Shirley Ross Davis

1926 - 2023

Shirley Ross Davis
10/05/1926 - 12/01/2023
On December 1, 2023, Shirley Ross Davis, in her 98th year, passed away while holding hands with her loving family. She left with a slight touch of regret, hoping for yet one more quality year. Her first two decades were shaped by the Great Depression. Her single mother worked hard in order to allow her children to dream. Her father taught her to root for the underdogs, which she did with vigor, especially her commitment to Women's Rights.
Shirley was: strong-willed, adventurous, passionate about her family, with an original artistic eye, and could be massively generous to others. She also carved out her own path in the company of powerful men. After marrying George Walter Freeborn in June 1948, Shirley lived overseas as her husband created a business career first in Paris, then French Indochina (Vietnam), and Hong Kong. During these travels she was influenced by master Chefs, and Curators of Chinese art. Settling in Woodside, Calif., Shirley birthed four children in the decade following 1954. In the mid-1960s, watching on a small b/w TV, she was influenced by Julia Child's PBS show "The French Chef." Shirley then created (likely) the first cooking school in this culinary-starved horsey town. It was a big hit with kids, dads, pets, and moms too. One popular recipe was widely known in town as the "Freeborn Special."
Simultaneously, Shirley became a successful interior decorator to Bay Area clients, many of whom became friends. She had an eclectic taste that blended many classic styles which was inviting, unique, and not pretentious.
In 1976, a widow, Shirley married Tommy Davis, a remarkable man who was a founder of what is now known as Venture Capital. Their happy marriage continued until his death in 1990. During this time, she became a significant Modern Art collector, and a +20 year SFMOMA Trustee. In her last 18 years, she shared her house, travel, delicious food, and many artistic events with partner, Paul Sack. Shirley was also a loving grandmother who supported her grandchildren's dreams and ensured their education. She was absolutely delighted to meet her 1st great-grandchild one month before her passing. A private celebration and burial has already occurred
Shirley is survived by her four children, George Freeborn, Tita Freeborn, Nelly Emmerson, Mary Freeborn Thomson; special stepdaughter, Janie Davis Manet; eight grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
Suggestions for a donation if so inclined- Reproduction Freedom For All (formerly NARAL), Doctors Without Borders, Compassion & Choices.