Magnolia Baird Davis

DEERFIELD, NY - Mrs. Magnolia Jean (Baird) Davis, age 90, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. Most people called her by her middle name, Jean.

She was born in Deerfield, on Good Friday, April 19, 1935. Jean lived in Deerfield until she and her mother, Anna Baird, moved to Utica, when she was eight years old. Jean counts her mother among her role models, as well as Mrs. Bessie E. Hicks, the founder of the Cosmopolitan Center. Jean graduated from Utica Free Academy and earned a Bachelor's Degree in psychology from Utica College and a Master's in education from SUNY Cortland. She worked at Griffiss Air Force Base and the Utica Municipal Housing Authority, where she began as a cashier and rose to tenant relations assistant, responsible for renting all New York State-aided projects in the City of Utica.

Jean had a passion for teaching. She was Utica's first black Head Start teacher. She later became a respected elementary teacher in the Utica School District. She is remembered by many local adults who attribute their success to the exemplary education and guidance she provided as a teacher. She worked in the school district until 1992 and was a volunteer with the district until the age of 70.

Jean was a lifetime member of Hope Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church. An accomplished musician, she began her musical training on piano with Mrs. Bessie E. Hicks and sang in both the Utica College and Hope Chapel choirs. Jean was the substitute pianist for Hope Chapel, for many years, until Mrs. Constance Whitfield retired in the 1980s, whereupon she became the full-time pianist for Hope Chapel.

Jean was a longtime chartered member of New Psi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority, Inc. She was a cherished comrade and loved all her sorority sisters. One of her AKA sisters was her loving niece, Lori Baird.

Jean was preceded in death by her mother, Anna (Roberson) Baird; father, Andrew Delos Baird; husband, George Davis; brothers, Raymond (Martha) and John Baird; and sister, Elizabeth Jones. She is survived by her two sons, Craig Owens (Laura) and Allen Owens (Kristina); two grandchildren, Holly Cardone (John) and Joseph Cochise Owens; two great-grandchildren, John and Joey Cardone; and numerous loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins; brother-in-law, Franklin Jones; and close family friends.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m., at Hope Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church, 751 South St., Utica. Magnolia's Home Going Service and Celebration of Life will commence at 12 p.m. at the church. Those unable to attend may be present virtually at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3802383785, Meeting ID: 380 238 3785, Passcode 1234. Interment will take place in Holland Patent Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Memorial contributions, in Magnolia's honor, may be considered to the Hope Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church After School Program online at www.hopechapelamezion.org; envelopes will also be available at the funeral home.

This obituary was lovingly composed by Jean's family.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave., Utica. Fond memories and messages of encouragement may be shared at www.EannaceFuneralHome.com.