Barbara Orbison Davidson

Barbara Aileen Orbison Davidson, beloved mother and grandmother, passed away Wednesday, August 30, 2017 at Autumn Care of Statesville. She was 81. A lifelong resident of Iredell County, she was born June 30, 1936 to the late James Glenn Orbison and Cora McCoy Orbison. She graduated from Celeste Henkel High School in 1954. During her time in school she excelled at basketball, and her love of the sport stayed with her for the rest of her life. After graduating she was sponsored by the American Legion auxiliary Forty and Eight to attend Davis Hospital Nursing School. Although she loved the nursing program, she left to marry and begin her family. For many years she was employed by Rental Uniform, where she made countless memories and lasting friends. Eventually, she was drawn back to healthcare and began work in Medical Records at Iredell Memorial Hospital, where she remained until her retirement in 2010. She was a devoted member of Diamond Hill Baptist Church, and cherished her church family. She was happiest spending quality time with those she loved—no matter the outing, activity, or pastime. She will be greatly missed. She is survived by a son, Michael Lee Smith; a daughter, Sherry Smith Nicholson and husband, Kent; a brother, James Orbison and wife, Nancy; a sister, Mary Orbison; and a granddaughter, Jessie Nicholson Marshall and husband, Caleb—all of Statesville. She is also survived by a dear friend, William Weaner of Mooresville. A graveside service is scheduled for 2:30 P.M. Saturday, September 2, 2017 at Iredell Memorial Gardens with Rev. Larry Holleman officiating. The family will receive friends Saturday from 12:30 until 2:00 P.M. at Nicholson Funeral Home prior to the service. Condolences may be sent online to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com . For those who prefer, memorials may be given to Diamond Hill Baptist Church: 2320 E. Broad St. Statesville, N.C. 28625, The Alzheimer’s Association: 3800 Shamrock Dr., Charlotte, N.C. 28215, or Hospice & Palliative Care of Iredell County: 2347 Simonton Rd., Statesville, N.C. 28625. Nicholson Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.