Click above to start slide show 7034

Davis was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005. She had been receiving breast cancer treatment at Duke University since a recurrence earlier this year.

Two weeks ago she had received positive reports on her condition, but had told her husband that she wanted to stop treatment and to put her healing in God’s hands.

Her condition took a sudden turn for the worse last Thursday.

Davis had represented what she fondly called “America’s First District,” including the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula, for nearly seven years.

She announced her original bid for office on the steps of Lancaster courthouse in 2000. She announced her 2004 campaign standing in front of a NASCAR schedule at The Corner in Lively.

She has since been an active member of the community, from her frequent participation in local parades, community forums and Republican committee events to her attendance at the rededication of Main Street in Kilmarnock last spring.

“I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Congresswoman Jo Ann Davis after her long struggle with cancer,” said Virginia Republican Party Chairman John H. Hager. “Virginia has lost a passionate advocate for better government, and her legacy as a defender of conservative principles will always be remembered. I pray for her family, and mourn with our friends in the 1st District.”

“We will miss her smile and determination and her ever present faith in God, her constituents and her country,” said Del. Rob Wittman of Montross.

“She exemplified what a public servant should be,” said Joan Blackstone, chairman of the Lancaster County Republican Committee. “If you called or wrote her, you received a response. . . . Her support of local communities and their events was outstanding.”

Davis was born in North Carolina and moved to Hampton when she was 9. After high school, she worked as a printer for nearly three years before entering the real estate business. She earned her real estate license in 1984 and began her own property management and real estate companies in the following years, selling more than $40 million worth of homes by 1990.

In 1997, friends recruited Davis to run for the Virginia House of Delegates. She won and served for three years.

In 2000, Davis won the congressional seat vacated by retiring U.S. Congressman Herb Bateman, becoming the first elected Republican female from Virginia to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives.

During her nearly seven-year tenure, she focused on national security issues, shipbuilding and benefits for military personnel and veterans.

“Many of us took for granted that she served so well,” said Carol G. Dawson of Morattico, chairman of the First District Republican Committee. “but active duty and retired military in the district are forever grateful for her hard work on their behalf.”

She fought to limit the amount of out-of-state trash coming into Virginia, supported the Rappahannock River National Wildlife Refuge and was an advocate for the National Park Service, helping to raise money for George Washington’s Birthplace.

“Her most courageous fight, ultimately, was the one she fought for the last two years against breast cancer,” said Richard Cranwell, chairman of the Democratic Party of Virginia, who served with Davis in the House of Delegates.

Davis’ October 6 death comes as the nation recognizes Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Gov. Tim Kaine said Davis “inspired Virginians as she battled breast cancer while continuing to serve the Commonwealth.”

Of that balancing act, Blackstone wrote, “I remember how often she would work on the Hill each week, drive herself home, take her cancer treatments and refresh herself at the farm with the family she loved.”

“Jo Ann fought a valiant fight against cancer and held on to her optimism and hope until the very end. The manner in which she handled a very difficult situation was an inspiration to us all,” said Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling.

The last time she was present in Washington, Davis received a standing ovation from Democrats and Republicans when she appeared on the House floor.

Gov. Kaine is charged with setting a date for a special election to fill Davis’ seat in Congress. Among those already being discussed as frontrunners for the GOP nomination are Del. Wittman, state Sen. Ryan McDougle of Hanover, and Davis’ husband, Chuck.

Funeral services are scheduled for today (Thursday) in Gloucester. Memorial donations may be made to Achievable Dream, 10858 Warwick Blvd. Suite A, Newport News, VA 23601 or www.achievabledream.com. See obituary listings for more information.