Dorothy "Dottie" Davis

Dorothy Jean “Dottie” Davis

Dorothy Jean “Dottie” Davis, age 84, of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away on June 20, 2026, from complications of pulmonary fibrosis.

Dottie was born on May 22, 1942, in St. Elmo, Illinois, to William and Zelma Fairchild. She grew up in St. Elmo, where she was known for her kindness and gentle spirit. During her senior year of high school, she was named homecoming queen—something she later said happened because all of her classmates thought she was so nice.

After graduating from high school, Dottie made the bold decision to leave her small hometown and move to San Diego, California, to attend beauty school. It was a remarkable step for a young woman from a small town, and it reflected the independence that remained a defining part of who she was. She went on to become a beautician and worked in that field for several years.

Dottie married Lyle Davis in the mid-1960s, and together they had three children: Corey, Matthew, and Jonathon. Though they later divorced, Dottie devoted her life to raising her children and caring for her family. In the 1970s, she and Lyle also helped run a private Christian school. Later in life, she held several secretarial positions, including her final position before retirement with the Johnson County Health Department.

Above all else, Dottie was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She would do anything for her family. All they had to do was ask, and she would be there. She helped her daughter raise her son, Andrew, and during the final four years of her life, she made her home with her youngest son, Jonathon. Her children always knew she was there for them—always.

Those who knew Dottie often described her simply and sincerely: “She is so sweet.” She was kind to everyone, patient, gentle, and slow to anger. But beneath that gentleness was a quiet strength of spirit and a deep sense of integrity. Dottie was genuine in everything she did. She was honest, sincere, and never pretended to be someone she was not. When she spoke, people knew she meant what she said and that it came from the heart.

Even during her time in the ICU, nurses used those same words to describe her: “Dottie is so sweet.” Her warmth and humor remained with her in her final days. One evening, a hospice nurse introduced herself by saying, “My name is Tanya, by the way.” Dottie replied, “Hello, Tanya By the Way.” It was a small moment that captured the gentle humor and sweetness that remained so much a part of her.

Dottie also loved searching for treasures. She enjoyed visiting antique stores and estate sales and was an enthusiastic collector of many things, especially Coca-Cola memorabilia. Her family always found it amusing that, despite her large Coca-Cola collection, she remained an ardent Pepsi drinker.

Dottie’s Christian faith was central to her life. Blue Valley Baptist Church was her church home for the latter half of her life, and she was a faithful member there from about 1985 until her passing. For several years, she taught the women’s Sunday school class, sharing her faith and helping others grow in theirs. After retiring, she continued serving the church as a volunteer receptionist in the church office.

Dottie did not fear death because she looked forward to being with Jesus in heaven. Her deepest concern was that her family would know Jesus, too, so that she could see them again.

Dottie is survived by her children, Corey Teasdale and her husband, Tom, Matthew Davis, and Jonathon Davis; her grandchildren, Andrew Davis and his wife Samantha, Cade Davis, Kyler Davis, and Bradley Shepard; and her great-grandchildren, Aria Davis, Sophie Davis, and Parker Davis.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Zelma Fairchild; her sister, Joyce Fisher; her brothers, Ralph Fairchild and Dale Fairchild; and her daughter-in-law, Kimberly Davis.