Marie Theresa Davis

1942 - 2025

Marie Theresa (Jirak) Davis, 83, passed away peacefully on December 21, 2025. She lived a full and meaningful life grounded in faith, family and quiet strength. A beloved sister, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Marie was deeply loved by all who knew her.
Born January 18, 1942, to Margaret and Leo Jirak in Tampa, Kansas, Marie was the eldest of twelve children. She grew up on her family's farm, where early lessons in hard work, responsibility, independence and devotion guided her throughout her life.
Marie dedicated her career to public service, spending more than twenty years with the State of Kansas and Kansas State University, followed by twenty-three years in federal service. Her work included roles with the Department of Health and Education in Washington, D.C., the Department of the Army and the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California.
A gifted oil painter, Marie found peace and joy through art. She loved the outdoors, especially time spent at the beach collecting seashells, searching for shark's teeth and fishing. She also enjoyed gardening, traveling and hosting family gatherings. She was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church.
Her greatest joy was her family. Marie cherished her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was a steady source of love, direction and support. She will be remembered for her quiet grace, resilience and deep Catholic faith, through which she lived with a profound love of the Lord.
She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Florence Rahn.
Marie is leaves behind her daughter, Regina Duncan, and son-in-law, Todd, of Fernandina Beach, Florida; her granddaughter and husband, Theresa Duncan and Zeb Gross; her great-grandchildren, Adrian Duncan and Francine Gross, all of Fernandina Beach, Florida; and her son, Jeffrey Davis, and daughter-in-law, Meredith, of Newnan, Georgia; and grandchildren, Bennett Davis and Marlee Davis. She is also survived by three sisters and seven brothers and nieces and nephews.
A private family Mass will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Marie's memory to Community Hospice & Palliative Care.
Please share your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com.