Norma Jean (Keegan) Davis

Norma Jean Keegan Davis, “Jean”, 93, of Terre Haute passed away June 9, 2020.  She was born August 18, 1926 in Prairie Creek, Indiana to Edcile and Effie Power Keegan.  Jean is survived by two daughters, Sandra Hayes (Bill) and Carla Gidorkis of Terre Haute; grandchildren Tracy Caudill and Brian Caudill of Indianapolis, Matt Hayes or Evansville, David Gidorkis (Malvine) of Stow, Ohio, Laura Woods (Rick) of Vermilion, Ohio, and Jim Hayes (Rhonda) of Jasonville, Indiana; and six great grandchildren.

Jean is preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Earl R. Davis, her parents, and her siblings, Warren “Jack” Keegan, Rosa Keegan Sullivan, Elma Keegan Farrand, and William Shockey.

Mom worked at the Davis Grocery Store in Prairie Creek while in high school.  She then worked at Commercial Solvents.  Jean was very successful selling Avon and Stanley products.  She also worked for R.H. Donnelley’s, J.C. Penney, and retired from Social Security.

Jean and her husband Earl traveled in their camper to every state in the U.S. They enjoyed camping, fishing, and mushroom hunting.

Mom had a strong work ethic and didn’t understand lazy people.  She took pride in her family and home.  Her homemade yeast rolls and pies will be greatly missed.  She could go to a restaurant, eat something, and go home and make it without a recipe.

When she grew up in the country they didn’t have electricity or a bathroom in the house. They all worked hard to survive the hard times.  Her father was a truck farmer and worked in the fields with mules.  The whole family worked from daylight to dark.  Her mother was a wonderful cook and made all their bread.  There wasn’t a lot of money, but there was plenty of love and lots of family close by.

When Jean married her high school sweetheart, Earl R. Davis, he was a disabled veteran and was in the hospital for 18 months.  When he was discharged he could not get a job due to his disability.  Before they married her future mother in law showed her how to care for and clean his wounds.  She was only 19 years old and was a very strong person to take on such a daunting task.

Mom and Dad were wonderful dancers, dancing swing, jitter bug, and slow dancing.  They were a delight to watch.  Her life partner is waiting in heaven for the next dance.  Farewell Mom, rest in peace.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2020 at DeBaun Springhill Chapel from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon.  Services will follow visitation.  Burial will be at New Harmony Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made in honor of Jean  to Prairie Creek First Baptist Church or Hospice of the Wabash Valley.  Online condolences may be made to www.debaunfuneralhomes.com.

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