Obituary of Judith Mills Davies

Judith Davies (née Mills) passed away from acute respiratory failure on May 7, 2023, in Oroville, California.  She is survived by her loving family: children Regina Bennett, and Lawrence (Christine) and Lindy Davies; grandchildren Timothy and Angela Buckner (Daniel Box), great-granddaughter Amaré Buckner, nieces Tedi and Kim Lopez Mills; nephews Dario and Jon Lopez (Mills); grand-niece Heather D’Augustine, grand-nephew Edward Mills, and cousin Susan Murray.   

Judith was born at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Orange, California on September 4, 1935, to Edward and Edith Mills (née Mathis).  Raised in Orange County, she was the youngest of four children and was preceded in death by her parents, two children, brothers Edward (Ted) and Maure Mills, sister Joan Lopez Bermudez (née Mills); nephew Mike Mills, husband Thomas Davies, and ex-husband Raymond Bennett, Jr.   

Judith graduated from Marywood High School and Fullerton Junior College and was the 10,000th student to enroll in Mexico City College from which she earned her BA in Spanish in 1957.  She married Raymond in 1960.  They lived in San Francisco with their three children: Edward, Roxane, and Regina.  Heartbreakingly, Roxane passed away at age 3 and Edward at age 17.  After Roxane’s death, Judith longed for sunshine and the young family moved to Oroville, CA, where Judith lived for the rest of her life.   

Judith spent her career as a Social Worker and, due in part to her fluency in Spanish, worked for Migrant Education before working as a Claims Rep for the Social Security Administration where she would spend the bulk of her career. It was while she was working for Migrant Education that she met the love of her life and she and Tom married on June 30, 1972. 

Judith was a loving mother, grandmother, and friend, who was an avid traveler, gardener, actor, classical musician, radio show host, karaoke singer, and movie aficionado.  Her love of the theater would blossom in Oroville when she became active in The Bird Cage Theater at its founding.  She performed in many plays at The Bird Cage and won awards for her acting and also served on the BOD.  For many years, Judith hosted The Art of Music radio program on KRBS, through which she was able to share her love of, and knowledge about, classical music.  Judith loved to play the piano until a stroke made it too difficult; one of her favorite pieces was Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue.  Judith loved animals and always had cats to dote upon.  She was a member of the Oroville Chapter of the AAUW where she made many friends.   

Judith’s Celebration of Life will take place at noon on Saturday, June 17, 2023, at the Lake Oroville Golf & Event Center.  In lieu of flowers, Judith’s family asks that you donate to one of her favorite charities: The Sierra Club, Emily’s List, the ASPCA, Doctors Without Borders, or Habitat for Humanity.