Keshia Nicolle Davis

Keshia Nicolle Davis, 26, of Merriam, Kansas, formerly of Parsons, died suddenly and unexpectedly at 10:45 p.m., Sunday, November 7, 2010, at Shawnee Mission Medical Center.
She was born in Parsons, Kansas, on November 2, 1984, the beloved daughter of Dr. Kathleen Michelle (Bixler) Davis and Gary Lee Davis.
During her short but remarkable time, Keshia touched the lives of so many people. She was regarded by all who knew and loved her as a bright shining star on Earth with a remarkable wit and keen insight and empathy towards others. Keshia was a young woman whose outside beauty was only over shadowed by her inner kindness and gentleness towards others. Her dazzling smile and huge heart will be so greatly missed. She was the first one to offer up hugs when needed. Her presence always created an environment that all cherished–unselfish, caring, striving. Keshia exemplified all that was good and decent in life. Kindness, faith, joy, hard work, acceptance, patience, and being one’s best: this was Keshia. She taught us that even though life throws obstacles at us, we can rise above that and make the world and ourselves better–she influenced all who met her. Her beautiful eyes will never be forgotten and she along with her love will always be treasured. With Keshia’s tragic passing we lost a very bright, young woman with years of promise ahead of her.
Keshia was loved by so many, and was our princess. She is cherished by her life-partner Ferrin Caldwell. Keshia is missed by her close circle of friends Shelley (Segura) Thomas, Jenna Petty, Leslie Chappelle and her twin cousin Shenee Davis. Keshia was inspiring and supportive, with ease one could come to her and talk about anything, for she never carried grudges or judgments. With strength and determination she would make one realize their own self worth, allowing people to see the immense and desirable love she stored within. Keshia brought positive energy in the worst of time with her presence. She had a magnetic personality and a striking aura. With one look in her eyes every one could see this phenomenal woman that graced this world with admiration. She fought intensely against social injustices, and was the first to speak out against hate, prejudices, or wrongdoings. Cherished by all who knew her, she brought great joy and happiness to those who encountered her. Knowing and sharing days with her was a great pleasure and honor. Her mother loved her with all her heart, for she was the most wonderful, beautiful, truly magnificent daughter in the world. She filled her mother with great pride and admiration, bringing her immense joy and fulfillment. Keshia was a ray of sunshine, who filled our days with love, smiles, joy, knowledge, and true delight.
Keshia experienced many accomplishments that brought her joy. She was the vision of what a good person and a good student could be. This vision was exemplified every time one experienced Keshia’s love. While attending Bishop Seabury Academy in Lawrence, Kansas, she was recognized as the school’s top performing student for the entire school body for four consecutive years with the Marian & Ray Wilbur Award, and was also the Valedictorian of her class. Over her brief time here, she received countless awards including being a member of the National Honor Society, Who’s Who, a Kansas Honor Student, and earned the Kansas Government Achievement Award being recognized by Governor Kathleen Sebelius. Upon graduation and with many academic offers and choices she accepted a full academic scholarship to Smith College in North Hampton, Massachusetts. She also attended the Midwest Institute of Natural Healing and Johnson County Community College in Kansas where she was active in several organizations. She was recently planning to become an exchange student in the Dominican Republic. Currently a student, she held various positions, including ones at health and wellness centers, public service, but her favorite was as a coffee barista at Latte Land and Starbucks. Keshia was a deeply reflective young woman with a bright and beautiful soul. She had a knack for language, being fluent in French and partially fluent in Latin and Spanish. Keshia enjoyed travel and her travels took her to France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and to over 25 states. She was an avid reader and was greatly interested in holistic nutrition, health and spiritual healing. She loved caring for plants, creating beautiful pieces of art, performing and being a part of the theater. She loved listening to live Jazz and spoken word performances. She practiced Yoga, Tae Kwon Do, Meditation, and Dance.
All who knew her experienced great joy, love, and a deep sense of loss upon her tragic and untimely passing. They find comfort in knowing that she was called home for greater works. Her magnificent spirit will continue to be felt by all who have known and loved her.
Keshia is survived by her mother, Kathleen Davis, Parsons, KS; life-partner, Ferrin Caldwell, Merriam, KS; grandmother, Barbara Cunningham, Parsons, KS; uncle Mark Bixler, Lawrence, KS; brothers, Gary Davis, Jr. (son-Juwan), Carthage, MO; Maurice Davis and wife, Lori, (daughters-Madison, MeKenna, and Meghan), Frontenac, KS; godmother, Dana Tombs, Kansas City, MO; aunt, Diane Bixler (son-John Bixler, Jr. and daughter-Diane Bixler, Jr.); cousins Matthew Headley and wife April Headley (son-Isiah, daughters Mariah, Danielisiah, and Gabby), Clinton Paul Headley (son-Ajereean) and many other aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless friends who loved her deeply.
She was preceded in death by her father, Gary Davis; brother, Wesley Davis; grandfather, Howard Bixler; aunt, Toni (Bixler) Headley; and uncle, John Bixler.
Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, November 14, 2010, at Forbes Funeral Home in Parsons, Kansas with her Native American Spiritual Leader Bob Prue officiating. Burial will follow at Memorial Lawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until service time, Sunday, at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to the Bishop Seabury Academy Scholarship Fund in Memory of Keshia Davis. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.
Online condolences may be left at www.forbeshoffman.com.