Marion D. Hubby

Marion Beth was born to Henry Davis and Mary Ann (Cowan) Davis Feb. 1, 1924 in Sydney, Australia, passing into the hands of our Lord and Savior Sept. 28, 2017 in The Woodlands, TX. The fourth of five children, she approached life as a grand adventure to be savored and enjoyed to the fullest. She became a high fashion hair stylist for Louis André on Martin Place; her beautiful natural red hair was a plus. The owner called her “Cherie” and many friends remember her today by that name.

Beth met Shelby Griffin in 1943, an American airman assigned to the crew of “Sally”, the personal B-17 of General George Kenney. They married in Sydney on Dec. 4 that year, but Shelby’s base was in Brisbane. Wartime civilian travel was very restricted, so to be together she dressed as an American soldier and was flown there in the bomb bay of a B-24. Shelby was discharged in May 1945 and returned home. On June 4 Beth departed Brisbane on the S. S. Lurline, in the first group of 500 Australian and New Zealand war brides to go to the U.S.

Beth and Shelby reunited in Kansas City, KS where he worked for Phillips Petroleum Co. In 1947 they moved to Sweeny, TX, and their children Charles, Elizabeth, Marion, and Theresa were born there. In 1958 Shelby was transferred to Venezuela. Beth became an American citizen in a special ceremony, then joined him in time for the birth of their daughter Patricia. Returning to Houston in 1969, they moved to Norway in 1974. In 1985 they were back in Houston on Shelby’s retirement; then God called him home July 13, 1991.

Beth continued a very active life, becoming interested in modeling and publicity. In April 2004, she met John Hubby via a mutual friend. Their friendship quickly blossomed as they found incredible parallels in their lives. John and Shelby both worked for Phillips but never met. John worked with Beth’s brother-in-law in Sydney 29 years earlier. Beth was overseas for 22 years; John for 23 consecutive years including assignments in Brazil, Australia, Europe, and Singapore.

John proposed after only five dates and they were soon married. Frequent visits to Australia enabled John to meet all her family there; they also traveled to Brazil and Greece. Beth made many new friends worldwide in the clock collecting community that is John’s avid interest, attending many meetings together. They enjoyed a wonderful life in spite of health challenges she faced starting in 2008. Her courage, determination, and an ever-present belief in God kept her focused on the good things in life. She always said she was protected by the Holy Mother all her life and prayed to Her every night. Beth was a true lady with impeccable taste and style, and will be remembered for her fervent love of family and friends, her buoyant personality, and her ever-present and glorious smile.

Marion is survived by her husband John Hubby and her sister Patricia Byers in Australia. Marion’s Children and their spouses, Charles Griffin, Elizabeth Griffin, Robin Andrew, Marion Howard, George Howard, Theresa Griffin, Patricia Skiles and Rick Skiles. Her grandchildren Aaron Loomis, Kimberly Howard Brown (spouse Danny Brown), Kristina Skiles, Madison Griffin, Chase Skiles and six beautiful great-grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, October 8th at 1:00pm at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, 13001 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77079. Interment at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery, 12800 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77077 at 2:30pm.