Shirley Davis, born April 9, 1938, passed away in the early morning hours of January 3, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of courage, adventure, and deep devotion to those she loved.

Originally from Arkansas, Shirley moved with her family at the age of eight and grew up in the Sailboat Bend neighborhood along the New River with her brothers, Roy and Dewitt. As a teenager, she met and married the love of her life, Russell Davis, in 1956.

Shirley and Russell both earned their pilot licenses, but it was Shirley who truly embraced the skies. She competed in the Angel Derby Races, an experience that marked some of the greatest adventures of her life. She was a proud member of the Ninety-Nines and the Grasshoppers for many years, where she formed lifelong friendships with fellow female aviators and helped pave the way for women in aviation.

She was a devoted mother to her two sons, Mark Caldwell Davis and Bret Reed Davis, instilling in them a love of travel and a fearless sense of adventure. When her sons married and welcomed children of their own, Shirley was elated. On the day her first grandchild was born, she famously "flew" her Corvette from Pompano to Key West in record time to meet him.

Shirley will be remembered as a strong, brave, and adventurous woman, balanced by a tender heart. She held an unwavering love for her family, her friends, and the freedom she found in flight. Her life was one well lived, guided by independence, connection, and an unrelenting joy for adventure.

She is survived by her sons, Mark and Bret; her daughters-in-law, Sandi and Kathy; and her grandchildren Christopher, Michael (married to Amelia Davis), Meagan (married to Ramon) and Wade.