Mary Ann Davis

Mary Ann Davis passed away peacefully on August 7, 2024, at the Halifax Hospice Care Center. The hallmark of Mary Ann’s life was her sweet spirit that was filled with limitless love for God and family and just about everyone.

Born to Daniel and Nettie Giddens on December 15, 1932, Mary Ann’s life began in Eastman, Georgia where she grew up with her late brother D.J. Giddens and late half-sister Christine Curry. When she was 14, the family moved to Winter Garden, Florida. She attended Mt. Dora Christian Home and Bible School, graduating early at age 16.

In 1950, Mary Ann met the love of her life, Dick Davis. They married six months later. They bought their first home in 1954 in a new community called Pine Hills in west Orlando. It was good timing because their first child, Lee Ann, arrived that year. Three years later, their son Jeff was born.

Dick spent most of his teaching career at Pine Hills Elementary School. Since Dick couldn’t drive, Mary Ann took administrative assistant positions at local schools so she and Dick could work near each other and have similar schedules. She retired in 1990 at the age of 58.

Dick and Mary Ann were close to their family and had many lifelong friends. They spent their last years traveling in an RV, often with their square dance club, enjoying large square dance round-ups and bluegrass festivals. Dick passed away in 2007 after 56 years of marriage.

Throughout her life, Mary Ann was an artist with needle and thread. She was a master at sewing, embroidery, tatting, knitting and quilting. Mary Ann made Dick a custom-tailored suit and made almost all of Lee Ann’s school clothes (copying the expensive name brands they couldn’t afford) and creating her beautiful homecoming and prom gowns…all while working full time and attending church on a regular basis.

Predeceased by her parents, her brother, her husband and her son, Mary Ann’s memory is held in high honor by her daughter Lee Ann, her grandsons Adam and Jesse, and many other family members and friends.

A funeral service for Mary will be held Sunday, August 18, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM at Robert Toale and Sons Funeral Home at Palms Memorial Park, 170 Honore Ave, Sarasota, FL 34232, followed by a reception from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM.

Mary Ann will be buried at a later date with her husband at the Sarasota National Cemetery.