Ruth Burbage Davis, 89, longtime resident of Courtland, VA, died peacefully, surrounded by family on Saturday, January 15, 2011, at Rockingham Memorial Hospital, Harrisonburg, VA.

Mrs. Davis was born in Hertford Co., NC on March 7, 1921. She was the daughter of the late Samuel Thomas and Sadie Jordan Burbage.

Mrs. Davis studied nursing at Raiford Memorial Hospital in Franklin, VA and was a member of the first graduating class of Southampton Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, Franklin, VA. She worked as a private duty nurse most of her career. She was a member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and was active in the altar guild and the Episcopal Church Women. She was also a member of the Southampton County Historical Society.

On December 8, 1942, she married Paul Beamon Davis, Sr., who preceded her in death.

She is survived by sons, Paul B. Davis, Jr., and wife Patricia of Richmond, and Robert Winborne Davis of Courtland; daughters, Dr. Karlie D. Walker of Virginia Beach and Carolyn D. Alford, and husband, Bob, of Dayton, VA; eight grandchildren; six great grandchildren; a great-great grandson; a sister, Myra D. Simmons of Chester, VA; a brother, S.T. Burbage of Como, NC; and a number of nieces and nephews and extended family.

The family will receive friends at the home of Bob and Carolyn Alford, High Meadow, 4676 Linhoss Rd, Dayton, VA from 6 – 9pm on Monday evening January 17, 2011. In the event of inclement weather, the family will receive friends on Wednesday from 6 – 9pm at the home in Dayton.

A memorial service will be held at 2 o’clock Saturday afternoon, January 22, 2011 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Courtland. The family will receive friends following the service in the Church Parish Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Southampton County Historical Society, P.O. Box 112, Courtland, VA 23837.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.kygers.com.