Small town living is good

Sharon Calton Davis was born in Del Rio, Texas. She was born the third of four children, two girls and two boys. Her father George Calton was in the border patrol. Her mother Clytie Calton worked in the family home. One day her father decided his profession wouldn't be ideal to raise a family and in 1951 moved the family to Portales to work at a furniture store run by a family member.

By 1959, with the help of good family and friends, the Calton family was able to purchase the furniture store. Sharon said she and her sister were in charge of dusting and the whole family had a hand in the store's operation.

Sharon graduated from Portales High School in 1968. She was involved in the high school and all-state choirs.

Later, she married and had two children with her husband Tom Davis. The two will celebrate their 50th anniversary in July 2018.

Davis went on to purchase part ownership in the family furniture store, then sold it 11 years later in 2007.

Today, she is co-owner at her family cattle ranch and proud grandmother of five.

What's your idea of a perfect day?

The wind would not be blowing and I wouldn't have to worry about fires. The grass would always be green with the cattle happily eating.

Tell us a story about your childhood.

I had a happy childhood. I loved the feel of the small town and I still do.

What is your theme song?

I don't have a theme song but my favorite singer is Neil Diamond. I love country western. I've seen many stars in person because growing up my family would always go to the rodeo and wonderful entertainment would always be there.

What's your favorite taste?

You can't beat a good steak, fried okra, baked apples and apricot fried pies.

What's your favorite smell?

Walking into a good steer show. I love the smell of hay and the hair products they use for the steer. A good shampoo smells so good.

What do you do when you're not working?

I like to go to events that my grandchildren are involved in. I like to read Harlon Coben mysteries and I like to do Bible studies.

What is your favorite quote?

Philippians 4:13: I can go all things through Christ who strengthens me.

How would you describe yourself in one word?

Blessed.

Tell us about your parents.

They both overcame so much adversity. Once we moved from Texas, mother was determined for us to stay in Portales. They were able to borrow money from a friend, from church and 250 from each of their parents to buy the furniture store because the bank would not take a chance on them. To get started, they first bought two dinette sets and a few sofas, spread them out and bought small pieces of rolls of carpet to make it look like they had carpet. It was the first time mom worked outside the home. Dad repaired washing machines, dryers and laid carpet.

Tell us about your favorite place to travel?

We've been a lot of places. My favorite place to travel to was Africa. We visited Kenya and did a photographic safari. I felt like I was seeing Noah's ark. We've also enjoyed Hong Kong, Ireland, and Alaska.

What do you envision your life being like in 10 years?

There's about 50 of us in the family and the young ones are at the age to be making life changing decisions and I'm just looking forward to seeing what 10 years will bring.

- Compiled by The News Correspondent

D'Nieka Hartsfield