Beatrice "Bea" Davis

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Beatrice (“Bea”) Davis, who peacefully left this life on October 3, 2024, at her cherished long time residence in Oakwood, Ohio. Born on November 2, 1928, in Boston, MA, Bea was the daughter of Vasilios and Sophia Coulouris, both Greek immigrants. Bea grew up in a large family, one of six children. As a child, she enjoyed sewing and embroidery. She also developed passions for reading, theatre and art.

 Bea graduated from Arlington High School in Boston before pursuing a bachelor’s degree in speech therapy from Emerson College. After relocating to San Diego, CA, she met the love of her life, Nick Davis, a Naval officer on a blind date. As fate would have it, Nick was also Greek. They were married in Boston in 1953 and settled in Nick’s hometown of Dayton, Ohio. Bea and Nick raised three rambunctious children, Diana, Sophia, and Nick, Jr., in a lively, loving environment. The family developed vacation traditions, including many trips to Clearwater Beach, Cape Cod, and one very long road trip to California in the giant family green station wagon, lovingly referred to as the “Steamship Chrysler.”

 In addition to raising her children, Bea’s early years involved working as a model for the old Rike’s department store in downtown Dayton. She later pursued a lengthy career as a dedicated public servant working for Montgomery County serving individuals with developmental disabilities.

 Bea was always a thespian at heart. In college, she dreamed of being an actress for her profession. Although she eventually chose a different career path, she was able to pursue her passion by performing in numerous local theatrical productions. Bea and Nick loved going to the theatre and for many years had season tickets to the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, the Loft Theatre, the Theatre Guild and Wright State.

 Bea had a true appreciation for art and loved to volunteer to share her insights. To that end, she proudly served as a docent for the Dayton Art Institute. 

 Bea and Nick were world travelers and met many new friends from around the globe as members of the Friendship Force and Elderhostel. They had many fabulous trips. One of Bea’s favorites was a trip to Kenya including safari adventure with a hot air balloon ride.

 Bea was a staunch Democrat and an unapologetic Boston liberal. She cherished her monthly luncheons with the “Lovely Liberal Ladies.” She was also active for many years with the League of Women Voters.

 Bea was a voracious reader. She met some of her dearest friends in a reading group that spanned 50 years and 1000s of books.

 Bea and Nick were also deeply devoted to the Greek Orthodox Church. She served as both a member and president of the Philoptochos.

 She was proceeded in death by her parents, Vasilios and Sophia Coulouris, her siblings, John, Anna, Edith, Eleanor, Charles, her dear husband Nick “Papou” and her daughter Sophia. 

Bea “Yia Yia” is survived by her daughter, Diana Miller, son, Nick Davis, Jr., granddaughters, Brooke Sawyer(Ben) and Sophia Davis, as well as numerous loving cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

 Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 13, 2024, at Routsong Funeral Home in Centerville, Ohio (81 N. Main St.) from 1:00pm – 3:00pm, with Trisagion prayers commencing at 1:00pm. A funeral service to celebrate Bea’s life will take place on Monday, October 14, 2024, at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church (500 Belmont Park North, Dayton, Ohio) at 10:00am.

 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church or the Dayton Art Institute.