Linda M (Pauley) Davis

Linda Marie (Pauley) Davis was born October 29, 1940, to Clarence and Ruth Bumgardner Pauley. After her father’s tragic murder when she was only 6, she moved with her mother and younger siblings to live with her maternal grandfather, Albert, then later to Bomont with her mother and stepfather, Bruce. Linda grew up in both Kanawha and Clay Counties, and she graduated from Clay County High School in 1958. Linda married Ralph Davis in October 1959 and graduated from Morris Harvey College (now the University of Charleston) with a degree in English. Over many years, she taught English and a variety of other subjects in many schools, including Herbert Hoover High School in Elkview, Clay County High School, and Clay Christian Academy. She also served as Clay County 4-H agent for a number of years, revitalizing the county’s 4-H program.

Linda loved Ralph with her whole heart and was his steadfast companion and support for over 65 years. She loved being a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother to an ever-growing crowd. She would joyfully hold anyone’s baby, and the family was always happy to pass a little one to her for snuggles and a signature red-lip-print from her kisses. She instilled in her family a love of service, reading, puzzles, and murder mysteries.

Linda was a committed, faithful Christian and dedicated many hours of her week to reading her Bible, praying through her extensive prayer list, and serving others in any way she could, whether by cooking meals or lending a listening ear or anything else that was needed.

Linda is preceded in death by her parents; her son, Kerry; and her brother, Darrell Pauley. Left behind are her adoring husband, Ralph; her sister, Barbara (John) Davis of Looneyville, WV; her children Steve (Kim) Davis of Sanford, NC, Ronda (Wallace) Brown of Procious, WV, Rebekah (Dan) Bengston of Chesapeake, VA, and Matthew  Davis (Cassie) of Charleston; her grandchildren Nikki, Sierra, Dominique, Alyssa, Jeremy, Rachel, Josiah, Dominic, Karis, Lukas, Elias, Malachi, and Zion; her great-grandchildren TJ, Emma, Belle, Sammy, Allie, Leo, Violet, Isaac, Hannah, Abigail, Aubrey, Willow, Joanna, and Elijah; and numerous friends who have counted on her wisdom and experience for many years.

Funeral Service will be 12:00 pm on Saturday, July 12, 2025, a visitation for family and friends will be one hour prior to the service from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm at Wilson Smith Funeral Home, Clay, WV with JR Mullins officiating. Burial will follow in the Blue Knob Cemetery, Maysel, WV.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.carlwilsonfuneralhome.com

Wilson Smith Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Davis family.

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