Our beloved Jill passed away on September 29, 2024, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's. Jill's life began on August 19, 1953, in Temple, Texas.  She graduated from Brazoswood High School in 1971 where she met her high school sweetheart and lifelong love, John Davidson.  She attended the University of Texas and then transferred to Stephen F. Austin with John.  Jill graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing in 1975.  She received her master's degree in counseling from Sam Houston State in 1984.

John and Jill were married on December 26, 1971, in Austin, TX.  They moved to Conroe soon after college where they started their family before settling in Livingston in 1981.  Jill enjoyed a long career in public school counseling.

John and Jill raised two wonderful boys, Ben and Paul.  They enjoyed time at the ball field, ski trips, golf courses and church camp at Lakeview.

Jill was preceded in death by her parents, James Travis Coleman, and Dorothy McDaniel.  She is survived by her husband, John W. Davidson, sons Ben Davidson and wife Shelley of Livingston and Paul Davidson and wife Kelly of Kingwood.  She is also survived by the lights of her life, her grandchildren, Blake Davidson, Drew Davidson, Caitlin Davidson, and Ainsley Davidson.

Jill is also survived by her sister Sammie Kenyon and husband Ben of Edmond, Oklahoma and sister-in-law Julie Davidson Sabrsula and husband Dr. Irvin Sabrsula of Bryan.  She is survived by her niece, Anne Byrd and husband Tom, niece Emily Klein, niece Erin Underwood and husband JT, nephew Scott Sabrsula and wife Brooke and nephew Danny Sabrsula and wife Trish.  She is also survived by numerous great nephews and nieces.

Jill had a sweet and gentle spirit.  She had many close friendships that she tenderly nurtured over the years.  She was a natural encourager to her family, friends, co-workers, and the countless children she taught and counseled with compassion and integrity. Her door was always open, and she always made time for anyone who needed her attention or advice.  Her career was dedicated to the children for whom she had limitless love and empathy.

When Jill wasn't working, she was always up for a road trip.  She knew how to shop and where to find the bargains.  She was always fun to travel with because of her laid-back brand of spontaneity.  A "razoo" off the beaten path was a feature of every trip.  She could talk and listen for miles and miles and go deep on many subjects.

Graciousness was a defining characteristic of how she conducted herself in all situations and settings.  Jill was truly a lady in the most Southern sense of the word.  She will be missed by many and remembered with love.

The family extends the warmest thank you to the wonderful and caring people at Gentiva Hospice. Their care and love was helpful during these times.

A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, October 3rd at First Methodist Church, Livingston.  Visitation will be held at 10:00 with the service to follow at 11:00.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to First Methodist Church of Livingston, the Livingston ISD Green and White Scholarship Program or to the House of Mary in Livingston.