Mary Thomas Davis

Mary Thomas Davis, 76, of Brookhaven, GA, died peacefully in the early morning hours of December 18, 2014, after a long and courageous battle with breast cancer. She was preceded in death in 2002 by her husband of 45 years, Rep. J. Max Davis, Sr. Born in Nashville, TN in 1938, Mary enjoyed an idyllic childhood with her loving parents, Martha B. and Fritz Thomas, in Huntsville, AL. Upon her father's untimely death when she was 16 years old, Mary and her mother relocated to Sarasota, FL to be near her beloved brother and his family. The wonderful memories she made growing up with dear friends were a lifelong source of joy for her and amusement for her children. Tales of working and playing in her family's movie theaters and drive-ins with her friends and family were particular favorites, and she enjoyed a lifelong love of movies as a result. Service to others was a hallmark of her life. Whether she was supporting her husband and his constituents as the wife of a public servant, teaching Sunday School to 2- and 3-year olds at Metropolitan Baptist Church, or lending a helping hand and listening ear to families and residents of NE Atlanta Health and Rehab (formerly Knollwood Terrace) where she worked in Admissions for 23 years, Mary lived her life to serve others and glorify her Savior. Through her gracious southern charm, sense of humor, compassion, and desire to model Christ's love for mankind, she touched countless lives and left a lasting impression on all who knew her. Mrs. Davis is survived by her devoted family: son, Todd H. Davis of Brookhaven; daughter and son-in-law, Stacie Davis Rapson and Duane of Atlanta; son and daughter-in-law, Brookhaven Mayor J. Max Davis, Jr. and Carrie of Brookhaven; and five loving grandchildren, Ashley and Ansley Rapson, and Lydia, Max, and Liza Davis. In addition, she is survived by a host of beloved nieces, nephews, and their families. Funeral services will be held Monday, December 22, at 11:00 a.m. at H.M. Patterson & Son, Oglethorpe Hill Chapel, 4550 Peachtree Road, NE, Brookhaven, GA, 30319. The family will receive friends Sunday, December 21 from 2:00pm until 4:00pm at Metropolitan Baptist Church, 4795 Peachtree Dunwoody Road NE, Sandy Springs, GA, 30342. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. or Metropolitan Baptist Church.