Mary Davis

Mary Pauline Jordan Davis was born in Shawinigan Falls, in rural Quebec. Her father, a civil engineer with Virginia roots, had been reared in Ontario. Her mother, a native of Escanaba, Michigan, met him while visiting a friend in Quebec. Mary spent her first five years in Quebec before moving with her family to the Chicago area. In suburban Villa Park, ballet and piano lessons preceded her interest in acting. She had the leading role in the senior play at York High School in Elmhurst, and won a scholarship to Rockford College. Although she loved Rockford, relatives persuaded her to transfer to the University of Michigan. In Ann Arbor she joined Pi Beta Phi sorority and enjoyed many good roles in campus productions as well as summer repertory theater. Once she appeared in "Counselor at Law" with fellow student Mike Wallace. After graduating, she had radio acting experience in Chicago and writing opportunities in Detroit. She also taught speech and English in Bessemer, Michigan, a northern mining town, and at York High. When a friend offered her an exciting job change, she eagerly moved to Charleston, West Virginia, where she spent four years at radio station WKNA. Sponsored by the Diamond Department store, Mary conducted a morning interview program spotlighting prominent citizens and visiting celebrities. She also gave fashion speeches and directed fashion shows. On one occasion Mary emceed a production featuring Bob Hope and Doris Day, who presented Christina Dior's "new look." Another happy chapter began when the station manager introduced her to a golfing friend, James Lynell Davis. The Texan graduate of Grinnell College was with the Aetna Life Insurance Company. They married in 1950 and came to Shaker Heights when Jim joined the Aetna Group Division. Motherhood became Mary's chief priority with the arrival of three wonderful children - Mary Lynell Lindy, Jordan and Alice. Jim's death in 1968 added to Mary's responsibilities. She managed early morning "patch times" for her young ice skaters along with PTA and Girl Scout duties. Eventually she took on teaching and other posts with the Shaker Schools system. Later she served as secretary for the Shaker Historical Society. The family were members of Plymouth Church of Shaker Heights. Now there are five talented grandchildren and their partners. All have enjoyed many years of happy visits with their Nana, and have benefited from her supportive attitude, her uplifting outlook and her charming grace. Mary was the beloved wife of the late James Lynell Davis and the dear mother of Mary Davis Romans "Lindy" Kurt of Rochester Hills, MI, James Jordan Davis Catherine Butler of Cleveland Hts., OH, and Alice Davis Graham Clay of Zanesville, OH. She was the dear grandmother of Kristen Romans, Elizabeth Romans, Cole Graham Katie, Courtney Graham and Murray Davis. The family prefers that those who wish may make contributions in her name to The Judson Foundation or The Judson Art Fund c/o Judson Retirement Community, 2181 Ambleside Dr., Cleveland, OH, 44106, where a Memorial Service will be held Tuesday, February 14th at 1 pm in the Auditorium of Judson Park, entrance to the auditorium off Chestnut Hills Dr.. Interment Crown Hill Cemetery. FRIENDS MAY CALL AT BROWN-FORWARD, 17022 CHAGRIN BLVD., SHAKER HTS., OH MONDAY FEBRUARY 13TH FROM 2-4 AND 6-8 PM.


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