Helen Maxine White Davisson

HELEN MAXINE WHITE DAVISSON

Washington

Helen Maxine White Davisson, 96, of Washington, Iowa, died of heart failure on April 29, 2020. Because of the COVID-19 outbreak and social gathering restrictions, public memorial services will be announced and held at a later date. Private family services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, May 2, at the Jones & Eden Funeral Home with Pastor Erin Kaye officiating. Services will be streamed on the Jones & Eden Facebook page. Burial will take place at Elm Grove Cemetery in Washington. Memorials have been established for Washington United Presbyterian Church or Every Step Hospice of Mount Pleasant, Iowa. Online condolences may be sent for Maxine's family through the web at www.jonesfh.com.

Maxine was born Aug. 25, 1923, on the family farm in Lafayette Township, Keokuk County, Iowa, to Howard and Goldie (Miller) White. She attended rural schools and graduated from Kinross High School in 1940. She attended Parsons College in Fairfield, Iowa, from which she graduated with a teaching certificate. After college graduation, she moved to Los Angeles during World War II and worked in a bank. After returning to Iowa, she taught third grade in New London, Iowa.

On Aug. 29, 1948, she was united in marriage with Rodney Leland Davisson at Scotland Church, Keokuk County, Iowa. They farmed near Wellman, Iowa for several years eventually moving to Washington, Iowa. When Rodney founded Rod's Service Center, Maxine helped as bookkeeper for the business.

Maxine never lost her love of the farm and always had a large garden. Canning vegetables in the heat of the Iowa summer was a yearly tradition. Bread baking was a passion and freshly baked bread with butter was a treat for her family. As a church member, she shared her baking skills by providing communion bread.

Scouting was an activity that brought great pleasure to both Maxine and Rodney. Maxine was den mother for Cub Scout Den 9 and she enjoyed opening their home to the Scouts while helping the boys as they advanced their skills.

Maxine was a long-time member of the First Christian Church in Washington, serving for many years as church secretary. Later, Maxine was a member of the United Presbyterian Church where she was ordained as a Deacon and enjoyed attending Sunday School. Volunteering at the Washington County Hospital for many years brought great satisfaction. She also was a member of The Order of Eastern Star and Fortnightly Club.

Rodney and Maxine loved exploring the country in their travel trailer. Adding a new route to the map was a tradition at the end of each trip.

Maxine and Rodney moved to Halcyon House in 2001, shortly before Rodney's death on July 16, 2001.

Maxine is survived by her children, Beverly Donnelly (and friend, Dennis Wilbur) of West Des Moines, Steven (Katrina) of Naples, Fla., Russell (Celia) of Suwanee, Ga., and Donna Smith (Robert) of Pella, Iowa. She also is survived by her grandchildren, Ryan Donnelly (Kristin), Jeff Davisson (Rosie), Lindsey Eastep (Joe), Andrew Davisson (Shana), Sarah Davisson, Aaron Smith (Magie) and Addison Smith; great-grandchildren, Ella and Jack Eastep, Abby Davisson and a new great-grandson due in June. Additionally, she is survived by two sisters-in-law, Leota Crim, Evelyn Guthrie and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Maxine was preceded in death by her husband, Rodney Leland Davisson; her brother, Howard Keith White; and son-in-law, John Donnelly.

The family would like to thank Dr. David Nacos for his guidance and care of Maxine; the staff of Halcyon House who became part of her family and Every Step Hospice for its attention during her final days.