Wilma R. Davidson

Wilma held many leadership positions in the Arapahoe and Colorado Leagues. She served as LWVCO State President on two occasions as well as participating in LWV in Chicago, Minnesota, Iowa, Los Angeles, and North Carolina. She was instrumental in helping to revise and reconcile Minnesota’s two constitutions, the drive for ratification of the ERA in North Carolina and in publishing Colorado: The State We’re In – a definitive history and background publication of Colorado Government that still resonates today.

Having received funding to develop leadership skills in local Leagues, Wilma inaugurated the LWVCO Leadership Retreat, which is held annually. The program is recognized by LWVUS as an example of developing strong Leagues.

Attached is an obituary written by Fay Plummer, one of Wilma’s close friends.

Wilma Davison

Wilma Reneau Davidson, 96, passed away Wednesday, December 4, 2013. She is survived by her daughter, Carol Davidson of Highlands Ranch, and was predeceased by her husband, Ed Davidson. She was buried Tuesday, December 10, 2013, and a memorial service honoring her life is planned for January, 2014.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the League of Women Voters of Colorado Education Fund, 1410 Grant Street, #B 204, Denver, Colorado, 80203 or to the Denver Dumb Friends League, 2080 South Quebec Street, Denver, Colorado 80231. A photo of Wilma and comments from friends and family are on the Olinger Chapel Hill Mortuary website, www.olingerchapelhill.com.

A native Coloradoan, Wilma won a merit scholarship to the University of Colorado in Boulder and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Education. She later earned a Master’s Degree in Personnel Service; in addition to her further studies in both counseling and college administration.

A prolific and talented writer with a focus on government and League history, Wilma’s publications include:

North Carolina, Our State Government – This publication was adopted as a supplemental text in the North Carolina public schools.

Colorado: The State We’re In

A Force for Change: The League of Women Voters of Colorado, 1928-1995 – the only comprehensive history of the state league

The Grassroots of the Arapahoe League – an early history on the formation of the Arapahoe League and the people involved.

As evidenced by her many activities; the League of Women Voters played a very important role in Wilma’s life. She was a valued knowledgeable member and friend of League. She will be greatly missed.

Our League Leader and Mentor: Wilma Davidson

Many of us say that belonging to the sisterhood nestled inside the League of Women Voters changed our lives. And that is always true because of the determined, organized, passionate citizens we find when we join. For those in the Colorado League, we found Wilma.

Wilma joined the League in college at University of Colorado. She qualified for lifetime status long ago. More importantly, she earned it. She was state president for two different rounds – one of them when I moved to Pennsylvania midway through my term. She stepped back in, re-sorted my messy files and never missed a beat. She knew every League job and why we do them.

Wilma was researcher and author of the Colorado government book that has been the mainstay of understanding Colorado state government. She compiled the history of the LWVCO. She traveled on behalf of League and never missed a deadline.

Moreover, she loved her husband Ed, her daughter, Carol and Carol’s horses and all of the kitties she gave loving shelter to. Once I asked her how her indoor plants always looked so healthy and she told me that she had them all on specific feeding schedules. Wilma was organization perfectly executed.

After Ed died, she and Carol sold the family house and moved into a townhouse. When I toured it with herm I asked about the steps and she told me that she was going to use them to get stronger following surgery, Wilma was determined to give and give and give.

Colorado is a better place because Wilma chose to accept the responsibility if a true and noble citizen. And for those of us who knew and loved her, we honor all of her good work by following her down the road she blazed for us and our “daughters.”

God speed dear Wilma,

Betsy McBride

Member of the LWVCO

writing from Boise, Idaho

December 8, 2013