Margaret Louise "Peggy" Davis

Margaret Louise “Peggy” Davis, age 100, of Lacombe Louisiana passed peacefully in her home on Wednesday, October 14, 2026. She was born on October 9, 1926, in New Orleans, Louisiana, the daughter of Leslie Tanner and Sofie Guarady. Peggy graduated from Holy Name of Jesus School in New Orleans. She then attended Loyola University of New Orleans during World War II.

Peggy first visited the Northshore of Lake Pontchartrain as a 12-year-old with her family on summer trips away from the city. It was Lacombe, though she did not know it yet, where she would meet the love of her life and beyond. Following a courtship and four years of letters during the war, she married William Henry Davis, Jr. on January 19th, 1946.

Her life with him was a journey together; a journey of love, determination, and commitment. Together with Billy, it was home making, house building, children raising, sawmills, strawberry farming, shrimping, oystering, and grandchildren raising. During her life, she prevailed over the sisters of fury: Betsy, Camille, Katrina, Ida, overcame polio, and was a breast cancer survivor. She would attest her century of health of body to the physical work on the shrimp boat and the strawberry farm. Her mind was sharp, providing counseling to many over the years. Her most honored and gratifying work was as a voice for children as a Court Appointed Special Advocate. She loved children. As a portrait artist, she worked with oil and painted beautiful scenes, boats, and family members. The songs of Jim Oertling and Merle Haggard would play in the background while she assembled puzzles, and the aroma of coffee and chicory filled the air. She loved her family and supported all with spiritual advice, wisdom, and a refuge. She loved the simple life. Oh, the world she saw change from her childhood in the Great Depression to her twilight at the dawn of artificial intelligence. She loved Lacombe, and throughout her time with us, it was again Lacombe, that was Maw Maw’s resting place, where the wounds of life were mended and healed.

She is survived by her sister, Merryl Piper Houston Tx.; daughter, Merryl Cathcart of Slidell, La.; two sons, Joseph Davis of Cambridge, Ne., Paul Davis of Bay St. Louis, Ms.; twelve grandchildren, James Oertling of Slidell, La., David Oertling (Rachel) of Russellville, Ar., Laura Oertling (Billy) of Slidell, La., Dr. Kenneth Oertling (Kelli) of Des Allemands, La., Jeff Oertling (Andrea) of Lacombe, La., John Gary Oertling of Lacombe, La., Jason Oertling (Michelle) of Slidell, La., Jenny Davis (Richard) of Cambridge, Ne., Amanda Warren (Joel) of Covington, La., Greg Davis (Rebecca) of Covington, La., Zachary French of Bogue Chitto, Ms. and Sarah Davis of Kiln, Ms. Peggy is also survived by numerous great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, cousins, extended family, and life-long friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Billy Davis, and brother Leslie Tanner, Jr.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your own personal charity. In loving memory, your family, friends, and fellow free thinkers.

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Visitation and Funeral Service at HONAKER FUNERAL HOME, 1751 GAUSE Blvd. WEST (IN FOREST LAWN CEMETERY), Slidell, LA on Friday, October 23, 2026. Visitation will begin at 1:00 P.M. and immediately followed by the service at 3:00 P.M.

Interment to follow in FOREST LAWN CEMETERY.

Arrangements by Honaker Funeral Home, Inc., Slidell, LA.