Mildred Jones Davis

Mildred Jones Davis, 92, born in Wilmington, N.C. on September 12, 1911, died June 24, 2003 in Fuquay-Varina, N.C. Mrs. Davis developed a passion for needlework at an early age. While raising her family in Boston, her interest focused on Crewel Embroidery, and soon she was teaching its design and technique. In 1962, Mrs. Davis’ first book "The Art of Crewel Embroidery" was published. It is still in demand. She was also the author of "American Embroidery Designs" and other publications relating to textiles. She wrote articles for Good Housekeeping, Antiques Magazine and House and Garden and was a contributor to the Time-Life Series "The Family Workshop." From 1970 to 1976 Mrs. Davis served as consulting curator of Textiles for The Valentine Museum. She developed the Textile Resource and Research Center and was responsible for the redecoration of the Wickham-Valentine House and its dedication as a national historic monument. In 1977, Mrs. Davis founded The American Institute of Textile Arts at Pine Manor College in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. After moving to New Bern, North Carolina in 1982, she served as curatorial and conservation consultant at Tryon Palace in New Bern. In 1997, The Gallery of Art and Design at North Carolina State University hosted an exhibit of Mildred Davis’ historical embroideries. Some of this collection has been donated for permanent display there. Mrs. Davis was the widow of Charles Wingfield Davis of Richmond and was preceded in death by her children, Patricia Barrington Davis and Charles Wingfield Davis Jr. Her survivors are her nieces, Katherine Kramer Currin of Fuquay-Varina, N.C., Mary French Mason Elder of Hopewell, Va.; and her nephew, John Stevens Mason Jr. of Alexandria, Va. A graveside memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, July 26, 2003 at 11 a.m. at River View Cemetery in Richmond.