Doris Annette Davis Qualls

Doris Annette Qualls, revered as a pillar of strength, bravery, and unyielding positivity, went to heaven on November 22nd, 2024. 

 Annette was born on February 25th, 1941 to Olan Albert Davis and Lee Elizabeth (Stephens) Davis, in Mercedes, TX. Annette was known for her warmth, generosity, and the undeniably loving spirit she brought into the world.

 Annette will be lovingly remembered by her beloved children, Stephanie (Qualls) Day, her husband Michael and son Nathan, of Franklin, TN. Her son Scott Qualls, his wife Jill and their children Katie and Justin of Springhill, TN and Jessica Wright, her husband John and their three children, Presley, Marley and Townes, of Murfreesboro, TN. Her daughter Susan Qualls of Memphis,TN. Her sister Marilyn (Davis) Williams of Nashville, TN and her brother Mark Davis of Lebanon, TN. In addition to many cousins, nieces and nephews. 

 She is preceded in death by her mother, Elizabeth Davis, her father Olan Davis, her husband Robert Qualls, along with many other loved ones. 

 One of the biggest thrills of her life occurred while she was a student at Harding University, in Searcy, AR. She was selected to be an Ambassador as a member of the Belles and Beaux, a singing ensemble. They were the very first group of students to represent the university on an overseas tour. She made the long trip to Hawaii, Japan and many other countries throughout Asia, with the highlight being a visit to the DMZ, which is the border between North and South Korea. She vividly remembered seeing the North Korean military, with their machines guns drawn, never taking their eyes off of her or the other students, which she found both scary and thrilling at the same time! 

 Her next adventure began when she married her beloved husband , Robert Dean Qualls, in 1961, in Searcy, AR. They first lived in Memphis, TN then moved to Winona, MN, working with a church there, in addition to serving as foster parents. For over four years Robert and Annette served as missionaries in the West African nation of Cameroon. Whatever challenges were faced, Annette never wavered in her compassion for others. She continued to support her family and extend a helping hand to anyone in need. While there she assisted women with childcare, women’s health, and taught countless hours of Bible lessons to women and children. 

 After returning to the United States, they worked with churches in Oak Ridge, TN, Chattanooga, TN and then in 1981 moved to Memphis, TN where she continued as a minsters wife at Holmes Rd Church of Christ. She then spent the next three decades as an elementary school teacher, working in both private and inner city schools and several years at the children’s psychiatric unit at St. Joseph Hospital. 

 In addition to her worldwide travels, being a wife, mother and teacher at the top of her list. She was also a life long learner, voracious reader, wonderful hostess and cook, music lover, a talented seamstress, gardener and adored playing with her sweet little pup Charlotte! Laughing with her beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren brought her immense joy! 

 After moving to Franklin, TN in 2014 and living with her daughter Stephanie Qualls Day and husband Michael, her remaining few years were met with the overwhelming challenges of dementia. However, she never wavered in her hopeful outlook on life, nor altered her sweet disposition. In her last final months, she was assisted and comforted by her caregiver, Rhonda Ann Collins, who brought her both joy and laughter, along with the amazing staff of Amedisys Hospice. They are the true angels of the medical field and made even the simplest request an expeditious priority. 

 The funeral for Annette will take place on November 26th, 2024, at 1pm at Williamson Memorial in Franklin TN. It will be a private service for the family. In lieu of flowers, a contribution can be made to the African Christian Hospitals at ihcf.net, in Searcy, AR or the Alzheimer's Association.

Annette’s loss is deeply felt by her entire family and all those who knew and loved her. Her memory will continue to live on through her children, grand children and great grandchildren and inspire strength, humility and generosity in those whose lives she touched. We are looking forward to living and laughing with her for eternity. 

Graveside service will be held 1:00PM Tuesday, November 26, 2024 at Williamson Memorial Gardens.