Mrs. Viva Olivia Stokes Davis

It is with deep sorrow that the Davis family announces the death of Mrs. Viva Olivia Stokes Davis, 88, on June 4, 2024. Mrs. Davis was born on June 23, 1935, in Lee County, SC. She was the daughter of the late Coley Lewis Stokes and the late Algie Olivia "Lib" Smith Stokes. She was the oldest of five children. From a young age, Viva had a true love for learning and she excelled academically, even advancing a school year early. She graduated from Central High School, where she was Valedictorian of her class, and married Eugene Davis that same year in 1953. They had three daughters, Kathi, Tammy and Debbie. Viva often said, “She loved being a mother,” and she was actively involved in her children’s lives, leading Brownie and Girl Scout Troops and Vacation Bible School. She made birthdays and holidays magical- hand sewing special outfits or costumes for the event and decorating the house beautifully. After raising her children, Viva purchased the Blossom Shop in 1989. She grew the business successfully and was widely sought for her expertise in weddings. The family has happy memories of helping Viva during holiday seasons in “the shop”. Viva sold the business and retired in 2001 to spend time with her children and grandchildren. Though Viva enjoyed working, her greatest joy was becoming a grandparent. She treasured her time with her grandkids and loved being their “Gan”. She attended their orchestra concerts, soccer games, football games, and dance recitals. Viva believed in making memories over material possessions, and every summer, she took the family to Wild Dunes Resort in Charleston, SC, where they created lifelong memories. Viva was excellent at cooking, sewing, crocheting, and arranging flowers. She lovingly taught many of her grandchildren how to make biscuits, needlework, and how to root hydrangeas. As an active member of the Garden Club of Bishopville, she had a beautiful garden with hydrangeas, azaleas, pines, fruit, and pecan trees. She enjoyed her membership in the Henry Durant chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and was an active member of Bethlehem United Methodist Church. Viva enjoyed exploring the world and learning about different cultures. She often traveled with friends or brought her grandchildren. She visited many countries in Europe, Canada, Alaska, and across the United States. Viva is survived by her daughters, Kathi Davis Schuitema (Kurt), Debbie Davis Babb (Perrin), Tammy Davis; sister, Virginia Stokes Little; brother, Roger “Dean” Stokes (Terri); grandchildren, David Paul Babb (Margaret), Jeffrey Alan Schuitema (Logan), Katherine Lee Penny (Robert), William Arthur Joseph (Grace), Laura Claire Moshier; great-grandchildren, Margaret Davis Babb, James Alan Schuitema, Katherine Olivia Penny, Amelia Elizabeth Penny, Olivia Eleanor Babb; beloved nieces and nephews, Robyn Beasley, Cayci Banks (Charlie), Zeke Stokes (Troy Cassel). Viva also leaves behind her treasured Dachshund, Fred. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene Davis; twin sister, Vera Olivia Stokes; and brother, David Lewis Stokes. Viva was an avid reader and, more recently, loved receiving large print books from the South Carolina State Library through the Talking Book Service program. She also cared deeply for the Bishopville community and supported the Serving Hearts program, which cares for a local assisted living community. The family kindly asks that you consider a donation to either program: The Talking Book Program: www.sctalkingbook.org/donate or Serving Hearts, c/o Sandra Snipes, 456 Meadows Lane, Bishopville, SC 29010. A funeral service to honor her life will be held at 11 o'clock on Friday, June 7, 2024, at Bethlehem United Methodist Church, with The Rev. Denise Seymour officiating. The family will receive friends at a reception in the Fellowship Hall immediately following the service. A private family burial will be held in Bethlehem United Methodist Church Cemetery.

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Mrs. Viva Olivia Stokes Davis

June 23, 1935 - June 4, 2024