Marie M. Davis' Obituary
Marie Massey Davis, 94, of Nashville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, November 28, 2020. Born in Smith County, Tennessee, Marie graduated from Tennessee Polytechnic Institute (now Tennessee Tech) in 1945 and moved to Nashville to begin her secretarial career. She retired from the Metro Board of Public Education in 1995 after 34 years of outstanding service, the last 18 years as secretary to the board.
Marie was an active member of East End United Methodist Church since 1946. She served the church in many capacities, earning an honorary lifetime membership of the administrative council and trustees, in addition to being church secretary for 10 years following her retirement.
Well-known for her excellent country cooking, Marie was a gracious host of countless events and gatherings at her home. She was also a dedicated gardener, passionate animal-lover, skilled seamstress, and avid reader, going through several books a month up until her last days. She enjoyed traveling, attending plays, and even worked as an occasional ticket-taker at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center.
Marie worked tirelessly to help others and was a loyal friend. She supported numerous charitable organizations and volunteered her time driving cancer patients to their appointments for many years. Above all, she was devoted to her family and neighbors.
Preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Smith D. “Smokey” Davis; daughter, Suzanne Marie Davis Dempsey; parents, Herschel and Nellie Massey; brothers, Garland and Glenn Massey; and infant sister, Lunita Massey. Survived by her son-in-law, Miles Edward Dempsey; and granddaughter, Lara Davis Dempsey.
A graveside funeral service will be held at Spring Hill Cemetery, 5110 Gallatin Road, Nashville, TN, on Thursday, December 3 at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Scott Marshall-Kimball officiating. Visitation, for family only, begins at 1:00 p.m. Funeral attendees are asked to meet at 1:40 p.m. at the funeral home to go in procession to the cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, we kindly ask that donations be made to East End United Methodist Church, 1212 Holly Street, Nashville, TN, 37206.
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