Melissa Maureen Illingworth Davis, 37, Rowlett, Texas, died Sept. 23, 2009. She was preceded in death by her mother, Sandra Illingworth. She was a 1989 graduate of Fayette County High School where she sang in the chorus. She had worked for the Clayton News Daily, the Newnan Times-Herald, and the Dallas Morning News. She was an animal lover and loved to travel. A funeral mass was held at the Catholic Church of St. Gabriel with the Rev. Father Mike McWhorter officiating. Interment was at Camp Memorial Park, Fayetteville.

Survivors include her husband of eight years, Cullen Jefferson Davis Jr., Rowlett, Texas; father, Thomas B. Illingworth, Fayetteville; and in-laws, Cullen J. and Donna Davis Sr., Rowlett, Texas. Carl J. Mowell & Son Funeral Home, Fayetteville, was in charge.