Miriam Gillespie Davis

Born on December 12, 1954, in Spartanburg, South Carolina, Miriam was the second of three children of Royce Nelson and Betty Faye Gillespie. She received her undergraduate degree from Furman University and her Master of Education in Personnel Services from Clemson University. While at Furman University, she was involved with the Furman Singers and was a member of the Senior Order Honor Society. After receiving her master's degree, she returned to Furman University to work in Resident Life and Women's Housing.

Family was so important to Miriam from an early age. Affectionately known as “Mimi,” she loved being part of the many family gatherings, large and small, and did not want to miss out on anything. Participating in church activities was important to her, too, where she especially enjoyed singing in the youth choir. Miriam was athletic and liked playing tennis as well as competing in the neighborhood softball and football games.

Miriam married Kenneth Davis, the love of her life in 1987, and moved to Roswell, Georgia where they raised three beautiful daughters. She delighted in spending time with her family whether at home, in the mountains, or at the beach. Her greatest joy came from serving others, giving selflessly of her time and talents.

When her daughters were young, Miriam volunteered countless hours at their schools – serving as a room parent, leading the concessions stand, and planning events. Much like her mother, she was a talented seamstress, never missing a chance to sew handmade costumes, matching outfits or home furnishings. She delighted in creating cherished needlework for her family and friends. Miriam loved baking from scratch and was intentional about passing that knowledge on to her daughters. With a loving and caring heart, she always went the extra mile to make gatherings memorable for everyone.

Miriam and Ken were faithfully involved in their local church and found lifelong friendships with their small group. In the past 12 years, she fought tirelessly in the battle against triple negative breast cancer. Despite her treatment schedule, she was determined to show up and be present with her family and friends. She cherished all moments she had with her husband, daughters, and precious grandchildren. Her faith in the Lord was evident in the way she lived her life. She was the epitome of servanthood and love. She radiated kindness and joy to everyone she encountered.

Miriam was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, mother-in-law, and friend. Her survivors include her husband of 37 years, Kenneth Davis, their three daughters Katherine (Kate) Meador and her husband Garrett Meador, Elizabeth Davis, and Rebecca Davis; and grandchildren Georgia Reid Meador, Davis Meador, and Nellie Grace Meador; sister, Myra Michot (Alain) of Raleigh, NC and brother, Joel Gillespie (Melinda) of Asheville, NC; and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to either North Fulton Community Charities (11275 Elkins Road, Roswell, Ga 30076 (www.nfcchelp.org) or the Montreat Conference Center (P.O. Box 969 Montreat, NC 28757 http://montreat.org/forms/memorialgiving

or another charity of your choice.

A celebration of life is scheduled for Saturday, September 28th, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Christ Covenant Sandy Springs.