Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Mary Davis Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mary Davis
Mary Franks
September 5, 2008
The memorial service for Mary Jo was truly a celebration of her life, one that she planned AND would have approved! Dr. Campbell related some of the funny "stuff" she always got herself involved in. I have another that she told me about: an alum and new husband visited the Averett campus and Mary Jo had forgotten the alum's married name. So when Mary Jo greeted the married couple, Mary Jo said to the husband, "I can't remember how to pronounce your last name. Please pronounce it for me." And he replied, "Smith...S M I T H." This is why we all loved Mary Jo Davis and will truly miss her.
Nina Peek
September 2, 2008
I only had the privilege of knowing Mary Jo for a little over 2 years and during that time I came to know why she had so many friends. My condolences go out to all of them as i know they will greatly miss her. She was a truly great lady and I will miss her too.
Mattie (Howard) Broadnax-Evans
September 2, 2008
Mary Jo Davis was one of the first faculty members that I came to know well when I enrolled at Averett in 1970. Before I graduated in 1971 and even after our 2002 meeting at the Tidewater Peninsula Averett campus, she continued to be "a constant ray of sunshine," "a model of everything that one has to be to inspire others to soar beyond their potential." and "a precious angel whose words of encouragement sustained the hearer far beyond the day she touched his/her life." I thank the Lord that He gave her to us for such a long time and I thank Him for having her help me to desire to accomplish much.
Cathy Burgess
September 2, 2008
My life and the lives of my children are forever enriched for having known Mary Jo. She was one of those people who are truly good, never one to act differently depending on who was around, always willing to do whatever it took to get the job done and always did it with a smile on her face. Mary Jo impacted so many lives - she will be missed.
Eileen DeLucia
September 1, 2008
My dear friend and "little sis" at Averett. She was a wonderful person and I will miss her forever. I have the nicest memories and will never forget her kindness to me.God bless you, Mary Jo.
Terry Harris
September 1, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Kim Clifton
August 31, 2008
She will never be forgotten. She was always an inspiration to me and I was so lucky to have known her. She made the world a better place.
Deborah Dix
August 31, 2008
Mary Jo was a great lady!!!!
She would make you smile on bad days!!
She will be missed!!
Elaine Campbell class of '74
August 31, 2008
Miss Davis was such a vital part of Averett College when I was there 70-74. I will never forget her, especially the Saturday I broke down with the worse case of homesickness and when she saw me registering to return my sophomore year. I got to see her at an alumni dinner on the peninsula when she was involved with the Alumni Office. I had no clue she would remember me but she did. She was such a great Averett Lady!
Carol Ellis Webber
August 30, 2008
Miss Mary Jo Davis was one of my favorite teachers and she left a lifelong impression on my life. She was my Virginia History teacher at Robert E. Lee Jr. High, and she made history interesting and exciting! After all these years(I am now 57), I still think about things that she said in class!
I will always remember where I was when I heard that John F. Kennedy had been assassinated. I was in Miss Davis' history class. I can remember the fear in my heart and the inability to comprehend what had happened, but Miss Davis stayed calm and helped us to feel less upset. I will never forget her, and I feel so blessed to have had the honor of being in her class.
Jane Mahoney
August 30, 2008
Remembering Mary Jo brings tears to my eyes, she was a dear and wonderful person full of fun and love of life. Our times at Averett College were filled with fun, growth and learning! Jane Tombes Mahoney
Addie Wilkerson
August 30, 2008
Mary Jo was an unusually talented lady who held many important posts at Averett. She was a joy to know and a true friend. In my estimation, she handled most any situation with dignity, respect, and with a remarkable sense of humor.
Addie Dodd Wilkerson
Cathy Farley
August 30, 2008
So sad to see the loss of another wonderful advisor from my college days. Ms. Davis was never too busy to listen and help. Even years later,
when we attended the same church, she was always caring and involved, always gracious. She will be remembered fondly and missed.
Gayle Wyatt Plott
August 30, 2008
Mary Jo was a Christian who loved her church; a devoted daughter and sister; a teacher; a wise counselor; a loyal friend; an ambassador for Danville and Averett. She will live forever in our hearts.
Roberta Thayer-Smith
August 30, 2008
Mary Jo took great care of us 'girls' from 1970-74 as Dean of Students. She was a talented, fun loving individual who will be sadly missed in the Averett community and to those she nurtured throughout the years.
Roberta Thayer-Smith (1974)
BETTY SHELTON O'QUINN
August 30, 2008
MISS DAVIS WAS A SAVIOR WHEN WE HAD TO GO INTO THE OFFICE AT GW SHE WAS THERE FOR STUDENTS AT ANY TIME. SHE MANAGED TO FIX IT OR FIND OUT HOW TO FIX AND I WILL NEVER FORGET HER SMILE.
Eve Adams
August 30, 2008
She was a wonderful lady & my friend, my whole career at Averett. She will be greatly missed.
Katherine Ballard Simpson
August 30, 2008
Mary Jo was certainly a talented lady and her presence will be greatly missed. It was a privilege to have known such a lovely person.
Anne Barrett Chamlee
August 30, 2008
Mary Jo was such an accomplished person full of love and laughter -- she will be greatly missed and her memory cherished.
Diane Ryan Shelton
August 30, 2008
What an Ambassador for Life Mary Jo Davis was. During my years at Averett she was always smiling, encouraging and respected by all. Throughout my 30 years as a teacher in the Danville Public Schools, she continued to be supportive and always interested in my career and my son's educational involvement while at Averett. I have been in the Wednesday Club with her as she was a dynamic President, always encouraging the members. I valued her presence along with her close friend, Dr. Elizabeth Compton at my wedding and retirement party. I appreciated their attendance even though they were such busy ladies. She was the epitome of a true Southern Lady and a blessing to all who knew her. I also remember Dr. Compton in prayer as she mourns the loss of a truly close friend and confidante.
Class of 76'
Showing 1 - 22 of 22 results
Make a Donation
in Mary Davis's name
Memorial Events
for Mary Davis
How to support Mary's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Mary Davis's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
