Irene Curtis Davis

Jan 29, 1937 - Dec 2nd, 2020

Birth Date: Jan 29, 1937
Death Date: Dec 2, 2020
Funeral Date: Unknown
Location: To be determined
Print this Obituary

Biography: Irene Winnie Curtis Davis of Little Rock, 83, arrived in the arms of God on December 2, 2020. Irene was born January 29, 1937 to the late Wallace Ira and Fiorita Winnie Curtis in Chicago, IL. Irene traveled often with her parents following her father’s big band musical career before settling in Van Nuys, CA.

The family operated the Rita Curtis Swim Schools which encompassed nine locations across southern California. This is where Irene developed her lifelong passion for swimming. Irene attended Stanford University and Columbia where she earned a degree in physical therapy. In 1958, she was asked to volunteer in central Arkansas during the outbreak of polio. She was the second physical therapist in the state. During this time, she met George H. Davis who would become her loving husband of 60 years.

Irene was known for her grace, integrity, wit, and passion for life. Her love of travel, the arts and nature lead her to countless adventures which included Broadway shows, museum tours, yoga retreats, trekking in Peru, walking across England, bungee jumping in New Zealand, snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef and Galapagos Islands, swimming with whale sharks in the Indian Ocean, and her annual trip to the island of Barbuda with her husband George. Irene was active in her community serving in numerous leadership roles and as a patron to many clubs and organizations. These included Second Presbyterian Church, the Little Rock Garden Club, the Garden Club of America, ACANSA, The Nature Conservancy, the Arkansas Repertory Theater, the Junior League of Little Rock, the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, the Arkansas Arts Center, UAMS and Youth Home.

Irene will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She is survived by her husband, George H. Davis, and two sons and one daughter: George H. Davis, Jr. (Kelly) of Los Angeles, CA, W. Scott Davis (Libby) of Little Rock and Laura Davis Coarsey (Jay) of Carbondale, CO. She also leaves behind her six cherished and loving grandchildren: Wally Davis (Dallas, TX), Lucy Davis (Wellington, FL), Clay Davis (New York, NY), Wyatt Davis (Boise, ID) and Jaxson and River Coarsey (Carbondale, CO). She will be missed by countless friends that she loved to interact with at various functions and many friend groups including the Friday Lunch Bunch.

The family is truly grateful and humbled by the outpouring of well wishes from across the country and abroad. With concerns surrounding the covid-19 pandemic, the family will host a celebration of Irene’s life at a later date to be determined. Memorials can be made to ACCESS, 10618 Breckenridge Drive, Little Rock, AR 72211 (www.accessgroupinc.org), one of the organizations listed above, or a charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home, RuebelFuneralHome.com

Condolences(18)

Michele Strickland

#18

Jan 25th, 2023 2:29 am

No words. Sending love.

Michele

#17

Jan 25th, 2023 2:28 am

What a beautiful woman.

Joy Jordan Lee

#16

Jan 15th, 2021 8:54 pm

Mr. George & family,
Prayers for peace.

trip strauss

#15

Dec 10th, 2020 5:44 pm

Dear Davis family

It has been a long time since our football games in your yard (with John terrorizing all of us). I am happy that she shared a long and happy life with you. I will always remember her as the most beautiful mom.

Mary Dee Taylor

#14

Dec 10th, 2020 2:26 pm

My deepest sympathy to George and all the family. Irene was a lovely lady in every respect and I know how deeply her loss will be felt. Although I didn’t see her often in the last few years, it was always a delight when we could be together. Cherish the many wonderful memories of your lives together — they will be important in the days ahead.

Kathleen Wesson

#13

Dec 8th, 2020 11:52 am

Irene has a special place in my heart. I first met her and George when I “babysat” their very young children on Sunset. We discovered that we shared the same birthdate and became lifelong birthday buddies sharing a call or text on our special day and a hug and kiss when we saw each other. About 45 years later we were next to each other on our knees planting pansies at our Master Garden project, Curren Hall, and visiting when she told me her mother was moving to Little Rock soon and she was looking for a small house. We had just prepared my mother-in-law’s house for rent. Dear “Miss Rita” became our first, best and only renter for the rest of her life.
Lives are intertwined mysteriously in the most lovely and meaningful ways. Irene’s
love of her family, the ASO, the AAC and travel were always topics of our interesting discussions. She will be missed by our local community and all those whose lives she touched.
George, family and friends will be held my thoughts and prayers.

Porter Briggs

#12

Dec 7th, 2020 10:48 am

Although I hardly knew Irene, I admired and respected her. I send my condolences to the family from my wife, Diane, and me. Irene was one of a kind. Porter

Phyllis Barrier

#11

Dec 7th, 2020 9:07 am

Irene was a loving and giving woman in many ways. She was assigned as my mentor when I joined the Pulaski County Master Gardener Program in 2004. I always loved running into Irene over the years. She was a warm and friendly person to all. I will miss her.

Susie and Lonnie Burrow

#10

Dec 5th, 2020 9:49 pm

Irene was a customer of ours at Burrow/Mr. Frank’s Optical. She was a special person. We loved her graciousness and gentle spirit. Always a sweetheart.
So sorry to hear of her passing.
She is one that will be missed!

Jean Gordon

Dec 5th, 2020 2:12 pm

I have appreciated so much her support of our local peace organization.

Suzanne .Coulter

Dec 5th, 2020 10:58 am

My deepest sympathy, George, to you and your family. Thinking of you.

Suzanne Coulter

Anne and John Heiselmann

Dec 5th, 2020 8:16 am

Davis Family,
Your mom, grandmother, mother in law wife sounds like a truly remarkable woman. We send our condolences to all of you, especially Wyatt during your time of loss. Best to all of you.
John and Anne Heiselmann - Boise,ID.

Judy Fletcher

Dec 5th, 2020 6:32 am

I was never the same after I met Irene on a trip to France & Greece in 1992. She left an indelible mark, especially on my heart! I love her!

Bob and Jo Ann McQuade

Dec 4th, 2020 9:01 pm

Our heartfelt sympathy is with George and family on their great loss of Irene.
She was loved and cherished my everyone she met.

joanna seibert

Dec 4th, 2020 6:17 pm

Irene and I were in the same EfM group with Peggy Hays, Susan and Ronnie May and Tina Poe and Connie Hollenberg, Dr. Henry, and Susan Gregory. She was the scholar of our class. I will always remember her grace and charm and eagerness to learn. She brightened up our lives in so many ways. Joanna

Becca Carr

Dec 4th, 2020 4:56 pm

Dear George and Family,
I was so saddened to hear about Irene. She was a woman to be admired! Such beauty, grace and personality. Please know that you are in my prayers.
Sincerely,
Becca Carr

Lillian Porter

Dec 4th, 2020 4:00 pm

Irene personified the meaning of her name (from the Greek: peace, peaceful) She was unflappable, focused, and seemed to glide effortlessly through any endeavor she undertook. Everyone who came in contact with her will miss
her kindness, warmth and grace. My heart goes out to her dear family.

david

Dec 3rd, 2020 6:43 pm

this is truly a sad day for me. Irene was a most adventurous woman. climbing mountains and hiking trails beyond my comprehension.
as she was also an anchor for the magnificient 7 at CCLR. i will so miss her.

Leave your Condolence

* Enter verification code

Top