Sally Ann Davidson

Our lovely Sally has passed from this earth, surrounded by all five of her children at her home in Okemos. She defied all odds, living with chronic kidney disease years longer than anyone expected when it finally took her life on Thursday.

Daughter of Richard and Lorenna Way, Sally grew up in Jackson along with her sister, Betsy. Ever a source of pride, the family's Way Baking Company created by her great grandfather, Harvey Way, produced many famous brands of pastries, cookies, and bread, including Holsum Bread and Kleen Maid. Way Bakery was a notable first in automation of dough mixing, bread slicing, and wrapping, which helped skyrocket their industry success.   

Sally and her beloved grandpa, Russell “Bum” Austin, roamed the Michigan countryside with Spaniels at their sides. They spent many wonderful days exploring the woods and shooting their pistols.  It was these outdoor adventures that lead her to a lifelong appreciation of Mother Nature, which she imparted onto her children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews.  Most beautiful upon her Arabian horse, she was a lover of all things feathered, furry and lost. Sally opened her home to orphans of all sorts.  

It wasn't just animals that she welcomed into her life.  While the chaos of her own five children swirled around her as a single mom, she had the capacity to include in her life a myriad of other children who were drawn to her gentle spirit for the love and support she so willingly gave.  Late night conversations with Sally were journeys into one's soul.  She never judged or insisted on certain outcomes. She just gently guided one to a thoughtful path toward becoming a better person.      

Sally was a brave adventurer. She raised Great Danes, showed prize winning songbirds and flew light planes. She bought horses at auction, picked up snakes and hunted shells at the beach but was afraid to swim.

Sally Ann Davidson defined grace, always putting the cares and concerns of others ahead of herself. Sally was a beautiful example of humanity at its finest.  She will be remembered by all as a great lady with an indomitable sense of humor, a sharp wit and a smile like a rainbow.

Sally is survived by her sister, Betsy Easterwood and children, Kai Klaassen (Ernie Selander), Daniel Davidson, Debra (Mike) Kortas, Robert Davidson and Kim (Scott) Chernich. She was also survived by her seven grandchildren, Apple Fruchey, Nellie and Betsy Selander, Dane and Colt Davidson, Lorenna and Clayton Chernich and great grandchildren, Broady and Breanna Fruchey and Sally and Loula McLane. Sally was preceded in death by her former husband, Dick Davidson.

A celebration of life will be hosted by her children on Saturday, June 3, 2023 from 2PM-6PM at the Turner-Dodge House, 100 E North Street, Lansing, MI 48906. Donations can be made to the Capitol Area Humane Society in her name.