Carolyn J. Davis

Carolyn Joan Davis, 86, of Knoxville, Illinois, died peacefully at home, Sunday, September 20, 2026 at 2:25 a.m.

Carolyn was born May 8, 1940 in Galesburg, the daughter of Marvin Arthur and Helen Christine (Leafgreen) Peterson. She graduated from Valley High School in Fairview, Illinois and attended Western Illinois University. Carolyn went on to marry Ralph S. Davis and together had two children. They later divorced.

Carolyn is survived by her children, Mark (Jill) Davis and Lisa (Andrew) Franey, both of Knoxville; and a sister-in-law, Judy Peterson of Galesburg. Carolyn also leaves behind her beloved five grandchildren, Derek Davis, Grant (Diana) Davis, Ryan (Manik) Franey, Adam (Nicole) Franey, and Lindsay (David) Johnson; and her adored nine great grandchildren, Wesley, Nairi, Armen, Sosi, Finnegan, Callum, Rory, Sam, and Brooks. Along with her parents, Carolyn was preceded in death by her brother, Milt Peterson.

Carolyn’s professional career included spending 21 years working as an optical assistant at Cannon and Holland Optical in Galesburg and later working for 17 years in the records department at Bridgeway, prior to retiring.

For Carolyn, Family always came first. She loved being surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. A deeply loving person, she never met a stranger and had a lot of friends. Carolyn always dreamed of being a teacher. She enjoyed teaching her family anything she could. A fiercely strong and independent woman, Carolyn always took care of her home and loved being on her riding mower tending to her yard. She was a good listener, gave great advice, and loved traveling with her family. Carolyn was a faithful St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan. Her tenacity showed as she valiantly battled cancer for over 10 years.

Private family services will be held. Burial will be with her family at Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens, Galesburg, Illinois. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorial contributions may be directed to M.D. Anderson at www.gifts.mdanderson.org. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.