Mary Louise Niz

With hearts full of gratitude and sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, Mary Louise Niz (nickname, Blacky), who took her final bow — unafraid and with an open heart — surrounded by her loving family on May 26th, 2026, at the age of 92. A woman of extraordinary beauty, strength, and grace, she lived a life, as a force of nature — unyielding, loving, and unforgettable, a legacy of faith, and devotion that will continue to resonate in the hearts of all who knew her.

Born on December 28, 1933, in the gentle embrace of Daisy, Oklahoma, Mary was the cherished daughter of Robert Dee Davis and Jewel Mae Davis, who instilled in her the values of kindness, resilience, hard work, and community service. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Manuel Niz, with whom she shared nearly 59 years of marriage, a partnership grounded in love and mutual respect. Their journey together began in Kansas in 1956, and they built a life filled with warmth and joy.

Mary was a devoted mother to her children, Patricia Nichol (late, Butch), Shirley Gilbert, Rosemary Taylor (Bobby), Robert Niz (late Kimberly), and step-son Ronnie Niz (Elvie). Her nurturing spirit extended to her grandchildren, of whom she was immensely proud, and her legacy includes numerous grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, and a blossoming number of great-great grandchildren. Her family was the cornerstone of her existence, and she was the unwavering support upon which they leaned. Mary is also survived by countless extended family members, including nieces, nephews, and cousins, whose lives she touched deeply.

A woman of remarkable dedication, Mary pursued a career with K-mart, where she worked for 28 years, retiring in 1999 as the head office accountant. Her professionalism and attention to detail were matched only by her commitment to her colleagues and the friendships she nurtured over the years. During her tenure, she also earned accounting certificates, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to personal growth and excellence.

Mary's faith was a guiding light throughout her life. An active member of the Assembly of God, she served her community with grace and humility for nearly 80 years. Her steadfast faith and dedication to her church family were evident in every community she called home, and she was a beacon of hope and love to those around her.

Mary's personal qualities were as enduring as they were endearing. She possessed a warmth and kindness that drew people to her, and her strength of character was both an inspiration and a source of comfort. Her love and compassion have echoed down through the generations, shaping the lives of her descendants and leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Predeceased by her husband Manuel Niz, parents Robert Dee Davis and Jewel Mae Davis, brother Herbert Davis, sister Iva Davis, granddaughters Lisa Gilbert, and Mary Patricia, and numerous cherished aunts, uncles, and cousins, Mary is now reunited with them in eternal peace.

As we celebrate Mary's life, we hold dear the memories of her gentle smile, her unwavering faith, and her boundless love. May her spirit continue to guide and inspire us, and may we honor her legacy by living with the kindness and generosity she so effortlessly embodied.

Our mother will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered by all who were fortunate to know her. Her life was a testament to the power of love, and her memory will forever be cherished in the hearts of her family and friends. Rest in peace, knowing you have left the world a better place through your presence.

A graveside interment to honor Mary's life will be held Tuesday, June 9th at 9 am, at the Visalia Cemetery, 1300 W. Goshen Ave, Visalia, where family and friends will gather to pay tribute to a life beautifully lived. Reception to follow at Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W, Goshen Ave, Visalia. Family and friends are invited to gather and celebrate her life during a time of visitation on Monday, June 8th from 6 pm to 10 pm at, Miller Memorial Chapel, located at 1120 W Goshen Ave, Visalia, CA.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Huntington’s Disease Foundation (https://hdfoundation.org/donate/) in Mary's memory, continuing her legacy of faith and service.