Lajina H. Davis

It is with profound sadness yet deep gratitude for a life beautifully and fiercely lived that we announce the passing of Lajina "LJ" H. Davis (born Lajina Ray Harris) of Waynesboro, VA. Lajina was born on September 19, 1940, in Augusta County, Virginia, to Alvin Ray Harris and Lena Aline Harris (née Weeks). She departed this world on May 30, 2026, at the age of 85, following a long and courageous battle with diabetes. Her transition was marked by the loving, unyielding presence of her beloved daughter, Dawn LaRae, and son-in-law, Eddie, as she moved into the welcoming arms of her Heavenly Father and was joyfully reunited with the love of her life, her husband, Carthon. Lajina was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Carthon Wilmer “CW” Davis, who passed away on April 20, 1975; her father, Alvin Ray Harris; her mother, Lena Aline Harris (née Weeks); her paternal grandparents, Howard Hamilton Harris and Ollie Belle Harris (née Thompson); her maternal grandparents, Frank Randolph Weeks and Katie Norah Weeks (née Lawhorn); a special aunt and uncle, Violet Lucille Thompson (née Weeks) and Robert “Sam” Thompson; special cousins, Adair Weeks “AW” Thompson and Nina “Doot” Arbutus Shipman (née Weeks); beloved special "son" Craig O. Vander Vennet; a number of aunts, uncles, and cousins; and her beloved, constant canine companions, Crinkles and Ruby, whom she mourned deeply. She is survived by her cherished only child, daughter Dawn LaRae Sheets, and husband, Claude Edward “Eddie” Sheets, Jr. To Lajina, Eddie was far more than a son-in-law and caregiver—he was “my Eddie.” She leaves behind her adored grandchildren: Benjamin Tanner Sheets (Makenna Newell), Tori Ellen Sheets (Darren Ruley), and Brandon William Sheets (Cheyenne Owens); and her precious great-grandchildren: Luca Tanner and Maverick Lee Sheets (Ben & Makenna), Ellie Ann and Ayden James “AJ” Sheets (Tori & Darren), and Brentley William and Sawyer Blaine Sheets (Brandon & Cheyenne). She is also survived by a special cousin, Anthony “Little Tony” Ray Weeks, Jr. (Eliza Dawn Sprouse) and his son, Wyatt H.R. Weeks, as well as her beloved best friend of over 20 years and caregiver, Gloria Mae Templeton, and her family. Lajina’s and Carthon's love story was the defining romance of her life. After an eight-year courtship, they were married in Surry, North Carolina, on April 2, 1968. Together, they built a life, ran a successful business, Staunton Travel Trailer Sales, welcomed their daughter, and established their family home. Six years later, their deep, abiding faith and commitment sustained them through Carthon’s terminal cancer diagnosis and his passing the following year. Lajina remained fiercely faithful to her vows for the remaining 52 years of her life. Though separated by the veil between life and death for the past 52 years, their love affair never ended. In her final days and hours, it was Carthon she cried out for, making her passing a truly glorious reunion! A proud graduate of Wilson Memorial High School in Fishersville, Virginia, Lajina was a standout player on both the girls’ basketball and tennis teams, proudly wearing the number “32.” She was a beloved member of the notorious “Class of '57,” made famous by fellow classmates Don and Harold Reid of the Statler Brothers. Following her husband’s death, Lajina channeled her immense strength into caring for her young daughter and earning her Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) degree from Valley Vocational Technical Center. She dedicated her life to compassionate care, working the night shift as a medical float nurse at Waynesboro Community Hospital for 20 years before taking a position on the newly created unit, Recovery Choice, a substance abuse and addiction recovery unit. It was there that she discovered a profound passion and calling working with people struggling with addiction. When WCH closed, she accepted an administrative position at the newly opened Augusta Health, continuing her dedication to the medical field until her retirement in the mid-1990s. Beyond her remarkable career, Lajina was a woman of boundless talents and vibrant interests. She was an avid fan of the University of Virginia Cavaliers men’s basketball program and loved spending Sunday race days watching NASCAR with her cousins and son-in-law. She had a passion for classic cars, forever dreaming of a 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner retractable hardtop convertible. An artist at heart, she painted dozens of stunning, realistic landscapes in oil. She also possessed an exceptional eye for floral design, working as a professional designer prior to her marriage and continuing to create beautiful arrangements that brought beauty and joy to her life and to the lives of countless others throughout the years. In 1994, her fascination with Russian culture led her on an adventurous journey to Russia with a group of nurse friends, where they unexpectedly found themselves caught up in the outbreak of the First Chechen War. Despite the danger, she loved the experience and always dreamed of returning someday. Blessed with beautiful hands and handwriting and a deeply spiritual soul, Lajina penned a truly God-inspired gospel song in 2005 titled, "Free My Soul". She cherished every moment spent with her great-grandchildren; weekly visits over the past year with her great-grandson Brentley, whom she affectionately referred to as "Little Man," were the best medicine she could have asked for. Sadly, Lajina passed before getting to meet her newest great-grandson, Brentley's little brother, Sawyer. Tall, dark-haired, and strikingly beautiful, Lajina was often compared to her idol, Elizabeth Taylor, in her youth. But it was her captivating warmth, her quick wit, and her wicked sense of humor that left the deepest mark. Just when a conversation seemed flat or serious, "LJ" would deliver a totally unexpected, occasionally spicy, but always respectful remark that would light up the room. She kept her family, friends, and carers laughing right up until the day before she passed. As she turned the page to begin her final chapter, Lajina was blessed with the companionship of Gloria Mae Templeton, a dedicated healthcare team, and her loving extended family. The family extends their most heartfelt gratitude to the following people: Tonya Moran, RN; LCSWs, Heidi Gentry and Ashley; Chaplain Debbie Brown; aides Tammy H. Wiech, Susan Coulter, Robin Bender, Jennifer Shipe, Chelsea, Cheyenne, Kaylie, and April; special "sons" Michael W. Dong, Mark E. Cline, and Michael A. Leavell; dear friend Katie C. Campbell; and friends and neighbors spanning across half a century, Jonathan R. Dewdney and Charlotte S. Harris. Each of you, in some way, shared her final journey and made sure she knew how much she was loved. Lajina H. Davis leaves behind a breathtaking legacy of devotion, laughter, and service. Her spirit lives on in her art, her music, and the fiercely loving hearts of the family she built. In keeping with her final wishes, a private service was held to honor Lajina's extraordinary life. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society, the American Diabetes Association, or the Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDA)—causes that were very close to her heart.