Kelly J. Davidson

1970 - 2018

Towson, MD - Kelly J. (Conklin) Davidson passed away peacefully on April 25, 2018, after a brief but courageous battle with breast cancer. She was 47.

Born on August 16, 1970, Kelly was the second of 3 children for Jim and Marilyn Conklin of Hammondsport, NY. While growing up, she participated in girl scouts and the United Methodist youth group. For several years in high school she was a member of the downhill ski club and played the flute in the band. She was on the varsity soccer team where she was nicknamed "Agnes" by Coach Donley. During her summer vacations, she was a tour guide at the Glenn Curtiss Museum and a regular employee at Benham's Ice Cream. She graduated from Hammondsport Central School in June of 1988 as the class Valedictorian.

Continuing with her education, she attended Buffalo State in the Fall of 1988. However, she transferred to the University of Buffalo in 1990 aspiring to study law. While attending UB, she was inducted into the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa chapter. She graduated in the Spring of 1992, B.A., cum laude. Immediately, she was accepted into the University of Maryland School of Law and received her law degree with honor in 1996.

Kelly married her long-time love from Buffalo, Gordon Davidson, on September 20, 1997 at the Victory-Highway Wesleyan Church in Painted Post, NY. Gordie and Kelly settled in Baltimore as she continued to pursue her law career. In 1998, Kelly was hired as an associate at the law firm Ober-Kaler in Baltimore. She remained with this firm to present day even during its combining with the nationally known Baker-Donelson firm. She was a Shareholder at Baker-Donelson, and her area of expertise was in complex health care investigations and fraud. Kelly loved being a lawyer and strove for excellence in all her work.

While not focusing on work, Kelly enjoyed many adventures including, sky diving, trapeze lessons, white water rafting, and an experience in 2013's "The Great Bull Run" in Virginia. She loved her horse, KC, and frequently participated in dressage and jumping competitions. She had a huge social network from her times as a horsewoman, and she was a steadfast supporter of Equine Rescue and Rehabilitation, Inc. in MD. She was also a supporter and volunteer driver for Lab Rescue LRCP in VA. Over their married life, she and Gordie lovingly rescued 2 Labrador retrievers and 6 cats.

Kelly is predeceased by her paternal grandmother, Mary Barton Conklin, and her maternal grandmother, Evelyn Wheelock Webster. She is survived by her husband, Gordon Davidson, of Towson, MD, parents James and Marilyn Conklin of Hammondsport, NY, In-Laws William and Betsy Davidson of Unadilla, NY, grandfather Ardell(Yvonne) Webster of Hammondsport, NY, brother Kevin(Mollie) Conklin of Endicott, NY, sister Kirsten(Jason) Davis of Painted Post, NY, brothers-in-law Chris Davidson of Virginia, and Tom(Dale) Davidson of Texas, nieces Marita, Audrey, Serena & Isabella Conklin, and Avery & Amy Davidson, and nephews Liam & Wesley Conklin, and Collin & Evan Davis, and many beloved aunts, uncles and cousins.

Kelly had a vivacious and loving spirit. She will be missed dearly by her husband, her family, her friends, her horse community friends, her animal rescue community friends, and her esteemed colleagues. She was truly a blessing to all who crossed her path.

A Celebration of Life service is planned for May 26, 2018 at 1pm at the United Methodist Church, 35 Lake Street, Hammondsport. Light refreshments will be served following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations in Kelly's honor may be made to one of the following: Equine Rescue and Rehabilitation Inc., PO Box 145, Monkton, MD 21111; Lab Rescue LRCP, Inc., PO Box 1814, Annandale, VA 22003 or your local SPCA.