Beverly B. Davis

With deep sadness, we share the passing of Beverly Bell Baker Davis (January 21, 1935 - February 9, 2024). Beverly was the daughter of Murat Mathews Baker and Juanita Ruhama Vanica. She is survived by beloved husband of almost 54 years, Craig Brian Davis, two sisters - Joyce Shuman and Andrea Darlington, five children - Lisa Stoklosa, Lori Pierick, Edwin (Ben) Munson, Laurie Gubanyar and Shannon de Jong - along with eleven grandchildren and five great grandchildren with two more on the way. She was preceded in death by first husband, Edwin Sterling Munson.

Although born in Akron, Ohio, she lived most of her childhood in Memphis, Tennessee. During her life she called Iowa, Rhode Island, California, Virginia, Michigan, Wisconsin and Ohio home.

Beverly was a member of the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority while attending Memphis State University with a major in English literature and a minor in art. She graduated with honors and following in her father’s footsteps was invited to join the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa Society.

Marriage to Edwin Sterling Munson resulted in four children, Lisa, Lori, Edwin Eger, and Edwin Benjamin (Ben). Tragically, Edwin Eger did not survive. In 1970, Beverly remarried Craig Brian Davis. Together they formed a blended family that included Craig’s daughter, Laurie, Beverly’s three children - Lisa, Lori and Ben, and Craig and Beverly’s daughter, Shannon. March 21, 2024, would have marked 54 years together.

Beverly’s professional journey saw her transition from high school English and art teacher to a Licensed Practical Clinical Counselor (LPCC). After earning a master’s degree and completing doctorial coursework at Ohio University, she dedicated herself to counseling at Touchtone Counseling Services and later in private practice.

Beverly spent her life fighting for what she believed in with empathy at the forefront. Her presence in the Selma (1965) civil-rights protest is but one example of the strength of her convictions. She spent many years fighting for social justice and against racial inequality. In Charlottesville, Virginia, she led integration efforts and established an after-school program for disadvantaged children.

Known for her warm hospitality, Beverly’s home was a haven for all. Actively involved in the Unitarian Universalist church, she initiated various community activities including first Friday night out, a memoir writing group and a group for grieving women. Her lifelong passion for the arts, from painting to theater, instilled creativity in her children. Even her work as a therapist was practiced as an art as she helped in the healing of her many clients.

Visitation hours to remember and honor Beverly will be held on Friday, February 16, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the Schoedinger Funeral Home, 1740 Zollinger Road, Columbus. A Celebration of Life is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 17, at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 93 Weisheimer Road, Columbus. Webcast available at https://youtube.com/live/wfn1OI0RvTU

An interment service will follow on Monday, February 19, at 10 a.m. at Union Cemetery, 3349 Olentangy River Road, Columbus.

In lieu of flowers, friends and family are invited to contribute to the Stephanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research - a cause dear to Beverly’s heart. May her memory be a source of comfort and inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing her.