Mary Alice Woods

  General Notes:

From www.findagrave.com:
Mary Alice Woods Davis
Birth: July 1932 - Salem City, Virginia
Death: June 22, 2001 - Radford City, Virginia
Parents:
William Harvey Woods (1899 - 1961)
Marjorie Mae McDonald Woods (1901 - 1967)
Burial: West View Cemetery, Radford, Virginia

The SSDI records:
Mary A. Woods Davis
Born: Nov. 2, 1932
Died: June 22, 2001
Last Residence: Radford, VA


Obituary:
Mary Alice Woods DAVIS, among her family and friends, passed away at her home in Radford, June 22, 2001. A genuine example of kindness and support, she embodied the southern genteel lady of the twentieth century. She was 68. Born Mary Alice Woods in Salem, Va., to William Harvey Woods and Marjorie McDonald Woods, she attended Andrew Lewis High School and later graduated from the College of William & Mary in 1955. She served as the President of the William & Mary Chapter of Future Teachers of America and was also a sister of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority. As a senior in college, she taught several homebound students throughout the Williamsburg area. While teaching third grade in Richmond, Va., Mary Alice met her husband, Richard Waters Davis, as he completed his law degree at the T.C. Williams School of Law at the University of Richmond. Married November 28, 1958, the young couple moved to Radford in October of 1959. Within three years, the Davises established themselves as Radford community leaders. Her husband became municipal judge of Radford City in 1962 while Mary-Alice served as president of the Junior Woman's Club. She continued teaching at Dublin Middle School and taught nursery school at the Presbyterian Church of Radford. Her community involvement continued to expand for many years. Mary Alice was honored in November of 1962 as "Radfordite of the Week." She served as the city school system's liaison chairman for the Radford Lamplighters, spearheading the "Clean-up Campaign" which sponsored youth participation in litter prevention. Mary Alice served as den mother for the Cub Scouts, was active in the P.T.A., the Radford High School Athletic Boosters and the P.E.O. Chapter H Sisterhood. One of her energetic contributions was her volunteer work for the "Meals-On-Wheels" program through Radford Community Hospital. As a member of the Hospital Auxiliary, Mary Alice helped begin the food delivery program in 1972, which eventually grew to over 60 volunteers. Her first priorities, however, were raising five children, cooking large meals, and being a model homemaker. An avid cook, Mary Alice's kitchen was decorated by these profound words: "Superior foods and beverages served in this kitchen with love." Whether throwing a party, serving family Thanksgiving dinners, or doing "pick-up", everyone was a welcome guest as Mary Alice was the ultimate hostess. Her recipes for "Mock Chicken and Ham Casserole," "Hot Crab Dip," and "Lemon Buttermilk Pie" all appeared in local papers so everyone could have a taste of her kitchen. Hardly a Bobcat football game went by without a pot of chili with hotdogs. Her most famous dish, "Welsh Rabbit," is still the Davis family favorite. On Mother's Day 1984, Charles E. Fretwell of the Radford News Journal dedicated his column to Mary Alice. Fretwell wrote: "Mary Alice Davis seems to thrive on staying busy - whether it has been taking care of her children or involving herself in wholesome community activities. In all of her involvements, she has been low key and content to see that the job got done. She always does more than her part, regardless of who gets the credit." Fretwell concluded, "Mary Alice Davis is a wonderful example of the reason why Mother's Day is special to all of us." In her later years, Mary Alice helped coordinate Radford High School's Girls State participants and served as a member of the Carilion New River Valley Medical Center Foundation Board that helped raise funds for health-related programs in the New River Valley. She enjoyed lunch with her "Birthday Girls," playing bridge with her cohorts, and keeping a watchful eye on all sporting events. Mary Alice was preceded in death by her infant son, William Harvey Davis. She is survived by her husband of 42 years, Richard Waters "Dick" Davis; her children, Debra Dawn Davis Sydnor and husband, William Michaux Syd-nor, Jr., of Radford, Julia Woods Davis, of Richmond, Richard Waters Davis, Jr., of Radford; Beverly McDonald Davis and wife, Angela Pankey Davis, of Radford, and Major Robert William Davis and wife, Debra Berman Davis, of Philadelphia; her grandchildren, Nicole Dawn Sydnor, Maryah Davis Syd-nor, Avery Ellen Davis, and Beverly Alan Davis, of Radford; brother. William Harvey Woods, Jr. and wife, Georgia, of Alexandria; sister. Marjorie Woods Akers and husband, Peter, of Florence, Ala.; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; dedicated caregivers; and many dear friends. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 in the evening on Sunday at DeVilbiss Funeral Home in Radford. Funeral services will be conducted Monday, June 25, 2001, at noon in the Presbyterian Church of Radford, 201 Fourth Street, with the Rev. O. Wendell Manuel officiating. Graveside service will follow at West View Cemetery, Fifth and Pendleton Street, Radford. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the New River Valley Health Foundation for Nursing Scholarships, P.E.O. Chapter H, Radford Beautification Committee, or the Baby Henry Fund.

Mary married Living