Fern Leone Davis, 97, passed away on August 6, 2025.

Fern Leone Davis, 97, passed from this life in the comfort of her own home on August 6, 2025.

Fern was born on the family farm nine miles north of Wagner, South Dakota on New Year’s Day, January 1, 1928.  She was one of eight children born to Scott and Alma Davis. During high school, she was a cheerleader, and graduated as valedictorian from Wagner South Dakota High School. Then she went to California and joined her sister Fran. It was there that she met her husband-to-be. 

Fern married William C. “Bill” Davis, an Army Air Corps/Air Force pilot on November 21, 1947 in Riverside, California. Bill’s name at birth was William C. Durham, then after his adoption his last name changed to Davis. This provided a lot of amusement when meeting new people. Bill’s military assignments saw them stationed across the world. Fern and Bill raised three children. Along with being a wife and mother, Fern earned a bachelor's degree in Library Science from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.  In 1972, she and Bill moved to Branson from Fayetteville. 

Fern adored her husband Bill and was his always-supportive partner as he advanced in the military, sold real estate, and successfully ran for Taney County Collector.  She served as librarian at Branson High School and Taneyhills Public Library for many years. Upon retiring, she and Bill camped in their RV all over the United States. She was a steadfast babysitter for her grandkids in Branson. Moved into her son Mark’s home and nursed him during the last months of his life. Fern cared for Bill in the home during his 15-year Alzheimer’s journey. She hand-stitched countless quilts, much of the time in the company of the quilters at the Branson Community Center. In the last few years, she became an enthusiastic fan of the Kansas City Chiefs. 

Fern was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Colonel William C. “Bill” Davis; her son, Mark Davis and daughter-in-law, Sally Davis as well as her parents, Scott and Alma Davis. She will be deeply missed by her children, Monica Davis Bryan of Branson and Eric Davis of Omaha, NE; her brother, Earl Davis of Mitchell, SD; sister, June Gentry of Concord, CA; grandchildren, Cody, Jeff, Taylor, Meredith and Scott; and great-grandchildren, Jack, Rose, Taylor-Jo and Rylie.

Funeral services for Fern will be Monday, August 11, 2025 at Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home & Crematory, Branson.  Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. with the funeral ceremony to begin at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home.  Fern will be laid to rest in Ozarks Memorial Park Cemetery, Branson.

Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home and Crematory

1638 East State Highway 76

Branson, Missouri 65616

Telephone – 417-334-3670

Fax – 417-336-3670