Laverne F. Neely Davis

Laverne. F. Neely Davis, 91, Indianapolis, passed away December 12, 2020. Mrs. Davis was born November 18, 1929, in Indianapolis, to the late John Edward and Lillian E. (Braun) Tragesser. She was the widow of Lloyd Farnsworth Neely and Frank B. Davis.

Laverne graduated from Arsenal Technical High School and attended Marian University. She later graduated with a business degree from the Community College of Westmoreland in Pennsylvania. When her first husband died, she started Ye Old Flower Pot in Delmont, Pennsylvania, which she owned and operated for a number of years. She possessed a true artist’s spirit and served as president of the Seacoast Artists’ Guild in Surfside, South Carolina. In addition to flower arranging, she was a talented painter and was never afraid to try her hand at something new. With her gregarious spirit, she could enter a room full of strangers and leave with a room full of friends. Having lived in Indiana, South Carolina, and Pennsylvania, she gathered many friends through the years. She will be fondly remembered for her infectious smile and her caring giving spirit.

In addition to her parents and husbands, she was preceded in death by step-children, David Davis and John Davis; sister, Elizabeth Thane Sahm.

Survivors include her children, Mary Ann (Charles) Davis, Joseph Lloyd Neely, John Stephen (Jean) Neely, Daniel Alan (Rachel) Neely, David Anthony (Sandra) Neely, and Suzanne Lynn (Roy) Schiffmacher; step-children, Frank B. (Sylvia) Davis, Jr., William Davis, Patricia Davis-Milburn-Pace, James (Joy) Davis, Mary Davis, Ed (Dawn) Davis; more than 26 grandchildren; three great grandchildren.

Visitation will be on Monday, December 28, 2020, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., in the O’Riley Funeral Home, 6107 S. East Street, Indianapolis. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 2 p.m. at St. Mark Catholic Church, of which she was a member. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mark, 535 E. Edgewood Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46227. Those wishing to livestream the funeral may do so by visiting the O’Riley Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/orileyfuneralhome/. Visit www.ORileyFuneralHome.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.

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  1. Suzi and family..I am so sorry for your loss..Your mother was a beautiful woman ..You now have a guarden Angel watching over you and the family..Please know that I am here for you..God Bless you Laverne…Sending Hugs, Love and Many Prayers.Love you!

  2. To all the Neely kids(yes, that’s how I remember you all!). I am so sorry for your loss. I fondly remember your family. I always thought that you had the coolest parents ever. Your mom was always so kind to me. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Charmi (Snyder) Smith

  3. I’ve been thinking about you all so much. So sad and tragic that this has happened. Your mom was such a live wire. A treat to be around. You two had such a special close relationship.

  4. I met Laverne several times , she was such a fun person throughout Robb and Courtney’s rehearsal and wedding . Thank you for accepting Robb in your family. She was very special to him.

  5. Birth is a beginning, And death a destination. And life is a journey, to life everlasting. May your dear Mother know the peace of everlasting life! Our thoughts & prayers are with you & your entire family. Ineke and Peter

  6. We send our love and prayers to you and your entire family. Your mom was a real joy to be around and left a beautiful legacy. I love the song “I can only Imagine” what that day will be like when I am standing in the Son. Your mom and your dad are now cheering you on. We love you, Russ and Laura Hanson

  7. Mary Ann and family I enjoyed visiting w your mother in her apartment. She was a neat lady and interesting. No wonder she made friends so easily! We know that her passing will leave a void in your family but it was her time. Ann’s mother died at 83 on the same day 23 years ago! Our sincere sympathies to you and your family. Love, Ralph and Ann

  8. I have known Laverne for some years. I met her through Edward. We were always visiting her in Myrtle Beach. I was glad to have been bless by her presence.I will always remember the good times we had. She will be miss. Praying for the family.

  9. Theresa and I are very sorry for the loss of your mother Laverne. She was a very neat lady and know how she loved the kids. We wish you strength during this time and rejoice at her memory. Regards, Mark

  10. AUNT LAVERNE: A very special aunt who always made any occasion memorable. A talented artist with a good nature and sense of humor. God Bless You .

  11. Aunt Laverne was such a very loving special person. She and Uncle Lloyd raised wonderful family. I am so happy that she is at peace . I am sure she is in heaven planning Christmas parties . I am going to miss her so very much. She will always have a very special place in my heart. Love Dave and Carol

  12. I am so sorry for your loss. Please accept my sincerest sympathy. I know how difficult it is to lose a loved one so dear to you. The virus is such a serious threat to all of us. Very sad indeed. Your neighbor and friend. Ginny Driscoll

  13. Sending love to all the Neelys, especially Uncle John and Aunt Jean, Jennifer and family, Jackie, and Jacob. Your mother/grandmother was always so kind to us. Hugging you all, from a distance.

  14. Hello Carol, this is your Cousin, Joseph. Thank you for your kind heartfelt words. You know you had a really great Mother too!

  15. Thank you to all who have helped us remember our mother. She was a remarkable women and mother. You have all helped us through a difficult time. The Neely Family

  16. Thank you so much Patti. She was a beautiful woman inside and out, I miss her everyday. We were all so bless to have her as our mother. She was my rock that kept me grounded and never let me forget what is truly important in life just by watching her example. She had a blessed life and so did we by sharing in hers. I know she is happy to be with Daddy and all those loved ones that went to heaven before her. Thank you for your kind words.


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