Margaret Mae Davis

Margaret Mae Francis Polk,97, was born in Maury County (Mt Pleasant), Tennessee, on February 20, 1927. She was the only daughter and third sibling of four children born to Jule and Melinda Polk (deceased). Margaret was the last of her siblings, Willie C, Floyd, and James Polk to pass away.

Shortly after graduating from Clark High School in 1947, she married her high school sweetheart, George Henry Davis (deceased), and moved to Detroit, MI. Their union produced seven children—Marcia Elayne, George Edward (Sue Giffin), Margaret Denise, Alethea Davis-Smith (Bryon Smith), Ronald Jule Thomas (Deitra Gibbson), Joyce Yvette, and Gerald Paxton (deceased). Seven grandchildren also survive her: Kyle Davis, Brandon Davis, Jasmine Davis, Seth Davis, Kevin Smith, Morgan Smith, and Emerson Elayne, as well as five great-grandchildren: Brandon Davis, Jr., Julian Davis, Davis Hodges, Sydney & Sage Davis, along with many nieces and nephews, 1st and 2nd cousins. Margaret and George were married 25 years when they divorced.

An essential part of Margaret’s life was her faith. Baptized as a Jehovah’s Witness in 1968, Margaret Pioneered for over 30 years, frequently serving where the ‘need is great’ in North and South Dakota. Margaret served as a Pioneer in the Walnut Congregation in Diamond Bar, the Rancho Cucamonga Congregation, and the Padua Hills Congregation in Claremont. Many residents in those territories knew Margaret and mentioned her to other Witnesses who came to their door. Margaret still preached vigorously when she could no longer Pioneer due to her advanced age. Every Friday, she rode the train to Los Angeles with friends from the Padua Hills Congregation to spread the Good News. Margaret loved to preach.

Remembering Mama

Marcia: Mom could squeeze blood out of a turnip. If she had a penny, she could save half of it. She saved money from whatever allowance Dad gave her and could still feed and clothe us. I remember her clipping food coupons and S&H Green Stamps to buy household goods.

Joyce: Mom had a lovely voice. She was selected to join The Community Chorus of Detroit (still performing today). I remember the entire family dressing up to hear Mom sing at Cobo Hall one night when I was in grade school. It was exciting to see my mom perform, and I was so proud of her. Margaret Denise: Mom was the pioneer in the family; a pioneer is the first to explore or settle in a new area. She was the one who persuaded Dad to come from the south to Detroit, Michigan, in search of a better life for her family. She was a pioneer again when she first sent my brother George, then myself, and my sister Alethea to Los Angeles, California, after which

she and the rest of the family followed. Still, it was her idea to move to a place with more opportunities for her family.

Ronald: Mom always said whether I had new clothes on or not, “That looks good. I like that. I’ve never seen anything like it.” She always had a big smile when she said it, which made me smile.

Alethea: We were raised on ‘tell Mama all about it’ therapy and trained to stand up straight, hold our heads high, and look the person we spoke to in the eye. This mantra has served us well all our lives, especially as young adults when we had to go out and present ourselves to the world and establish our careers. Mom was an extraordinary woman who lived an ordinary life.

A visitation for Margaret will be held Tuesday, September 3, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Oakdale Mortuary, 1401 South Grand Ave, Glendora, CA 91740.

A graveside service will occur Wednesday, September 4, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 2:40 PM at Oakdale Mortuary & Memorial Park, 1401 S Grand Ave, Glendora, CA 91740.