LELAND — Jeanne Rosalyn (Backhaus) Davis, 73, of Leland, North Carolina and formerly of Westminster, Maryland, passed away on May 7th, 2022 in the Lower Cape Fear Hospice Center in Wilmington, North Carolina. Jeanne was born September 16th, 1948 in Fall River, Massachusetts. She was the daughter of the late George Albert St. Denis and Rosalyn Ruth (Umenthum) St. Denis.
Jeanne is survived by her husband, Joseph Creston Davis, sister Elizabeth Buckles and brother Robert St.Denis. She is missed greatly by her loving children Roland Backhaus, daughter in law Avery Roselle, daughter Sarah Cross and son in law Jason Cross as well as her step son Alan Davis and his wife Kathy. She is also survived by granddaughters, Mackenzie and Harper Roselle, and four grandsons, Dagim and Eli Cross, and Evan and Luke Davis.
Jeanne held a Bachelors Degree in Education from the University of Rhode Island with a dual major of English Literature and Physical Education. She earned a Masters Degree in Education with an emphasis on Physical Education from Western Maryland College in Westminster, Maryland. Applying her natural talent for working with children, she taught elementary level physical education in Frederick County Maryland for 40 years. She touched the lives of thousands of children, teaching them the importance of good sportsmanship and instilling in them good values.
In 2012 she and Joe moved to the Compass Pointe community in Leland where she was active in various social activities. Caring, generous, and outgoing, she was always available as a friend. Known to have one of the greenest thumbs in Compass Pointe, she was an avid gardener and was recognized for her beautiful “Jeanne’s Garden.” But her greatest joy was being with her family and being part of her grandchildren’s lives.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, May 14, at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, 4849 Castle Hayne Rd, Castle Hayne, NC 28429.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401.
Please sign the online Guestbook at www.andrewsmortuary.com
