Mary Elizabeth Davis was born Mary Emmabelle Payne on October 25, 1935, in Youngstown, Ohio. She was soon placed at Fairmount Children’s Home in Alliance, Ohio, with her two brothers. After some time there, she was adopted by C.H. and Rose Wonsetler, and her name changed to Mary Elizabeth. Mary loved fishing with her Dad in Canada. She lost touch with her biological brothers for decades, but was able to locate and reunite with them before they passed away. She was wed in 1959 to Thomas Davis; they were married for over 20 years and had one daughter, Julie Ann Davis.
Mary attended Wittenberg College and Kent State University, later earning her Master’s degree in Education at Stephen F. Austin University in Texas. She taught elementary school for 30 years, and spent numerous years teaching special education. Towards the end of her teaching career, she spent several years working retail jobs at Sterling Jewelry and Bachendorf’s in Dallas. She was a woman of strong faith and integrity, with eyes that sparkled. Her compassion for others showed in many ways, through her involvement in her church and Special Olympics support for her students.
After retiring from teaching she moved to North Padre Island near Corpus Christi, having always wanted to live near the water. She worked at Jean Marie’s (now Hanley Wood), until 2015. Mary was a dedicated member of Island Presbyterian Church, and served as a Deacon there for 9 years.
Mary is predeceased by her brothers, Ron Payne and Edward Payne. She is survived by her daughter, Julie Payne Davis, half-siblings Patrick Frederick and Gloria Kisha, many nieces and nephews, and her daughter’s former stepchildren Spencer & Heather Kennedy who were always like grandchildren to Mary.
Her daughter Julie would like to thank Altus Hospice for their compassion and assistance during the last 8 months of Mary’s life, as well as the support of Marion Harvey, Cheryl Crawford, Thomas & Sue Davis, and the friendship and support of Abby Janca Wieland, Gene Seaman, Lynn Haueter, John Giordano and the musicians of the Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra.
A memorial service will be held at a later date at the Island Presbyterian Church at 14030 Fortuna Bay Dr, Corpus Christi, TX, 78418; service details pending. Please contact the church for further information: (361) 949-8770.
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