It was a bright Monday morning in April, 1944 when April Lynnette Davies joined her parents, Bob and June (Lewis) Davies, as their first child. She arrived soon after their 2nd anniversary and was beautiful.  It was the Golden Age of movies in Los Angeles and they called her their little “Betty Grable.” 

 

Lynnette missed most of her baby milestones and June took her to clinics in L.A. to find answers. Lynnette was later diagnosed with cerebral palsy, from anoxia at birth. The doctors believed it had been caused by her umbilical cord being tightly wound around her neck, likely during the first trimester.  June and Bob were told that Lynnette would never be potty trained and walk. along with a whole list of other physical and mental disabilities. The young parents were advised to place her in an institution and forget her.

 

But they did not. Her maternal grandmother, Elcy Lewis, taught her to walk using a broomstick handle to lead Lynne around the house.  Elcy read and sang endlessly, and Lynne began to learn to count and say her ABCs.  Endless reading and learning activities led Lynnette to ultimately read and recite nursery rhymes and Mother Goose stories.  And she gradually learned to walk without any devices.

This is the world we other children were born into and our reality. We became her protectors, teachers and best friends.  She became our “little sister,” and taught us patience. She loved kittens and puppies, bunnies and chickens, and from a distance, our horses and pony. 

She impacted each of us profoundly, teaching us tolerance of others, especially those who were different.  She loved babies and was involved with many nieces and nephews, as well as church little ones for many years. She had many friends whom she called every day once she got a cell phone.

Lynne could be a firecracker when she wanted. Look out for that temper!

She lived with our parents until their deaths, then lived with siblings until her medical issues became more extreme. She enjoyed living in an assisted living home, in her own “apartment” for 10 years until she needed nursing care her last year of life.

Throughout her adult life, she was a devoted student of Bob Ross’s TV art classes and gifted us all with her masterpieces. She even had a small gallery wall of her artwork in a store in L.A.   

Lynne learned to “swim” later in life, of which she was very proud, despite her fear of water. She learned to knit and crochet, skills she also gifted us with items she had made for us and our kids. She was an avid Denver Broncos fan, likely because of Dad, and proudly displayed her ENTIRE regalia at every home game. (Yes, she would get mad if they lost!)  

Lynne was release from this life on Wednesday, December 7, 2022 to return to God to fulfill her eternal purpose. 

We, Beverly, (Mark), Vicki (Kirk), Andy (Barb), and David (Mary) will hold her tightly in our hearts for as long as we live, remembering our dear sister. God speed, lovely Lynnette.