Susan Annette Davis, Ph.D, of Cape Canaveral, Florida, passed away October 28th, 2025 at the age of 55. She was born in Texas, January 30th, 1970, to parents Bobby Ray “B.R.” Davis and Susie Davis.
Susan moved from Louisiana to Mountain Home, Arkansas in 1991 to pursue higher education and be closer to her parents. While working and raising her eldest daughter, she attended Arkansas State University receiving her Bachelor of Science in Education in 1996. The same year she kicked off her teaching career as a Kindergarten teacher at Norfork Elementary school of Norfork, AR. While teaching and pregnant with her second child, she continued her educational aspirations at ASU, receiving her Master of Science in Education with a major in Early Childhood Education in 1998.
In 2001, she began her tenure with Arkansas State University (ASU) in Mountain Home as an Early Childhood Instructor. She served at ASU in many capacities over the years, including Teacher Education Coordinator, Child Development Associate Trainer, and several other titles from 2001 to 2007. Susan later successfully defended her dissertation and received her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction in 2011 from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. Her dissertation was titled Teacher Dispositions and Efficacy with English Language Learners in Grades P-4 in Northern Arkansas. Following this achievement, Susan moved on to become an Assistant Professor with Drury University in Springfield, Missouri in 2012. After a brief two years with Drury, she started the final leg of her teaching career as an Assistant Professor with Southeast Missouri State University from 2014 to 2021. She also cared for her father B.R, beloved Pawpaw, during these years until his passing. During her tenure as an educator, Susan published, authored and co-authored nine academic papers and presented at over twenty-two conferences. Presentation locations ranged from local conferences to nationwide, including; Washington, D. C., Atlanta, Las Vegas, and San Antonio.
Susan had a lifelong love of reading, with the Harry Potter series holding a special place in her heart. She was deeply compassionate, always finding joy in caring for and helping others. Some of her happiest moments were spent singing along with her daughters on road trips during family vacations. A creative spirit, Susan enjoyed painting classes and crafting projects that allowed her imagination to flourish. Her heart, however, belonged to the beach. She was always dreaming of her next seaside escape, whether to the Bahamas, or, more recently, Punta Cana and Jamaica. Her greatest dream was to live by the ocean—a dream she fulfilled in the final months of her life, residing in her RV in Cape Canaveral, Florida. There, she embraced every moment: making new friends, strolling along sandy beaches, spotting manatees and alligators, and savoring meals at charming local restaurants. Above all else, Susan was fiercely proud of her two daughters, who were the light of her life.
She was preceded in death by her parents; BR and Susie Davis, tuxedo cat, Kitten, and tabby cat Eva.
Susan is survived by her beloved daughters Rebecca Hickman of Raytown, MO and Madelyn Wells of Kansas City, MO, as well as her Maltese dog, Luna.
Your presence at this time means a great deal to us. If you wish to honor Susan in a meaningful way, we would greatly appreciate contributions for her final arrangements in lieu of flowers. Donations can be made by electronic means of payment (below) and checks can be mailed to Royer Funeral Home, 101 SE 15th St, Oak Grove, MO 64075. Checks can be made out to Rebecca Hickman. For electronic donations please send to Venmo: @rhickman.
In this time of sorrow, your compassion and thoughtfulness have been a quiet light. Susan is already so deeply missed.
Arr: Royer Funeral Home Oak Grove, MO 816-690-4441
Julie Ray
4 Nov 2025Becky and Maddie, I worked with your mom at SEMO and was with her on many of those conference trips you mentioned in the obituary. She was so fun to travel with! We enjoyed finding fun places to eat and getting deals we could bring back to the students in the exhibit hall at the conferences. Even though she was a hoot to be with, she was always very professional and represented SEMO well. She worked hard to have interesting classes for her students and helped our early childhood program be successful. She always came to our faculty meetings well prepared and volunteered to be on committees that served our department. Most importantly though, she talked about both of you often, and it was obvious that you were the light of her life. She loved you both so much. I am so sorry for your loss. I know there will be a big hole in your life without her.
Haley Morgan
4 Nov 2025Professor Davis made education fun. Her sweet soul inspired me to continue on even when education grew tough. I have never forgotten her to this day. My thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones. She is truly amazing.
jane Cooper Stacy
5 Nov 2025I send my sympathy to the family both from me and Semo
University and the many students she touched as she pursued her teaching career. Thinking all of you all, Jane Cooper Stacy.
Sharla Felkins
27 Dec 2025Becky and Maddie – I was a student of Susan’s and loved her deeply. She talked about how much she loved you girls often. I took over her classes when she left ASU, but never filled her shoes. She was just an amazing person always pouring her light and energy to others around her. I cried when Dr. Stewart told me she had passed away. She has touched so many lives and the teachers she created carry a piece of her heart with them, including me.