Marian Davis

Marian Davis possessed a spirited energy that enabled her to find happiness, no matter what the situation. She put her heart and soul into every endeavor, and friends and family reaped the rewards of her hard work. She was able to make a great life out of tough circumstances.

The 1920's were known as the "Jazz Age”. There was “Joe College” and “Jazz Baby”. Couples exhausted themselves trying to win dance marathons. It was a period of prohibition and intolerance, speakeasies, flappers, gangsters, and crime. But things were much quieter in Greenville, Kentucky. A small town, Greenville was the home of Marion and Agnes (Eldred) Jernigan. Ann (Marian) Jernigan, their second daughter of six children, was born on September 13, 1925.

Life was not easy and young Ann, or Marian, as she was called, and her siblings were all very close in age. Her parents separated when Marian was very young and her mother left for Grand Rapids, Michigan to find work. It was during the Depression and the children were left with relatives while Agnes looked for employment. By this time, Marian was ten years old, and she, along with her sister, was responsible for caring for her brothers. Agnes was successful in finding work and the children were able to join her in Grand Rapids. Marian enrolled in school and did very well. She was an excellent speller and won many area spelling bees. To help support her family, she found work as a nanny for the Polly Roe family. A great affection developed and they remained close through the years, recently calling Marian on her birthday. Marian was a very attractive young lady and graduated from an area modeling school. She pursued a modeling career and worked auto shows and even had a role as an extra in a movie.

Marian enjoyed socializing and was out one evening with friends for a drink. While standing next to the jukebox, trying to decide what to play, a very handsome sailor walked up and presented her with a handful of nickels. His name was Floyd Edward Davis. On leave from the navy, young Floyd stole Marian’s heart and the couple were married on November 25, 1944 in Grand Rapids, the blushing bride dressed in a gown made of parachute silk. Shortly thereafter, Floyd was sent to Philadelphia and Marian followed. For the next eight years she would follow him all over the country. On one occasion, anxious to see Floyd, Marian, with two children and pregnant with a third, drove a Model T accompanied by her brother all the way to California where Floyd was stationed.

After leaving the service, Marian and Floyd and their family moved to Monroe, Michigan. Floyd went to work for Consumers Power and the family stayed settled here for nearly 20 years. As the children grew older, Marian began working at a local bank as a teller and customer service representative. When they moved to Glenn, Michigan, she worked for First Of America in Holland. Marian had a bright personality and loved her job at the bank.

Family always came first for Marian and she would do whatever it took to care and provide for them. Besides working at the bank, she took a night job as a cocktail waitress just to have a little extra money. She loved to entertain and her home was a haven for friends and family. Sunday dinner was a specialty and if you were lucky, she would make your day by baking her delicious pecan rolls. Her children remember having “Garbage Can Parties” – making the meal in a new garbage can. The water would boil, meat and potatoes were added, along with vegetables, and a delicious aroma would fill the air. Marian would fill a wheel barrow with soda and everyone would dig in. Not content to care for her family just at home, Marian was also very involved in her children’s activities. She served as president of the PTA, a member of the graduation committee, a bird leader – wherever she was needed.

Marian had many interests, with music being just one. She delighted in listening to Don Ho’s Hawaiian renderings and just about any big band music. She not only listened, but also danced, having won several jitterbug contests, and roller skating competitions. She enjoyed traveling, visiting her children around the country. She would also attend reunions of the USS Savannah. And there was royalty in Marian’s background. Ancestors helped pay for a bridge in London, and also served under Henry VIII and Queen Mary.

Mrs. Ann (Marian) Davis, aged 78, passed away on October 6, 2003. She was preceded in death by her husband, Floyd Sr.; great granddaughter Savannah; and siblings, Kenneth, Eldridge, Kurt, Don, and Imogene. Marian is survived by her children, Floyd (Jackie) Davis Jr, Katherine Davis, Karla Nyikes and Scott Maxwell, Karyn (Don) Gandenberger, Kenny (Debbie) Davis, and Karyl (Bruce) Marlow; grandchildren, Jason, Marti, Ed, Joshua, Kenny, Tonyia, Brian, Julie, Jacob, Kristoffer, Phillip, Stacie, and Eric; great grandchildren, Alexandra, Gabrielle, Dominique, Bryce and Isabella; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Friends may meet her family at the Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW on Friday from 7-9PM. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 11, 2003. Please visit Marian’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can share a memory, order flowers, or make a contribution to the Hospice House of Holland online.

Marian Davis was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother, and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.