Oleta Collins Davis

Oleta Collins Davis, 99, of Ashburn, VA, passed away Tuesday May 17, 2022. She was born January 17, 1923, in Lockney, West Virginia, daughter of the late Albert Bernard Collins and Ida Moore Collins.  She was one of five siblings and was preceded in death by brother Fell Collins, and sisters Madge Hardman, Merdain Breames, and Mildred Whyte.

Oleta was educated in Gilmer County, West Virginia, graduating from Normantown High School in 1940. She attended West Virginia University earning a degree in elementary education. While at college she met her future husband, Robert Leroy Davis, son of the late John William Davis and Edna Goff Davis, also of Gilmer County.  Married for fifty years, Oleta and Robert had two children, Roberta Leigh Davis and William Goff Davis.

Oleta was passionate about education and began her teaching career at the Chestnut Lick one room schoolhouse in Gilmer County. She then taught elementary school for 29 years in New Castle County, Delaware public schools where her husband became a school principal. The couple retired to Naples, Florida and spent their leisure time traveling and enjoying the beach until Robert's death in 1992. While in Florida, Oleta was active in volunteer groups and was a member of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) and the Delta Kappa Gamma Society. As a widow she traveled with her best friend and fellow teacher Margaret Hull.  Birds of a feather, Oleta and Margaret ventured to many destinations together from Auckland to St. Petersburg.

Oleta enjoyed meeting new people and socializing with friends and family. She was a fiercely competitive bridge player and loved a good dessert, especially authentic Florida key lime pie. Oleta moved to Ashburn, Virginia in 2008 to be closer to family.  While a resident at Ashby Ponds retirement community she made many friends and was able to frequently spend time with her great grandchildren. She sent cards and letters for as long as she was able and enjoyed corresponding with her nieces, nephews, and friends.

Oleta is survived by her daughter and son in law Roberta and Tom Shafer, her grandchildren, Suzanne St. John, William Goff Davis Jr., and Emily Davis, and her great grandchildren, Jack and Lily St. John.  She was preceded in death by her son, William Goff Davis and daughter in law, Janice Holmes Davis.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Capital Caring Health (Hospice) 3180 Fairview Park Dr., Ste 500, Falls Church, VA.

https://www.capitalcaring.org/get-help/our-services/hospice/