Mary Ellen Davis

Mother Mary Ellen (White} Davis was born on May 12, 1932, to the late Charles and Honer (Hudson) White, Sr. of Cottageville, South Carolina.

She entered eternal rest on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, in Walterboro, South Carolina.

Mary graduated from Colleton High School in 1952 and went on to build a life defined by hard work, devotion, and a deep love for people. Her first job was at Colleton Regional Hospital, and over the years she held many roles with dedication and pride. In her later years, she became a skilled seamstress at Smoaks Manufacturing, and her final position was with LCAA Headstart in Cottageville, South Carolina—a fitting place for someone who had such a natural gift with children.

Mary’s spiritual foundation was laid early in life. She joined Jericho United Methodist Church as a young girl and remained a faithful member throughout her lifetime. Alongside her sisters, she helped light the lamps for church services with their father, a cherished family tradition. She also helped dig the foundation of the church itself, making the building not just a place of worship, but a symbol of her family’s love, labor, and legacy. Jericho was her place of peace, pride, and belonging.

On January 25, 1954, Mary married Collin Davis of Ruffin, South Carolina. Their union was blessed with six children. Together, Mary and Collin lived in several cities—including Cocoa Beach, FL and Washington, DC—reflecting her love of travel and her adventurous spirit.

Mary was known for her sassy, yet sweet personality, a combination that made her unforgettable. She had a special way with people, especially children. Any child who entered her presence felt instantly at home—and rarely wanted to leave. Her warmth, humor, and kindness created a sense of comfort that stayed with everyone she met.

Mary’s life was one of service, love, and joyful resilience. She touched hearts wherever she went, and her legacy lives on in her family, her church, and the countless lives she brightened along the way.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Collin Davis; her parents, Charles and Honer

White, Sr.; two children, Miriam Davis Powell and Curtis Davis; three grandchildren, Herman Powell, Jr., Kathy Powell,

and Maurice Powell; siblings, Willie White, Arthur White, Thomas White, Clyde White, Ruth White Daniels,

Dorothy White Salley, Barbara White Camerl, Mabel White, and Charles White, Jr.

She is survived by her children, Ronald (Olive) Davis, Linda Fishburne, Colleen Gonde, and

Wanda Davis all of Cottageville, SC; two brothers-in-law, Jimmy Lee Davis of Tampa, FL and Tim Camerl of Bristol, CT; 14

grandchildren, 53 great grandchildren, 7 great-great grandchildren and one lifelong friend, Etta Rene

Williams, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

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