Obituary of Leona Davis

Leona C. Davis, 94, of Cortland, NY went to be with her lord and savior on Friday, August 19, 2022. She was born December 23, 1927 in Springfield, Mass to the late Irene Hurley and Donald Riley. Irene moved to the Cortland area where Leona was raised. Leona graduated from Groton High School. Leona married the love of her life, Harry N. Davis on June 6, 1948 in the United Presbyterian Church, Cortland, NY. Leona and Harry’s dream was to have a big house and fill it with children. The homestead was 39 N. Church Street and together they had five children; a son Jeffrey and four daughters, Judy, Janet, Joan, and Jaye. They were married for 59 years. When her children were grown, Leona managed the hat and wig department at Wiltsies Department Store on main street, Cortland and later, the Barbara Moss fashion store for 20 years until 1991. She worked at K & H Motor Sports in Little York into her eighties. Leona was involved as a volunteer in the art scene when CRT, the 1890 House and the Cortland Art league were getting started. She was a former member of Beta Chi Eta, Hospital Aid, Republican Woman and Town & Country Garden Club. She was also a member of the Cortland Senior Club, Cortland Senior Center Council, V.F.W, Kings Daughters and the United Presbyterian Church. Leona loved to travel, which she and Harry did on weekends. They were either at an art show, exploring the beautiful sites of the East Coast or at the beach. She loved to read mysteries, watch Yankee baseball, swim, do puzzles and play cards. Leona loved the movies of her young adulthood and watched the TCM channel endlessly. Her family will remember her as a loving devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Her friends will remember her as kind, giving, funny and full of life. She is survived by her children, Janet L. (Jack) Latone, Joan L. (Michael) Niswender and Jaye L. Hale; her grandchildren Justin Latone, Jeffrey Niswender, Andrew Fiorentini, Paul Fedele, and Daniel Hale; her great grandchildren, Davis Latone, Oliver Latone, Andrew Fiorentini and Gia Niswender; cousin Patrica (William) Holmstrom, nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her husband, Harry N. Davis, son, Jeffrey L. Davis. Daughter, Judith L. Davis, and son-in-law James Hale. A celebration of Leona’s life will be held at the United Presbyterian Church of Cortland on Friday, August 26, 2022. The family will receive friends at the church from 12:30 to 2pm with a service to follow at 2pm. Burial will be at the Cortland Rural Cemetery and will be a private family affair. The Wright-Beard Funeral Home of Cortland, is serving the the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Cortland Art league, or United Presbyterian Church. To offer online condolences, please visit www.wright-beard.com