Obituary of Annelise Kathleen Davis

Annelise Kathleen Davis, 30, of Cullowhee, NC, died Sunday July 11, 2021 of spinal cord cancer.  Through surgery, chemo, radiation, more chemo, physical therapy, and more physical therapy, Annelise maintained her determination and courage.  She loved adventure and served with Cullowhee Baptist Church as a missionary to the people of Haiti during two summers.  Even after she had to use a wheelchair for mobility, Annelise traveled to Israel and to Hawaii. 

Annelise was a three sport athlete throughout high school, playing varsity volleyball and soccer.  She was also an all-state swimmer and taught many children in Jackson County how to swim.  Annelise loved hiking, especially with her dog, Milo.  After high school, she continued to challenge herself and completed five half marathons.  In addition to physical activities, Annelise, like her father, loved the challenge of practicing medicine.

A native and lifelong resident of Jackson County, Annelise was the daughter of Dr. Jeffrey and Sandy Davis and sister to Connor and Tessa Davis.  After graduating from Smoky Mountain High School in 2009, she graduated Magna Cum Laude from Berry College in Rome, Georgia. She then went on to East Carolina University, where she earned her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies.  She was honored to be employed as a Physician Assistant at Mountain Ear Nose and Throat in Sylva, NC. 

She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Jim and Jean Davis, and her maternal grandfather, Robert Wright.  She is survived by her parents Dr. Jeffrey and Sandy Davis of Cullowhee; brother, Connor Davis of Durham; and sister, Tessa Davis of Durham.  She is also survived by her maternal grandmother, Nancy C. Wright, of Franklin, TN.

A Memorial Service to celebrate Annelise’s life will be held at Cullowhee Baptist Church on Saturday, August 7, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. with the Revs. Jeffrey and Tonya Vickery officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the East Carolina University Annelise Davis Scholarship Fund.  Scholarship monies will be awarded to a student from western North Carolina in ECU’s Physician Assistant Studies department.  Contributions to support the Annelise Davis Scholarship Fund can be made online at www.ecu.edu (select College of Allied Health Sciences, then select the Annelise Davis Scholarship Fund).  Checks made out to the Annelise Davis Scholarship Fund can also be mailed to ECU Medical & Health Sciences Foundation, 2200 S. Charles Blvd. Mail Stop 659, Greenville, NC  27858.  For more information on this fund, contact Jeff McPherson, Director of Development, ECU Medical & Health Sciences Foundation at mcphersonj14@ecu.edu or 252-744-3231