WILMINGTON — Noly Jane Smalls Davis, 91, of Seneca, South Carolina passed away peacefully on February 14, 2025, surrounded by her children.
Born on October 19, 1933, in Georgetown, South Carolina, Noly was the daughter of Ernest & Flossie Smalls and the loving wife of Roland O. Davis, whom she married in 1950.
Noly was previously a resident of both Riegelwood and Wilmington, North Carolina, where she was a longstanding faithful member of Riegelwood Baptist Church and Northside Church, respectively. While at Northside, “Miss Noly” joyfully served as a greeter on the Guest Services team and a member of the Bereavement Committee. For many years, Noly was a resident of Longview, Washington, where she and her family were members of Robert Gray Baptist Church.
Noly was a graduate of Cape Fear Community College (formerly Cape Fear Tech), where she earned a nursing degree (LPN). During her nursing years, she worked at New Hanover Regional Medical Center (formerly New Hanover Memorial Hospital), as well as several local doctors’ groups.
Noly’s strong and unshakable faith was evident in her daily life, setting a consistent example for her family and friends. Notoriously known for her “backscratching,” Noly was a loving and devoted mom, grandmother, and great grandmother (“Memama”) who abidingly and unconditionally loved and prioritized her husband, children and family. Noly was also a fiercely faithful and loyal friend who was known for her trustworthiness and uplifting, positive nature. Noly was a talented painter and got tremendous joy and pride out of painting her favorite scenes, particularly Pacific Northwest mountains and coastlines, and giving them to family and friends.
Noly is preceded in death by her mother and father, Flossie and Earnest, her sister Betty, and her husband Roland. She is survived by her sister Jenny (Tracy) Childers of Georgetown, South Carolina, her daughter Diane Brewer of Fair Play, South Carolina, her son Ronnie Davis of Westminster, South Carolina, her granddaughter Leslie (Daniel) Poole of Greer, South Carolina, her grandson Adam (Emily) Brewer of Greenville, North Carolina, her five great grandchildren Korben, Eden, Freddie, Elyza and Adalynn, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and uncles.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Prisma Health Cottingham Hospice House, 390 Keowee School Road, Seneca, South Carolina 29672.
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