Barbara Lorene Davis

Barbara Lorene (Berend) Davis, 79, of Lakeland, Florida, passed peacefully on February 22, 2025. She was born on September 4, 1945, in LaGrange Park, Illinois, to Bob and Lorene Berend. She graduated from the University of Kentucky in 1967 with a degree in education. Barb spent many years volunteering at Philip O’Brian Elementary (Lime Street Elementary) before she began teaching 5th and 3rd grades from 1987-2008. 

Barb was the devoted wife of Ben Davis, with whom she shared 58 years of love and happiness. She was a loving mother to Robbie (Joy) Davis, Christy (Todd) Schraw, and Cindy (Tony) Kohl, and a proud grandmother to Perry, Luci, and Susie Davis, Maggie and Jack Schraw, and Ashley, Will, Chase, and Max Wallace, as well as her great-granddaughter, Luna Schraw. She is also survived by her brother John (Sharon) Berend and sister-in-law Melissa (CB) Baize, as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family whom she adored. 

Barb was a friend to all, always eager to help others, and her kindness touched everyone she met. She had a great love for gardening and spent many happy hours nurturing her yard and flowers. She also treasured time spent with her family and friends, always finding joy in the simple moments and in being together with those she loved.

A funeral service will be held on March 1, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, Lakeland, FL. A reception in her honor will follow in the gardens of the church after the service. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine where she spent many years volunteering her time following her retirement or First Presbyterian Church where she was a faithful member from 1979 until her passing. 

Barb’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved her. Her warmth, generosity, and love for life will be missed by everyone who knew her.