via social media. During retirement when time was more available, she and Bill would take care of many family members by shopping for them, visiting, and taking them to appointments. She was a living example of family dedication.

Growing up in Wilmington, she spent many days at Wrightsville Beach, a place for which she never lost her love. Often during her teaching days with the summers ’off’, she and her daughters would take the train from Wilson to Wilmington to spend time with her parents. Throughout her life she loved her walks on the beach and neighborhood, saying walks would “clear her mind”. She has requested that sand from Wrightsville Beach be carried with her for eternity.

Her love for sports began as a member of the girl’s basketball team at Charles L. Coon High School. She loved watching all sports including tennis, the Olympics, ice skating, volleyball, softball and the list goes on. Being the wife of a former Duke football player, her love for Duke was profound. She loved Duke, the staff at the Iron Duke office and Duke sports, especially basketball and football. She and Bill were longtime season ticket holders of both sports with many friends and former players they looked forward to seeing at the games.

When Bill officiated College football games, the family would often go along. These trips led the way to many opportunities to visit many colleges and explore cultures around the state. The trips to the mountains were her favorite. It was there that she purchased many handmade painted wooden Christmas ornaments. Every year at Christmas, the first ornaments to go on the tree were the Nativity Scene she had bought on these trips.

We will remember that Alice liked things to be done in a specific way, especially a tight bed with hospital corners and syrup in every square on a waffle. “Five!” was her favorite TV channel which she would request often and when seeing something extraordinary she would say, “Gahlee”. At Christmas, her numerous elves would change places overnight and everyone in the house would be on the lookout! Her favorite words of wisdom were, “Do it right the first time” and “Try your best’.

Alice will be remembered for her love for her husband and her family, her beautiful smile, the love that showed when she held her grandchildren and great grandchildren, her love for the family dogs, and through the many personal stories recalled by friends and family.

The love, joy, and laughter she shared with us will live forever.

The family embraces the caregiver angels that supported Alice, many who had cared for Bill as well. Their love, care and commitment extends beyond words. The expression ‘Grateful’ falls short of our appreciation. A special thanks is extended also for Compassionate Care Solutions, LLC and Gentiva Hospice.

Alice is survived by her daughters, Virginia Davis (Bruce Hollmuller) of Smyrna GA and Lu Ann Wooten (William) of Wilson NC; grandchildren Brittany W. Fulghum (Justin) of Kenly NC and Davis Wooten (Jasmine) of Greenville NC; great-grandchildren, Brooklyn and Emmett Fulghum, and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband, James William “Bill” Davis; parents, Graham and Alice Rulfs Farmer; sister, Ann Sink; brother, Graham Farmer.

Memorials are suggested to First Christian Church, PO Box 2702, Wilson, NC 27894.

Arrangements by Wilson Memorial Service, 2811 Fieldstream Dr. N, Wilson, NC 27896, 252-237-7171, www.wilsonmemorialservice.com