Iside Davis

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Iside Marie (Pieragnoli) Davis of Hendersonville, Tennessee. Iside passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Wednesday, October 2nd, at the incredible age of 99. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother, and friend with unwavering love for her family and all of those she knew.

Iside was born in Cavarzano di Vernio in Tuscany, Italy, on July 20, 1925. During WWII, she relocated with her family to Corsica, France where she lived, attended school, and worked. While doing laundry for the soldiers, she fell in love. She married her husband, Vester Davis, in Bastia in Corsica, France on June 9th, 1945. With bravery, at the age of 20, she left her beloved home to start a new life in Tennessee with her husband. Wearing a fur coat, she boarded the SS Santa Paula headed to New York where she ported and continued to Nashville by train.

Iside and Vester were married for 67 years. They worked side by side, unified in every aspect of their shared journey. They owned and operated Rayon City Water Company for decades, where Iside held the challenging roles of bookkeeper and operations manager. She used a typewriter and did manual calculations to determine the water usage costs. In 1976, after 30 years in Madison, they relocated to a sprawling home in Hendersonville, Tennessee where they continued to make cherished memories and build on their legacy.

Iside’s home was always a refuge for those seeking love, comfort, support, and delicious meals. Her lasagna, fettuccine, and chocolate pie were dishes loved by all who had the pleasure of tasting them. Her generosity was evident in every meal she prepared and every act of kindness she extended. “Let me fix you something to eat,” she would say.

She was steadfast in her love for her many children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Iside is survived by her son, David Davis (Janet Davis); her grandchildren, Chris Cook (Lynn Cook), Patrick Cook (Callie Cook), Bryan Davis, Jessica Winnett (Doug Winnett), Amanda Piatt (Ryan Piatt), Daniel Boner (Chali Roberts-Boner); her great-grandchildren, Michael Lewis (Debra Lewis), Grady Davis, Valor Mastrangelo, Lincoln Mastrangelo, Catie Cook, Ryder Cook, Case Cook, Tripp Cook, Clayton Cook; and her great-great-grandchildren, Adalyn Lewis, Waverly Lewis, and Hunter Huston. She is also survived by her loving friends who showed their devotion to her care, Cathy Wedekind, Anna Rugge, and many others. Her extended family in Corsica, France has remained in contact throughout her life and visited her in the United States.

She was preceded in death by her father, Emilio Pieragnoli; her mother, Teresina (Nannini) Pieragnoli; her brother, Jean Pieragnoli; her husband, Vester Davis; her daughter, Donna (Davis) Cook; and her son, Jerry Davis.

Iside’s love extended beyond her family to her cherished pets, who brought her immense joy and companionship. She was preceded in death by her dog, Peanut, and survived by her cat, Lucy.

Her Catholic faith was a cornerstone of her life, guiding her and providing her with strength and comfort. She embodied a saint-like spirit of benevolence that will continue to inspire others daily.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, October 8th at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, with Mass beginning at 11:00 AM, and graveside services to follow at Calvary Cemetery on Lebanon Pike in Nashville.

In lieu of flowers, Iside wished that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Iside will be deeply missed, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Those who had the privilege of having her in their lives will be a living testament to the power of her soul and compassion. The most important things she taught us were not with words, but in how she lived. She was Mom, Momma, Mamaw, Meme, and our very own earth angel. We are all blessed to have known her. Rest in peace Iside, fly high with the angels, and continue to watch over us.