Vernon Davis

Vernon Patty Fitzsimons Davis – Vernon Patty Fitzsimons Davis, age 99, of Columbus, MS, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on June 11, 2026, at her home. Vernon Patty was born July 29, 1926, in Columbus, MS, to Andrew Jackson Fitzsimons and Vernon Chester Patty Fitzsimons. During her early life, she attended St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Columbus and, as the niece of longtime church member David Davis Patty, she became involved in the choir and church activities. She graduated from S. D. Lee High School, Columbus, MS, in 1944 and graduated from Mississippi State College for Women (MSCW) in 1948.

Upon college graduation, Vernon Patty moved to Clarksdale, MS, to teach elementary school and began attending St. George’s Episcopal Church, where she was a member of the choir and met her future husband, Thomas Frederick Davis III.

She and Tom were married on August 20, 1950, and she was then a stay-at-home mom until her youngest of 5 children started school. She went back into the school system where she eventually taught elementary grades at Riverside Baptist School and at Heidelberg Elementary.

She was an avid gardener, belonging to the Garden Club in Clarksdale, and volunteered to lead the Junior Garden Club. She enjoyed socializing as part of the Clarksdale Women’s Club. She was active in historical society groups including the Bernard Romans Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution in Columbus and the Rosannah Waters Chapter of the DAR in Clarksdale as a past Regent. Vernon Patty was a lifelong member of the DAR and was honored by the society on her 75th year of membership in February 2023. Vernon Patty was also a member of the Mississippi Branch of the Huguenot Society having served as Treasurer.

She was a member of the Republican Women and was proud to have been voted into office as an Election Commissioner of her Coahoma County district for 18 years.

She returned to Columbus in 2008 and established her home in the former house of her uncle Davis Patty. Here, she reunited with school friends and attended many get-togethers with classmates. She became a member of the social club Columbians and enjoyed meeting for lunch and remembering Columbus history and she re-established her attendance at St. Paul’s Church.

Vernon Patty was as devoted to her various pets as they were to her during her entire life. She tolerated the many animals that her family brought home over the years and was especially fond of her cats. She was an avid supporter of the local animal shelters in Columbus and Clarksdale.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Davis III of Clarksdale and her son, Thomas Davis IV, formerly of Sacramento, CA. She is survived by her daughters, Mary (Danny) Brown of Columbus, Patty (Tim) Lyons of Inlet Beach, Florida, Georgia (Denny) Edington of Merigold, MS, her son Bruce (Elaine) Davis of Soquel, CA and her daughter-in-law, Nancy Davis of Sacramento, CA. Surviving grandchildren include John Davis, Jennifer Davis Rebiskie, Trey Davis, Ally Davis, Patrick Lyons, Callie Lyons Roberson, and Rob Nolin. She is also survived by many other beloved relatives and friends in Columbus and Clarksdale.

The family wishes to express their deepest thanks and gratitude to the wonderful caregivers who provided constant attention to her in her latter years. These include Barbie Williams, Cynthia Cribbs, Eldner Graham, and Eryonna Graham. Special thanks and appreciation go to the staff of Community Hospice, especially her RN, Anna Claire Dabbs.

Funeral services will be Monday, June 15th, at 2:00 pm at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, with visitation beginning at 1:00 pm until the time of the service in the Earline Robertson Room of St. Paul's. Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements. Graveside service and burial will be at the Oakridge Cemetery in Clarksdale, MS, Tuesday, June 16th at 2:00 pm.

Pallbearers include Danny Brown, Tim Lyons, Denny Edington and family friends.

Memorials may be made to Columbus- Lowndes Humane Society on 50 Airline Road, Columbus, MS 39702 or to St. Paul's Episcopal Church.