D Andrea Davis

Andrea remains an inspiration to all who knew her—a reminder to dive in head-first, serve others with passion, and never be afraid to walk through the fire.

Andrea's Story

Born in Chicago, Illinois, on July 17, 1956, to Daphne White and Daniel Davis, Dannette Andrea Davis was a woman of profound intellect and adventurous spirit. Before the age of 40, she explored the world by skydiving, hang-gliding, and para-sailing. Andrea’s commitment to global service led her to spend years as a Peace Corps Volunteer in both Senegal and South Africa, and she later dedicated herself to several leadership roles closer to home. Andrea will be remembered for her quick-witted jokes, her six cats, and her endearing love of family. Andrea Davis passed away peacefully on April 2, 2026, following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. Andrea’s remarkable journey will be celebrated on what would have been her 70th birthday: July 17, 2026, in Milwaukee, WI.

A Trailblazer of Adventure and Spirit

Andrea Davis lived a life defined by an insatiable curiosity, a commitment to service, and a fearless spirit that saw her conquering both the heights of the sky and the depths of the human heart. She passed away leaving behind a legacy of adventure that spanned continents and a record of public service that touched countless lives. Andrea believed that life was meant to be felt, not just observed. Before the age of 40, she had already checked off a "bucket list" that would take others multiple lifetimes to complete:

She tandem skydived, hang-glided, and para-sailed.
From white-water rafting Class 3 rapids to sea kayaking and windsurfing, Andrea was always in her element. She famously dove head-first off 3-meter boards and mastered water skiing on her very first try.
She once auditioned to be a dancer for the Barnum and Bailey Circus and literally walked on fire, crossing hot coals with the same determination she brought to every challenge.

A Scholar and Servant Leader

Beyond her physical feats, Andrea was a dedicated intellectual and humanitarian. She earned a Bachelor’s in Sociology and a Master’s in Public Administration (Health Services Management), tools she used to better the world around her.

Her commitment to service was global. She served for years as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Senegal and South Africa, and later dedicated herself to leadership roles closer to home, including:

Regional Vice-President of the Washington State Public Health Association.
Board Member of the American Red Cross (California).
Volunteer Firefighter for Thurston Co., Lacey Fire District 3.

In her later years, her focus shifted toward deep community roots and mindfulness. She served as Vice-President of the Crisis Clinic of Thurston/Mason Counties, volunteered at the Salvation Army Homeless Shelter, and completed a 10-day Vipassina meditation retreat.

A Citizen of the World

Andrea’s passport was as full as her heart. She lived across the United States—from Wisconsin to Washington to Brunswick—and explored the globe. Her travels took her from the bustling streets of London and Cairo to the landscapes of Australia, South Africa, and Ghana.

Closer to home, she took pride in her independence, famously paying cash for her first brand-new truck in 1999 and hosting legendary 44-person picnics on the Puget Sound. Whether she was cheering at the 1999 NFL Pro Bowl, or simply quiet at home with her beloved cats, Andrea lived with authenticity and joy. Andrea is survived by her mother, sisters, brothers, nieces, and nephews who love her dearly.

Andrea's Accomplishments

(In Her Own Words)

BEFORE AGE 40

-Parachuted out of a plane (tandem skydive)

-Hang-glided

-Para-sailed

-Rollerbladed

-Auditioned to be a dancer with the Barnum and Bailey Circus (dancers ride on the elephants)

-Rode horseback

-Kayaked

-Swam laps for 45 min

-Earned a Bachelor's degree in Sociology

-Earned a Master's degree in Public Administration (Health Services Management)

-Walked on Fire (hot coals)

-Canoed

-Served on the Board of the American Red Cross (California)

-White water rafted (class 3 river)

-Tent camping (roughed it without a toilet)

-Went hiking

-Served 2 years as a Peace Corps Volunteer

-Tried archery

-Dove off a 3 meter diving board (head first)

-Snow skied (black diamond)

-Water skied (got up the first time)

-Served as Firefighter, Thurston Co., Lacey Fire District 3

-Drove a snowmobile

-Served as Regional Vice-President of the Washington State Public Health Association

-Swam nude at a lake in a National Game Forest

-Went on 3 cruises

-Bought my first house

-Purchased my first brand new car ('86 Isuzu Impulse)

-Got my cat "Ami" (12-2-94)

-Lived in: Illinois, Kentucky, Wisconsin, District of Columbia, Maryland, California, Washington

-Lived (abroad) in: Senegal, West Africa

-Visited (domestic): Texas, New York, New Jersey, Oregon, Michigan, Indiana, Colorado, Alabama, Florida, Massachusetts, Arkansas, Nevada, North Carolina, Georgia

-Visited (Abroad): Gambia, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Ghana, Egypt, Bahamas (Freeport, Nassau, Paradise Island,) Virgin Islands (St Thomas, St. John), Jamaica (Montego Bay, Port Maria, Kingston, Ocho Rios), Canada, England

AFTER AGE 40 (1996)

-Visited (domestic): Ohio, Mississippi, Tennessee, Louisiana

-Visited (abroad): South Africa, Trinidad, Tobago, Ghana, Alaska, Hawaii, Australia

-Volunteered as a phone worker on the Crisis Clinic hotline

-Served on the Board of the Crisis Clinic of Thurston/Mason Counties as Vice-President

-Served on jury duty in Superior Court, Thurston Co.

-Successfully completed 10-day Vipassina meditation retreat

-Volunteered as server at Salvation Army Homeless Shelter

-Collected toiletries for the homeless

-Attended the 1999 NFL Pro Bowl

-Purchased (paid cash for) my first brand new truck (99 Dodge Dakota)

-Started wearing my hair in dread locks (7-17-96)