A. Margaret Davis' Obituary
DECATUR- Margaret Davis, 95, of Decatur passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Sunday, January 22, 2017, in her home.
Margaret was born September 3, 1921 in Decatur, Illinois the daughter of Oscar Frank and Pearl Anna Holderness French. Her beloved grandmother Margaret Jane Morthland Holderness raised her. She was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church. Margaret served over 30 years as the Macon County Republican Party Chairwoman, past Vice President of Illinois Republican Women’s Federation and past President of the Republican Women’s Study Club. She was past President of St. Mary’s Hospital Auxiliary, a volunteer for Race for the Cure, a member of the American Association of University Women, Macon County Historical Society, American Legion Post 105 Auxiliary, a member of United Methodist Women, First United Methodist Church Circle Mary and Martha, Home Extension Ella Veech Chapter, and a member of many bridge groups. Margaret graduated from Decatur High School Class of 1939 where she was the class secretary. In 1939, on her 18th birthday, Margaret won the first “Miss Lake Decatur Beauty Contest”.
Margaret married Robert W. Davis on March 17, 1942 in Decatur. He preceded her in death on February 20, 1988. For 18 years she and Bob extensively traveled the United States while he served as the Decatur Township Assessor. Margaret enjoyed cooking and trying new recipes, reading, working in her yard and decorating her home, that she lived in for over 65 years, for every season & holiday. She loved shopping and playing bridge, which she continued to do until this past December. Margaret devoted her life to caring for her family, her home and her pets. Margaret loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and attended countless musical, theatrical and sporting events of theirs over the years.
She is survived by her son Jack Davis and wife Ember of Champaign, Illinois; daughter, Barbara Davis Toney and husband Tom of Decatur, Illinois; grandchildren Jennifer Toney and husband Jake Delfs of Sioux City, Iowa; Nicholas Toney and fiancé Julie Richards of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Kathryn Davis Louis and husband Jared of Monticello, Illinois; great-grandchildren, Kayleigh, Kayden, Jillian and Jace Louis of Monticello, Illinois.
Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, husband and grandmother.
Margaret will be greatly missed by her family but will be with them forever in their hearts as a reminder of great strength and courage.
Funeral services will be 11:00am Monday, January 30, at First United Methodist Church with visitation one hour prior to services on Monday at the church. Entombment will be at 1:30 p.m. Monday, January 30, 2017 at Star of Hope Mausoleum in Graceland Cemetery. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 201 W. North St. Decatur, IL. 62522 or Decatur Macon County Animal Shelter Foundation, P.O. Box 633 Decatur, IL. 62525.
The family of Margaret Davis is being served by Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, 2091 N. Oakland Avenue, Decatur, IL. View the online obituary and send condolences to the family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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