Clara Prillaman Davis, 95, of Martinsville, died Sunday, August 7, 2022, while sleeping peacefully at her home in Rich Acres. A native of Henry County, she was born in the Barrows Mill community on January 19, 1927, the daughter of the late Lafe Pence Prillaman and Fannie Pearl Gauldin Prillaman. She was also preceded in death by her husband of almost 25 years, Francis Buford “Snookie” Davis, her sisters, Norris P. Miller (Raymond P. Miller) and Zada P. Oakes (Calvin A. Oakes), and brothers, A. Otis Prillaman (Barbara D. Prillaman), James A. Prillaman, Kenneth G. Prillaman, and L. Berkley Prillaman.
Survivors include her children, Larry F. Davis, Deborah D. Aaron (Michael K. Aaron), and Barbara A. Davis all of Henry County, VA; her brother, A. Norman Prillaman of Martinsville, VA; her sisters-in-law, Eloise M. Prillaman of Forest, VA and Frances J. Davis of Martinsville, VA; her grandchildren, Erin L. Muck (Aaron J. Muck) of Cincinnati, OH, Jessica K. Oates (Paul D. Oates) of Martinsville, VA, Matthew C. Aaron (Michelle N. Hutzler) of Roanoke, VA, and Emily A. Aaron (Yasiah R. Brandon) of Greensboro, NC; and great-grandchildren, Caleb E. Muck, Nathan J. Muck, Adah R. Muck, Judah B. Muck, Jaxon A. Brandon, and Mila E. Aaron.
Clara attended the Barrows Mill one-room school, South Martinsville Elementary School, was a 1944 graduate of Martinsville High School and a 1945 graduate of the National Business College in Roanoke, VA. She worked for E. I. DuPont for five years following graduation. Later, as a fulltime mother of three, she assisted her husband as his bookkeeper in the family’s construction business. She, then, worked briefly for Cahill Insurance before spending her last 25 years in the workforce as executive secretary at the United Way. Clara and her husband were two of the ten charter members of Rich Acres Christian Church. They also, along with other family members, were the original owners and operators of the Martinsville Drive-In Theatre.
A servant of God and a living example of His word, Clara touched and blessed many people. At the heart of it all, she knew that performing small graces daily makes a difference in the lives of others. So, thank you, Clara, for making this world a better place by being a shining example of God’s love. We love you a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck.
The family will receive friends at Rich Acres Christian Church on Thursday, August 11, 2022, from 1:00 to 3:00pm. Funeral services will immediately follow at 3:00pm with Tim Hunt officiating and then proceed to Horsepasture Christian Church cemetery for the burial.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rich Acres Christian Church, 422 Mountain View Rd, Martinsville, VA 24112.
Norris Funeral Services, Inc. and Crematory is handling arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.norrisfuneral.com.
