Rhoda Jane Groseclose Davis

Rhoda Jane Groseclose Davis, affectionately known throughout her life as Jane, age 93, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2026, at her home in New Market, Tennessee, surrounded by her family. Jane was born on May 5, 1933, and was a lifelong resident of New Market. She grew up on her family’s farm along the road that shared the Groseclose family name, and her roots in the New Market community remained an important part of who she was throughout her life. As a young girl, Jane developed a love for the piano. Her family traded goods from the farm in exchange for her piano lessons, beginning what would become a lifelong passion and ministry. Over the decades, Jane shared her musical gifts generously with people throughout Jefferson County and beyond, playing for countless weddings, funerals, church services, and other gatherings. Her music became one of the many ways she served others and brought comfort and joy to her community. Jane attended New Market Elementary School and New Market High School before continuing her education at Carson-Newman College. On December 16, 1955, she married Jack T. Davis. They shared 38 years of marriage until his passing on August 29, 1993. Education was another of Jane’s lifelong callings. She devoted 42 years to the teaching profession, educating generations of students in both private and public schools. During her career, she taught at Morristown School of Business, Knoxville Business College, Maury High School, and Jefferson County High School, where she concluded her long career as an educator before retiring in 1995. Retirement did not end Jane’s commitment to serving her community. She continued her life of public service through her work on the Jefferson County School Board and the Jefferson County Commission, always seeking to give back to the community that had been her home for more than nine decades. Jane also had a great love of travel and enjoyed seeing the world beyond her beloved East Tennessee home. An avid traveler, she had the remarkable opportunity to visit all 50 states, as well as Australia and several parts of Canada. Her travels brought her many wonderful experiences and memories and reflected the curiosity and enthusiasm with which she embraced life. At the time of her passing, Jane was a member of Mill Springs Baptist Church, a church she loved dearly. However, much of her life and faith were deeply connected to Bethel Mission, where she served faithfully for many years as pianist, treasurer, and Director. Bethel held an especially meaningful place in Jane’s heart because the land on which the church stands was provided to the small rural farming community by her grandfather in 1912. That history, and the generations of faith and community it represented, remained precious to her throughout her life. Jane will be remembered for her devotion to her family, her faith, her students, her music, and her community. She was gracious with both her time and her resources, quietly helping those who needed assistance and never asking for anything in return. Her 93 years were marked by service—to her family, her churches, her students, her neighbors, and the community she was proud to call home. Jane is survived by her son, Charles “Chuck” Davis; Rajayna Davis Riley; grandchildren, Madison (Noah) Riley McKay and Jackson R. Riley; and a multitude of beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of 38 years, Jack T. Davis; her parents, William Marion and Mamie Spencer Groseclose; sister, Ruth (Kenneth) Goans; brothers, William Marion (Irene) Groseclose and Dean Bert Groseclose; as well as father and mother-in-law, two brothers-in-law, four sisters-in-law, and their spouses. Arrangements are being handled by Fielden Funeral Home. The family will receive friends on Friday, September 4, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at Jefferson Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those wishing to honor Jane’s memory make a donation to their church or a favorite charity of their choice, continuing the spirit of generosity and service that characterized Jane’s life. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Sue and Faye, the many others from Amedisys Hospice who provided such compassionate care, and Jane’s special caregiver, Dalene Foster, for the kindness, comfort, and care they gave to Jane and her family. Jane’s legacy lives on in the generations of students she taught, the community she served, the family she cherished, the churches she supported, and the countless lives touched by her music and generosity. Fielden Funeral Home is honored to serve the Davis family.

Rhoda Jane Groseclose Davis

May 5, 1933 - August 31, 2026