Graveside services for Neva Ruth Davisson, 91, of Perry will be 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 29 at Violet Hill Cemetery. Pastor Paul Burrow will officiate. Murdock Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements, and condolences to the family may be left or sent to the funeral home.
Neva passed away Friday, Dec. 22, 2017, at the Perry Lutheran Home.
Neva was born Oct. 27, 1926, the daughter of Boyd H. and Eva Mae (Beers) Davisson, in Beaver Township north of Angus. She was a great-granddaughter of Lansford Mills, whose cabin was built where Fairview Church now stands.
She grew up four miles south of Dawson where her parents farmed. She attended schools in Dawson until her brother began driving, when she transferred to Perry schools.
She attended Drake University and the University of Northern Colorado, earning a special education and elementary education degree and teacher credentials.
Neva never married and was committed to education. She taught school in New Mexico at the Navajo Reservation and also in South Dakota at the Pine Ridge Reservation. She famously told about her experiences in the political turmoil there during 1968.
She last taught a third grade class in Council Bluffs and did some substitute teaching after she retired.
Neva loved living on the farm and gardening. Her other hobby was music. She had a beautiful voice and was an accomplished pianist.
Neva is predeceased by her parents, Boyd and Eva Davisson; her brothers, Ross and Lawrence Davisson; and her sister, Lauraine Natalle.
She is survived by nephews and nieces, Marvin, Doyle, Russell and Lyle Davisson, Rossinda Murphy and Richele Beam, and their families.
The family would like to thank the staff of Perry Lutheran Home and her dear friend and helper, Cynthia Pietras. Neva deeply appreciated her invaluable assistance and companionship.
