Lola Davis Edwards

Lola Ann Zimmerman Davis Edwards passed away October 24, 2023 at the age of 100. Born on February 24, 1923 in Springfield, Ohio to Joseph and Ida Zimmerman, she grew up in Plain City, Ohio. She was the third of four children to survive to adulthood. After graduating from Plain City High School in 1941, she entered the Mt. Carmel School of Nursing. She started in September, 1941. After the bombing at Pearl Harbor, her student training days took on more responsibilities as many registered nurses entered the services. She graduated in 1944 and worked at Mt. Carmel hospital for about 6 months. In early 1945, she entered the Army as a surgical nurse. She was stationed at the Green Brier Army Hospital, WV where cutting edge surgery was being taught and performed. Late in 1945, at the end of WWII, she volunteered to be a part of the Army of the Occupation. Landing in Le Harve, France on Christmas Day, 1945, she was stationed at the 239 General Hospital in Paris. While there, she witnessed the relighting of the Arc De Triomphe. Late October 1946, she was discharged from the Army and returned to Columbus, OH to work in surgery at Mt. Carmel Hospital. She met Dr. Mel Davis, a Navy veteran doing a pathology residency soon after, and on June 28, 1947, they were married at First Congregational Church. They went on to have nine children; Tamzan Ann (Lou) Varga, Amanda Sue (Vic) Ryan, Candace Kay (Eric) Greene, Mellar Pilgrim (Deborah Doan) Davis, Sarah Jane (Richard) Early, Rebecca Lou (Larry) Williams, Gretchen Lee (Tom) Hoover, Robert Peter (Martine Pfeffer) Davis, and Michael Powell (Jeanie Kelly) Davis, 26 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren. Lola, affectionately called Zimmy (a nickname from Mel) by family and close friends, was married to Mel until his death on September 15, 1997 (50 years). Three years later, Lola married William Edwards, an acquaintance from her very early days at Mt. Carmel and a widower. They were married until his death on April 26, 2015. Lola was a 3 lb. premature baby, a busy child and always a feisty lady. She managed a household with 9 children. She was very involved at First Congregational Church serving as one of the early female deacons, a member of the house and grounds committee, and with two friends, starting the Pretiola Shop, which sold fair trade goods that operated until 1999. She enjoyed sewing, making clothes and other items including costumes for the annual Christmas pageant at First Church. Zimmy also was a founding member and president of the Auxiliary of the American Society of Clinical Scientists, an organization in which Mel was an active member. Mel and Zimmy loved to travel, both stateside and abroad, and were able to do so as their children left the home. Zimmy always loved art and was also an avid reader. Together, she and Mel taught their children to appreciate learning, no matter the subject, and to do their best, no matter the job. They also taught their children to respect the dignity of a person for who they are, not by their race, religion, sexual orientation or social standing. Above all, Zimmy was devoted to her family. She remembered her grandchildren with cards and gifts. She was always willing to care for grandchildren when their parents needed the assistance. She loved the babies, whether they be her own, her grandchildren or great-grandchildren. As the family grew, she especially loved all the gatherings of the boisterous Davis Clan. The family thanks all the staff at Primrose Senior Living for their wonderful care of Lola, and the staff of Fairhope Hospice staff, especially Heather. A Memorial service will be held at First Congregational Church on November 18, 2023 at 2PM. Caring cremation by Rutherford- Corbin Funeral Home has taken place and a private burial is being planned. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Lola’s name should be sent to First Congregational Church, 444 E. Broad St. Columbus, Ohio 43215 or Fairhope Hospice, 282 Sells Rd. Lancaster, Ohio 43130.

Lola Davis Edwards

February 24, 1923 - October 24, 2023