Virginia Davidson

VIRGINIA M. DAVIDSON

Batavia

Virginia M. Davidson, 92, of Batavia, Iowa, passed away Monday, Jan. 10, 2022, at her home. Funeral services will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 15, at Cranston Family Funeral Home in Fairfield, Iowa. Burial will be in the Batavia Cemetery in Batavia, Iowa, immediately following the service. Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday and will last until the time of service.

Memorial contributions in Virginia's honor may be directed to the People's Church in Batavia and may be mailed to P.O. Box 130, Birmingham, IA 52535. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Virginia M. Davidson was born Jan. 16, 1929, in Bethel Springs, Tenn., to Wes and Minnie Lou Whitten Moore. The eighth of 10 children, she attended country school in Tennessee before leaving school to help on the family's corn and cotton farm. Virginia married Bill Price and together they became the parents of two children, Bill Jr. and Jeanetta. The two later divorced.

Virginia was a gifted cook and baker. She owned and operated a cafe in Selmer, Tenn., and later managed a restaurant in Bethel Springs called the Highlander. Over several years, a gentleman by the name of John Davidson would stop in when traveling through. Their relationship grew and the two became husband and wife in 1967. With this union came the addition of four children: Marsha, Jim, Carol and John. Virginia worked for a short time at McDonald's in Ottumwa before opening the Batavia Drive-In in Batavia, Iowa. She brought her talent for homemade food and the restaurant was a local favorite for many years. She put in long hours at the restaurant and managed to still find time to help with the farm operation. John passed away in 2002 and Virginia remained at their home north of Batavia for the remainder of her life. She was a wonderful cook and baker, known for her pies and pan-fried chicken. Her life was deeply rooted in her faith and her love for God and her family. Virginia was a long-time member of the People's Church near Batavia. She will be missed but her memory will remain in the hearts of her family and many friends.

Virginia was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John Davidson (d. 2002); two sons, Bill Price Jr. and Jim Davidson; as well as nine siblings.

Left to share her story are her children, Jeanetta (Marc) Maynard of Birmingham, Iowa, John (Ellen) Davidson of Mount Pleasant, Iowa, Marsha Brewington of Mount Pleasant, Iowa, and Carol (Bill) Wilkinson of Batavia, Iowa; 17 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; 14 great-great-grandchildren; as well as many extended family and friends.