Toni Davidson

Toni Young Davidson, 90, led a long and productive life. A native Oklahoman, she grew up with a love of the outdoors, dogs, horses and birds. All of which contributed to the themes and motifs of her extensive art portfolio. Toni's body of art work spanned her decades, serving as a focus of her persona. She achieved renown as an artist in Arkansas and beyond.

In 1945, Toni met Robert C. Davidson at a USO dance in Oklahoma City. It was love at first sight. They married in 1945, relocated to Jonesboro and began their life together. Three children, a house and a dog took up much of Toni's time in those years but she still managed to participate in Bridge and Garden Clubs, as well as development of her artistic talents.

Toni matriculated into the fine arts program at Arkansas State University when her children became teens, completing both Bachelor's and Master's degrees . Her studies gave her the opportunity to explore a variety of media from painting and print-making to jewelry and sculpture. Though she had built a scale model of the Roman Forum during high school Latin class, Toni did not recognize her passion for sculpture until college. As a professional artist, her bronze sculptures are among her most note-worthy efforts. Toni's resume contains a long list of shows and collections in which her work is present, including a multi-media piece hung in the National Museum for Women in the Arts.

Not one to limit her interests, Toni became a Senior Olympian at 59, competing in Track and Field at the national level, winning many medals and even setting records for distance in the running long jump. She continued as a competitor well into her 70s. Toni also represented the interests of the elderly as a member of the Arkansas Silver Haired Legislature. She championed other causes as well, volunteering in dog rescue, at the Nature Center and as a birder hunting the elusive Ivory-billed woodpecker in the Cache River border lands.

The legacy Toni passed on to us includes her pioneering spirit in art, sport and life; her persistence in pursuit of her objectives; and her determination in the end to laugh and enjoy her life. For these we are grateful. We will miss her.

A funeral mass will be held Thursday afternoon at 1:30 in Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church with Father Jack Vu officiating with Emerson Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Interment will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery.