Rosa “Linda” Davis was born March 1, 1956, in Tulsa, OK, and unexpectedly departed from this life on January 25, 2023, in Fort Smith, AR, at the age of 66. Linda was the daughter of Eldon and Maria Harper of Tulsa, OK. After Linda graduated from Catoosa High School, she went on to study Elementary Education at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah.
After earning her Bachelor’s in Elementary Education, she began her teaching career at Moffett Elementary School and then retired from Brushy Elementary School in 2018. Soon after retirement, she realized how much she missed the classroom and began substitute teaching for Sallisaw Public Schools and Brushy Elementary School achieving a 30-year career as a teacher. Linda’s passion as a public-school teacher was evident in the communities she served. She shared her wisdom and kindness in the minds of everyone that crossed her path.
Linda would like to let you know that her work here is done. She received a call, a sort of offer you can’t refuse, for an appointment from which she will not be returning. This assignment comes with a huge sign-on bonus, a reunion with family and friends she has not seen in a long time. Job security is exactly 110 percent. Her new mission takes her to a wonderful place where she will be socializing, shopping, teaching, and drinking unsweetened tea with lemon to her heart’s content. Music, laughter, and love are guaranteed. Food is delicious and you never gain an ounce, so you know there’s coconut cream pie, almond joys, and guacamole street tacos on the menu! She left detailed instructions for her husband, children, and grandchildren to celebrate her mission here, which has now been completed. Low adherence to this instruction will not be tolerated.
We want to let her know that she did a magnificent job and wish her a safe journey. We will remember her smile, her warmth, her energy, and her love for life, family, and friends, but also students and colleagues, many of whom over time also became friends. She worked very hard all her life, up until the very end. She made a difference in the lives of so many. We invite you to join us and celebrate together.
Rosa Linda Davis is survived by Henry Davis, her husband, caretaker, and love of many years, who did everything in his power to bring joy to her life. At their home on Brushy Mountain, they devoted their lives to caring for one another and for their family. When Linda began having health problems and was scared to fall asleep at night, Henry would lie next to her holding her hand until she fell asleep. Now that she’s gone, he’s reminded daily how every aspect of their lives was linked and his heart aches to remember every ritual they shared in life.
Rosa Linda Davis is also survived by her 2 daughters Michelle Sutton; and Sally Sutton, both of Sallisaw; by her 2 sons Arnold Sutton, III and his wife, Bobbie Lynn Sutton; and Josh Davis and his wife, Dedra Davis, both of Sallisaw; by her 3 stepsons Wesley Dean Davis; Justin Ed Davis; and Bradley Dwayne Davis and his wife, Donna Davis, ALL of Sallisaw; by her 9 granddaughters Kristy Gabbert and her husband, Travis Gabbert; Rosa Mariah Jackson; Raven Jewell; Cailin Shafer; Gillian Chavez; Josey Beard; Davin-lee Chavez; Alexis Davis; and Jordyn Davis, ALL of Sallisaw; by her 10 grandsons Ricky Jewell and his wife, Rachel Jewell of Tulsa; Justus Beard; Jace Beard; Brayden Davis; Garrett Sutton; Levi Sutton; Aiden Davis; Jayden Davis; Jeffery Davis; and Derek Davis, ALL of Sallisaw; by her 13 great-grandchildren, Hunter Jewell, Blakely Scott, Legacy Jewell, Isabella Rose Marie Buttrey, Asher Jewell, Gentry Scott, Ryeleigh Foster, Jeremy Foster, Brentley Green, Marleigh Smith, McKinley Britton Beard, Killian Foxx Beard, Sebastian Arzate, Jeffery Tyler McElyea, Colton Jo Tubbs, Kody Alan Gabbert, Stormy Davis, Dakota Davis, Hayden Davis, Kennady Davis, Emersyn Davis; by her brothers, Eldon Harper; Johnny Harper; Tony Harper; and Alex Fernandez, ALL of Tulsa; by her sisters, Dotti Cervantes and husband, Phil Cervantes of Tulsa; Ellen Risk of Jenks; Janey Harrison and husband Mark Harrison of Broken Arrow; and Angel Ingley and husband, Chris Ingley of Jenks; and other family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Eldon and Maria Harper; brother, Sherman Harper; and sister, Maria, all of Tulsa; by her stepson, Jeffery Henry Davis; by her grandson, Cayden Davis; and by her great-granddaughter, BradLeigh Renee’ Davis.
Pallbearers will be Brayden Davis, Jace Beard, Ricky Jewell, Justus Beard, Levi Sutton, and Garrett Sutton.
Memorial services will be held at Forever Memories (463505 Highway 101 Sallisaw, OK 74955). There will be a visitation held on Wednesday, February 1 from 4:00 – 8:00 pm. The funeral will be Thursday, February 2 at 1:00 pm followed by burial at Brushy Cemetery and followed by a life celebration at Brushy Church.
