In Memoriam

 

Shelia Bogan-Davidson
Shelia Bogan-Davidson
Class of 1965
 

 

PORTSMOUTH - Sheila Bogan Davidson, 63, passed away, surrounded by the love of her family and friends Thursday, April 14, 2011. She was born in Portsmouth, grew up in Cradock, and was a proud graduate of Cradock High School, Class of 1965. A devoted Navy wife, she left Portsmouth to follow her husband, Paul to stations in the Philippines and California, before returning to Portsmouth, where they raised their family and enjoyed their retirement. Sheila was well-known for her great hugs and her ability to make everyone feel welcome in her home and a part of her family. The "cool mom" on the block, her home was where you could often find her children's friends. She enjoyed sewing, and it gave her great pleasure to sew for others. For the last 20 years, she had been interested in genealogy and researching both her and Paul's family trees. She loved the challenge of finding distant ancestors and the thrill of discovering new leads and old records. She was an original planner of the first annual Davidson family reunion, held in Whitwell, Tenn. Sheila and Paul made many trips to his home state of Tennessee, several each year since his retirement. She loved her Tennessee family and was well-loved in return. In recent years, she joined Paul as a loyal supporter of the Tennessee Vols sports teams. Sheila was an essential part of family gatherings - always in the center of the action, helping to plan, and doing a lot of cooking. Her veggie bites were legendary, and no cookout was complete without her potato salad. She was a force of nature, and she will be missed beyond measure by all those who had the good fortune to be touched by her spirit and warmed by her smile. She is survived by her husband, Paul D. Davidson Jr.; her daughter, Paula M. Davidson and husband Torkell Tagseth; her son, Michael Davidson; her sister, Rosalie Bogan-Poudré and husband Les Poudré; her aunt, Elaine Cattenhead; cousins, Charles O'Sheilds, David O'Shields, Vivian Bizzell, W.E. Cattenhead, Bryan Cattenhead; her best friends of 50 years, Peggy and Jimmy Duckwall; her cat, Foof, and three "grandcats," Auzzie, Lovebug and Onyx; nieces, nephews, and a large, loving extended family. She was predeceased by her father, Bert A. Bogan; mother, Cora Price Bogan; and sister, Jacqueline R. Bogan. The family wants to thank the hard-working, compassionate doctors, nurses, and staff of Sentara Leigh Hospital, Norfolk, especially those in the ICU, for everything they did for Sheila. She found comfort and care in your capable hands. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, April 22, in Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel, by the Rev. Jimmy Steel. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation in her honor to the charity of your choice. Condolences can be made at www.sturtevantfuneralhome.com .

Published in The Virginian Pilot on April 17, 2011