Maryann Davis

1928 - 2018

Maryann Davis

Louisville - Maryann Cawthorne Davis, pillar of her family, businesswoman, writer, photographer, gardener extraordinaire, friend and nurturer and giver to so many died peacefully on March 27, 2018 in Louisville.

Born August 29, 1928, Maryann grew up in downtown Louisville (Clifton) the youngest of six, daughter of the late Robert Daniel Cawthorne and Ruby Lee Pace Cawthorne. She was the last surviving sibling. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Charles Patrick Davis.

Maryann was the business mind behind her husband's family medical practice, working to put him through medical school. While running his practice, and raising three children, she went back to the University of Louisville in mid-life to get her Bachelor of Liberal Studies degree, graduating with honors in 1974 with a focus in Photography and Spanish. She was a member of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society.

Maryann studied voice at Atherton High School and was a lead soprano in the choir of the old Louisville First Presbyterian Church, where she and her husband were members (and part of the "Unholy 12.)" After moving closer to the medical practice, she joined Anchorage Presbyterian Church where she was active and was the lead soprano for many years. Kentucky composer, John Jacob Niles, when visiting the church said, "I have finally found a soprano who can sing 'I Wonder as I Wander' as it was meant to be sung...". She sang and acted also in Mummers and Minstrels performances at Anchorage School.

Maryann served in many organizations, some of which were the Louisville Medical Auxiliary, the KET Friends Board (fund raising and marketing, helping to establish the organization in Louisville), and she was a founding (and the longest serving) member of the Owl Creek Garden Club. She had a true green thumb (or black thumb as she called it) and her gardens were her work of art and what kept her going, even planting pansies when quite ill a month ago. Sitting amongst her gardens was her husband's favorite place to be on earth. She was also a member of Owl Creek Country Club where she was active for years in sports and her children's activities.

Maryann also worked for Price Weber as a photo lab tech, was one time editor of Beaux Arts magazine, wrote and took photos for the Voice Newspapers, and collaborated with others on such projects as a book about poisonous plants, a children's book about measurements, and more.

She is survived by her children, Reed Holden Davis (Tina Lamson), Erin Davis Rouse (Bill), and Glenn Barrett Davis (Mary Jo); grandchildren Emily Davis Hines (Matt), Reed Holden Davis, Jr. (Katie), William Patrick Rouse (Catherine), Hunter Barrett Rouse, Paige Elizabeth Davis, and Everett Michael Davis; great-grandchildren Finn, Camille, and Tucker Hines; and special nieces and nephews, Kay Bays Peck, Marty Bays Thomas, Dr. Bill Davis, and Dr. R.T. Davis and families.

Few gave more love and perhaps was loved more than she was. She taught her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren how to love. And yet she was also wise and tough, battling multiple long-term painful health issues with grace and strength. Thank you so much to "Pearl's Army" of caregivers who also helped us bring her home on that last golden and glorious Sunday together amidst her daffodils.

Visitation will be Saturday, March 31, 11:00-1:00 at Ratterman Funeral Home, East Louisville in Middletown with the service immediately following at 1:00 p.m. Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to the Animal Care Society in Louisville or a charity of your choice.