Frances Ann Perello Davis, 87, passed away peacefully Friday, December 20, 2013, after a lengthy illness. She was born on April 12, 1926, to Catherine and Anthony Perello, and had been a lifelong resident of Beaumont. 

In her early years, she and her siblings would help her parents in their father’s store delivering groceries after school. Frances graduated from French High School in 1945 where she enjoyed playing team sports, joined in activities, and made lasting friendships. She continued her love of sports by co-coaching the volleyball and softball teams at St. Pius X Catholic School and Monsignor Kelly Catholic High School. Frances also volunteered for many years at her children’s schools, St. Pius X Catholic Church, St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church, and several charitable organizations. 

One of her favorite activities was cooking and decorating for the St. Joseph Altar at St. Jude Thaddeus Church, continuing the tradition learned at several of her aunts’ altars. She would make many of the recipes for her family and enjoyed cooking and sharing new recipes at home with her many friends. Her top priorities were the care and love of her family, her siblings, and her siblings’ families.  Frances enjoyed and welcomed into her home the children of neighbors, friends, and family. “Fannie”, as she was called by her grandchildren, practiced mastering the Mario Brothers game so she could challenge her grandchildren. Frances enjoyed family gatherings, especially those during the Christmas season. She was devoted to her Catholic faith, which she manifested through prayer, and performing works of charity.

Frances is survived by her daughter, Linda Davis Pate; grandchildren, Kate Davis Bolfing and her husband, Tony; Tony Davis and his wife, Heather; and Robert Pate II; great-grandchildren, Davis and Dylan Bolfing; and Hayden and Claire Davis; sister, Rosa Lee Perello; sister-in-law, Avis Perello; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband of fifty-six years, Billy Davis; son, Johnny Davis; sister, Angie Perello Phillips; and brothers, Grispe Perello, Veto Perello, and Jasper Perello.

A Christian Vigil for Mrs. Davis will begin at 5:00 p.m., with a gathering of her family and friends to follow until 7:00 p.m., Monday, December 23, 2013, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. The Rite of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 24, 2013, at Broussard’s, with interment to follow at Magnolia Cemetery, Beaumont.

The family would like to thank Frances’ caregivers for their dedication and compassionate care.

Memorial contributions may be made to CASA of Southeast Texas, 2449 Calder, Beaumont, Texas 77702;  Catholic Charities of Southeast Texas, 2780 Eastex Freeway, Beaumont, Texas  77703; or to a charity of one’s choice, in memory of Frances.