Mary Herndon Davis Todd

Mary Herndon Davis Todd LAURENS - Mary Herndon Davis Todd died peacefully on Friday, February 17, 2017, at her home on West Main Street in Laurens, surrounded by her family. She was born in Laurens, SC, a daughter of the late James Robert and Mary Hammond Sullivan Davis. She was a graduate of Winthrop College, where she was Maid of Honor in May Court. After college, she worked for the FBI in Charlotte, NC, under J. Edgar Hoover. In 1943, she married Lt. Cmdr. Edward R. Holt of Charlotte, NC. Lt. Cmdr. Holt was the commander of the USS Bullhead, and his submarine was the last submarine loss of World War II. After Cmdr. Holt's death, she moved to 8 East 68th Street in New York City. She worked as an interior designer for Earnshaw Interiors on Madison Avenue. She continued her career in New York City working for NBC Studios in the early days of television. In the summer of 1948, while visiting her parents in Laurens, she met James C. Todd Jr., a former University of Georgia football star, who had returned to Laurens after World War II to join his father and brother in their wholesale grocery business. They were married on October 12, 1948, and lived happily in Laurens raising their two sons, James C. Todd III and Robert H. Todd. After her husband's death in 1994, and having a love of travel, she opened The Uptown Collection Antiques on the Laurens Square. She made numerous trips to Europe in search of antiques for her shop. She had an adventurous and full life, but always had a sincere love for her fellow man and those in need. She was a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church, where she was a former president of the Women of the Church, Sunday school teacher, and honorary Life Member of Presbyterian Women. Mrs. Todd is survived by her sons, Dr. James C. Todd III and wife Susan, and Robert Herndon "Robin" Todd and wife Beth. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Robert Herndon Todd Jr. (Liz), Elizabeth McMaster Todd, James Conway Todd IV, Bratton Scott Todd, and two great-grandchildren, Olivia and Holland Todd. Also surviving is her sister, Betty Davis Dailey of Laurens. She was predeceased by her husband, parents, and brother, James Robert Davis Jr. Graveside service will be held on Sunday, February 19th at 2:30 p.m. in Forest Lawn Cemetery in Laurens. The family extends their deep appreciation to Brenzella Adams, Clemie Anderson, Melissa Meier, Laurice Rouse, and Willie Belle Williams for their loving care for over three years. Also, deep-felt thanks to Hospice of Laurens County Home Health Care. Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 400 West Main Street, Laurens, SC 29360. The Kennedy Mortuary, Laurens