Mary John Davis, 90, passed away in the early morning of October 14, 2023. She once left a note for her mother after she was asked on a date by her future husband Hubert that read, “Mother, I’ve died and gone to heaven!” Her dear husband, whom she’s loved for 76 years of her life, preceded her in death in 1995 and now they will together watch over their family from heaven.
Mary John was born December 13, 1932 in Greenville, Alabama in Kolb City to Harvey Jordan Milner and Mary B. Powell. She was documented on her birth certificate as BABY GIRL Milner. Having been born during the Great Depression, babies weren’t named because most wouldn’t survive. Mary John’s father worked for the power company and his job moved the family many times throughout Alabama and Georgia. Mary John spent her younger years in Tifton, GA while she spent most of her teen and adult life between Cuthbert, Americus and Columbus, GA. Mary John attended Baker High School in Columbus, GA and graduated from Cuthbert High School in 1949. A wonderful and rich life began with the marriage to her sweetheart James Hubert Davis Sr on June 3, 1951 in Cuthbert, GA at the First Presbyterian Church.
Mary John was a true matriarch, a devoted wife, mother, daughter, grandmother and friend. Mary John grew up in a world marked by adversity, from the Great Depression to World War II, and she emerged from these challenges with a spirit of unyielding determination. Throughout her life, Mary John’s unwavering strength was evident, from raising her children to enduring the trials and tribulations that life presented.
She loved her Savior Jesus Christ and that love started at a very young age. Her example of devotion and service has carried on to all of her children and grandchildren. Mary John was a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served in several capacities during her lifetime including serving the children, youth and women’s organizations. She had the voice of an angel and she loved to sing and lead the church choir.
Mary John loved her family fiercely. When her children were younger, a terrible ice storm hit the area – it was so cold, her children were freezing. She was intent on keeping her children warm so she cut up her kitchen chairs and burned them in the wood stove for warmth. She supported and cheered her children and grandchildren; attending any type of activity they were participating in; band, orchestra, chorus concerts, cheerleading, soccer, football and any type of academic or high school achievement. She was extremely proud of all their accomplishments.
Pine Mountain, GA was Mary John’s home for most of her adult life. She loved this community and worked for many years in education and serving the children of Harris County. There weren’t many places that Mary John could go where someone wouldn’t come running up to her and give her a hug, a thank you or a story of how she made a difference in their life.
Mary John’s interests were shopping excursions, eating out, cooking for her family, reading, substitute teaching, and cheering on her beloved Georgia Bulldogs.
She is survived by 6 children Pamela (Jerry) Bettes, Vickie (Alan) Sizemore, Jacqueline (Dan) Hogsed, Patty Harris (Scott), Hub Davis and Jamie (John) Tarver; 11 grandchildren, Wren (Richard) Martin, Wade (Kristi) Bettes, Kimberly (Patrick) Pittman, Nicholas (Jessie) Bettes, Mark Bettes, Jennifer (Chris) Ricker, Lauren (Kyle) Fowler, John Patrick (Madison) Riley, Gabrielle (Stephen) Hoyle, Austin Mitchell and Christain Davis; and a total of 22 great- and great-great grandchildren.
Preceded in death by her loving husband James Hubert Davis Sr., her father, Harvey Jordan Milner, mother, Mary B. Powell Milner and brother Harvey P. Milner.
The family will be receiving friends on Friday evening October 20, 2023 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Striffler Hamby 4071 Macon Road, Columbus, GA 31907.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at 11:00 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 550 S Street, Pine Mountain Valley, GA 31823.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.shcolumbus.com for the Davis family.
