Jane P. Davis

It is with great sadness we note the death of Jane P. Davis of Branchport on June 11, 2016 at the age of 93. Having lived her entire life in the town of Jerusalem, she was well known as the town historian and a dedicated Historical Society board member and volunteer back when we were just the Oliver House. Jane was the daughter of William H. and Mae Tyler Prosser, grew up on the Jerusalem family farm, attended Jerusalem rural school number 7, and graduated from Penn Yan Academy. She was married to Gordon Davis in 1944 and also graduated the same year from Keuka College with a four-year degree in economics and business. Earning a master’s degree in 1965, she became a third grade teacher in Penn Yan, retiring after 23 years. In a 1997 Finger Lakes Times newspaper article she commented “I loved teaching, every minute,” and culminated the interview with “I have lived an enchanted existence.” There is much written history about Jane Davis found in the Society’s archives.

Jane is survived by her daughter, Sally Davis, son-in-law, Doug Amey and son, Mark Davis. Also surviving are her beloved grandchildren, Susannah Parkman, Felicia and James Smalley and children, Garrett and Levi Hilton and James Smalley Jr., Lyndsy and Luke Brown and their son. Liam; Markie and Ryan Bergman.

A gathering celebrating Jane’s life will be held on Saturday, July 16th, 2016 at the Townsend Wood Funeral Chapel, Penn Yan, NY for 1 to 3 pm. A memorial service will follow at 3pm. Burial will be at Branchport Cemetery.