My name is Billy Ray Davis and this obituary is for my loving wife, J-Nell Davis. I chose to write this obituary in order to show the proper respect for her because those that know me can testify that my personality would make it very difficult for me to speak of her in this setting without embarrassing myself. There are not adequate words to describe the wife, mother, grandmother, and friend she was.

J-Nell was born in El Dorado, Arkansas, on June 21st, 1947, the oldest of three daughters, to Rowdell & Lois Snowden. J-Nell was raised with two sisters, Joyce & Lisa, and was preceded in death by both of them and her parents. J-Nell was raised in Alexandria, LA, where she graduated from Bolton High School. She started Louisiana Tech University in the summer of 1965, where we met on a blind date. To say it was love at first sight would not be truthful, but our feelings for each other grew, and we married on August 19th, 1967, at the Baptist Temple Church in Alexandria, LA. We were married for over 57 years.

Our life together may not have been considered newsworthy, but the 57 years we spent together truly amazed me. Like they say, time really does fly when you’re with the one you love. Not only was J-Nell my wife, she was the mother of our three sons and my business partner. She was truly an extraordinary woman.

This summer she was diagnosed with cancer and was under the care of Premier Hospice, whom the family would like to thank for the care they provided to her. We would also like to extend special thanks to Saundra Huey, who has been her companion these past few months. J-Nell passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday January 7th, 2025, surrounded by her family.

J-Nell is survived by me, her husband, Billy Ray Davis; her sons Chris (Christie), Brian (Beth), Matt (Katelyn); grandchildren Brandon (Katie), Savannah (William), Alexis, Madeline, and Andy. She also has two great-granddaughters, Eden & Emery, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Services will be under the direction of Kilpatrick’s Funeral Home. Visitation will be held on Sunday January 12th from 1:30-2:30, and a memorial service will follow at 3:00 in the chapel at Kilpatrick’s. The service will be led by Dr. Chris Craig, pastor of First Baptist Church Ruston, where J-Nell and I have been members for many years. As per her wishes, she will be cremated and her ashes placed at Mineral Springs Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to J-Nell’s favorite charity since 1986, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or a charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be extended to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com

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