Visitation:
Saturday, December 16, 2023
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Secor Funeral Home
202 W. Maple St.
Willard, OH 44890
Service:
Saturday, December 16, 2023
2:00 PM
Secor Funeral Home
202 W. Maple St.
Willard, OH 44890
Mary Lou Davis was born to Sadie and Reverend Christopher Smith, December 6, 1933, in Wellington, Ohio. With 13 siblings, Mary grew up in a home that overflowed with love. She and her twin/lifelong best friend, Martha, were next to the youngest. She grew up in Willard, Ohio, where she earned her high school diploma. She later married Henry Davis and moved to Ashland, Ohio, where they raised a family, one boy and six girls (one set of girl twins).
God blessed Mary with the gift of life for 90 years. She used that time to uplift and encourage others through her determination and strong will which earned her the nickname, Stormy. She led by example with a resilient spirit, repeatedly overcoming obstacles. Her loving essence and engaging smile drew favor into her life. She loved her family and always looked forward to being together with her sisters annually. She enjoyed hosting family and friends, but especially young nieces, nephews, and cousins out to the farm to enjoy simple living.
She was a pillar of the Ashland community where she never met a stranger. Mary volunteered her time going door to door soliciting funds for the American Heart Association. She kept a clean house and her family well fed. Always whipping up special goodies and favorites for her family to enjoy... you could taste the love in every bite. She was famous for Sunday dinners and a full spread on every holiday and special occasion. She instilled strong Christian values in her children making sure they attended church every Sunday. Mary was a faithful and active member of Grace Brethren Church for more than 30 years, giving of her time and talents. Her love of children led her to serve in the nursery ministry and her beautiful angelic voice earned her a seat in the choir. She was a room mother for all of her children in their elementary years; and was a Brownie leader hosting weekly meetings, cookie drives and campouts complete with fireside roasted hotdogs and smores. She was known for sending care packages to her sisters, children, and grandchildren while they were away in college, serving in the military or if she was just thinking of you and knew your favorite treat... thus making the recipient exceedingly popular amongst their peers.
In 1999, Mary moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where she would spend the next 18 years as a self-proclaimed Georgia Peach. She loved Atlanta! Immersing herself in the culture, warm weather, rich history, and southern hospitality. You might spot Mary at an Atlanta Falcons game, the King Center, or the Mayors Senior Ball. She knew the difference between Peachtree Street, Peachtree Road, and Peachtree Avenue... a real Atlantan. She was a member of the Mount Vernon Baptist Church and sat on the Mother Board.
She was a sports enthusiast. While in Atlanta it was all about the Braves, Falcons, and Hawks; however, after returning to Ohio, its back to Cavs, Indians, and Browns. If any of her teams lost, she would say, Just turn it off! Oh, but if they won, she would exclaim in joy with, You better shut up!
Left to cherish her memory, Mary is survived by four of her loving sisters: Ida Rose Smith 102; Maxine Thompson 96; twin Martha Smith 90, all of Cleveland, Ohio; and Lillian Gregory 86, of Plymouth, Massachusetts. Children: Jewell Harris, Grand Rapids, Michigan; Stan Davis (Jyll) Olmsted Falls, Ohio; Marsha Davis, Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Kathy Vaughn, Ashland, Ohio; Rosemary (Walter) Mobley, Atlanta, Georgia; Karen Jones, Ashland, Ohio; and Sharon Davis, Columbus, Ohio. She was also blessed with 13 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren who were the apple of her eye. She is preceded in death by siblings, Harold, Willis, J.C., Lee, John, Christopher, Lazarus, Edna and Sadie.
We will all miss her positive outlook, encouraging words and wise counsel. We are grateful for the gift called Mary Lou Davis that God allowed us to experience for almost a century. As she has been returned to the creator, and all the loved ones that preceded her, let our love of God, faith and memories sustain us.
Visitation will be at Secor Funeral Home in Willard, Ohio on Saturday, December 16, 2023 from 1:00 PM until the time of her service at 2:00 PM with Pastor Walter C. Mobley Jr. officiating. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery. Online condolences may be made to Mary's family by visiting www.secorfuneralhomes.com