Mary Wineman Davis

Born in Detroit, Michigan, 100 years ago, on August 22, 1921, Mary was the daughter of the late Gertrude and Henry Wineman. She graduated in 1939 from the Kingswood School, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, and in 1943 from the Sophie Newcomb College in New Orleans, with a degree in English. Here she met the love of her life and future husband, Arthur Q. Davis. This was the beginning of a true love affair. Mary and Arthur traveled the world together during their 69 years of happy married life.

During World War II, Mary had a high security clearance. This allowed her to know the secret locations of submarines in the Pacific.

A life-long community activist, Mary served for 43 years as a board member of the Louisiana State Museum. During her tenure, Mary served on the Board’s Architectural Committee, the Education Committee and the Budget Committee. In addition, for many years, she presided over the Collections Committee as its Chairman. She also served as an officer of the Louisiana State Museum’s Board and presided as Chairman from 1991-1993.

Because of their commitment to Tulane University and its mission, Mary and Arthur established a Lectureship Series, which supports a visiting and guest lecture program in the School of Architecture.

Mary is predeceased by her husband, Arthur Q. Davis, her son, James Matthew Davis, her brother, James H. Wineman (Connie), and nephew, John H. Wineman (Duffy). Also deceased are her step great grandsons, Ian Armstrong Friedler and Henry Frank Friedler.

Mary is survived by her son, Arthur Q. “Quint” Davis, Jr., her daughter, Pam Davis Friedler (Frank), and daughter-in-law, Jill Lassen Davis Botnick (Michael). Mary’s beloved grandchildren are Elizabeth Ashley Davis Sheen (Mathew), Matthew Quentin Davis (Lauren), Christopher James Davis (Julia), Abby Katherine Botnick, and Molly B. Botnick. Mary’s great grandchildren are Samantha Joan Sheen, James Asher Davis, and Caroline Lassen Davis. Mary is also survived by her nephew, Henry Wineman (Trudi) and niece, Connie Wineman Jacob (Tony). Her surviving stepfamily includes grandchildren, Frank “Tripp” Friedler, III (Heidi), Caroline “Carey” Friedler Chipps (Ted), and Milton Trost Friedler (Sarah), and step great grandchildren, Patricia Trost Friedler, Kate Hackley Friedler, James Ian Chipps, Eliana Paige Chipps, and Harper Evers.

The family gratefully acknowledges the loving care given by Mary’s team of devoted caregivers, led by the wonderful Vanessa Booker, along with Vanessa Fields, Patrice Adams, and Keyawana Lanny.

A private burial took place at Metairie Cemetery in New Orleans on Friday, March 4, 2022. Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

In honor of her memory, donations for Mary W. Davis may be made to the Louisiana State Museum, Tulane University School of Architecture (Mary W. and Arthur Q. Davis Lectureship Series), or the charity of your choice.

To view and sign the guest book, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com