Maribelle M Davis

Maribelle was born February 1, 1924 in Dallas, Texas, to William Cecil and Irene (Kramer) McLaurine. A 1942 graduate of The Hockaday Junior College, she attended the University of Texas-Austin and earned a B.A. from Southern Methodist University. In 1944, she married Oliver Reeves Davis, an aviator in the U.S. Marine Corps; together they raised three daughters while Reeves served on active duty in the U.S. and overseas.

Maribelle earned a Master of Library Science degree in 1962 from Texas Woman’s University. Hired as Plano’s first professional librarian in 1968, she was the city’s Director of Libraries for 30 years. During her tenure, she planned a decentralized library system and oversaw the construction of four libraries. She was an early proponent of library automation and technology, and Plano’s system gained national recognition for cost-effective service and innovative programs. She helped start the Plano Public Library Foundation and actively mentored other women in her field.

Maribelle was affiliated with many professional and civic organizations, including the American Library Association, the Texas Library Association, the Texas Municipal Library Directors Association, the Collin County Historical Society, and the Plano Chamber of Commerce. She was especially proud of being the first woman invited to join the Plano Rotary Club.

After retirement, Maribelle remained active with a variety of civic projects. She founded and chaired the Plano Forum (later the Southwest Forum) in 2000, and with her husband was active in the Gardeners of America. Most recently, she helped organize a successful referendum campaign to expand the Val Verde County Library in Del Rio.

Maribelle believed passionately in the power of education, the role of libraries in the community, and the capacity every person has to grow and improve. She was devoted to her family and her friends. Survivors include her beloved husband of 70 years, Reeves Davis; daughter Diane (Mike) Cameron, Daphne (Dan Wilson) Davis; Debra (Greg) Goeks; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and sister Julie M. Montague.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 10 at 2:00 p.m. at Grace Presbyterian Church in Plano (4300 W. Park Blvd.) In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Maribelle’s name to the Plano Library Foundation, 2501 Coit Road, Plano, TX 75075.

Ted Dickey Funeral Home in Plano has charge of arrangements.