Monda Lou Cantwell Davis, cherished matriarch of a large and loving family, slipped peacefully into her heavenly home on May 15, 2025 in Trenton, Florida. She was born on June 3, 1934, in Sikeston, Missouri, to Richard and Opal Cantwell.

Monda and James (Jim) Thrower Davis were married in Holly Springs, Mississippi on November 27, 1949. Together they raised their family in East Prairie, Missouri, later relocating to Lowndesboro, Alabama.

Family played an eminent role in Monda's life. As the oldest of eight children, she grew up helping her parents care for her siblings. Each of them loved her as deeply as she loved them. After marrying, Monda poured her devotion into Jim, supporting him faithfully through good times and hard, in sickness and in health. Her care and steadfastness helped extend his life far beyond doctors' expectations. Jim affectionately called her "Baby" and she called him "Honey".

Monda brought that same boundless love to raising their six children. She nurtured their individuality, instilled strong work ethics, encouraged competitiveness and creativity, and fostered a deep appreciation for music, art, and academics. She was a tireless supporter - active in the PTA, a teacher's aide, and a regular at every school event, play, sports game, and concert. Saturday nights were almost always spent making sure everyone would be ready for church on Sunday - shoes shined and clothes ironed.

The home was full of life: stacks of library books, board games, puzzles and outdoor adventures were part of Monda's nurturing way.  Outdoor play, come rain or shine, was encouraged (or sometimes forced). Exploring the corn and wheat field, cotton turnrows, surrounding woods, barns and silos made a perfect setting to let young imaginations soar. When her children graduated from high school, she lovingly searched for all opportunities for each to attend college.

Monda also showered love on her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchild, each of whom was welcomed into her home with open arms showered with love and affection. "Grandmonda's" was a place of magic—special rooms filled with toys, costumes, movies, and games—but above all, time and attention from her.

A beautiful woman inside and out, Monda was once crowned East Prairie High School Queen and served as Drum Majorette. But it was her gentle heart and smile that shone brightest. She welcomed every person she met without judgment or prejudice, making instant connections through her warmth and sincerity. Whether working for Missouri Utilities, serving food at Howard Johnson's, selling World Book Encyclopedias, assisting shoppers at the Four Seasons Shop in East Prairie, or helping visitors at the Probate Office in Hayneville, Alabama, Monda met each person with a bright smile, kindness and genuine curiosity.

Monda was also known for her creativity and vision. She had an uncanny ability to turn ordinary or unusual items into beautiful, functional treasures. Bedroom walls became murals, and old furniture became lovely painted family heirlooms.  Later in her life she created floor cloths under the name "Paint Misbehavin'." Her home reflected her artistic spirit—filled with her painted furniture, canvas work, and hand-designed decor. She took great pride in the final home she and Jim, with son Dart, designed together, and delighted in showing it to all who visited.

Monda was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Jim, her son Brent Davis, daughter-in-law Debra Davis, grandchildren Adam and Joli Davis, and siblings Dick, Jack, John, and Buck Cantwell, and Carole Brown.

She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law: Marlys (Lloyd) Smith of Sikeston, MO and Marcia (Ralph) Hamor of The Villages, FL; and her sons and daughters-in-law: Jim (Kara Shea) Davis of Huntsville, AL, Dart (Karla) Davis of The Villages, FL, and Bryan Davis of Charleston, MO.

Monda is also survived by 15 grandchildren: Trista (Paul) Pickell, Sam Smith, Tiffany (Ted) Pagel, Alia (Todd) Griesch, Sage (Ashley) Davis, Shelley (Danny) Hansen, Blake Davis, Ryan (Lauren) Davis, Tashica Mims, Travis Davis, Nathan Davis, Mason (Katie) Davis, Kayla Rayburn, Chandler Hamor, and Davis (Ellen) Hamor; 17 great-grandchildren: Jolee, Kira, Jase, and Lexi Martin; Shawn Aiden; Tyler and Alyssa Hansen; Sloan and Thrower Davis; Tamyia Mims; Lauren, Nathan, and Trenton Davis; Eve, Jacke, and Cammie Davis; and Lou Davis; and 1 great-great-grandchild, Alivia Shanelle Owens.

She is also survived by her sister, Christy (Glenn) Cantwell of Elkins, Arkansas, her brother Paul (Janice) Cantwell of Shenandoah, Texas, and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and dear friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on August 16 at the First Christian Church in East Prairie, Missouri. The family will receive friends from 9:00 a.m. until the service at 10:00 a.m.

Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery in East Prairie, under the direction of McMikle Funeral Home of Charleston.

In lieu of flowers, plants, or gifts, the family invites donations in Monda's memory to Ayers Health and Rehab, 606 NE 7th Street, Trenton, FL 32693 or the First Christian Church, 301 S Washington St, East Prairie, MO 63845.