Mavis Davis Lawson

Mavis was born on June 20, 1936, in Pacuarito, Costa Rica, to Icilida Davis Griffith and Rudolpho Sharpe. She grew up surrounded by a large, loving family. Her mother was one of thirteen siblings, so cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends were always coming and going. Home was a warm green house with hardwood floors, family photographs covering the walls, laughter echoing through every room, and the comforting aroma of fresh homemade meals and baked treats that welcomed everyone who walked through the door.

As a little girl, Mavis loved playing jacks and jumping double Dutch. Those simple childhood memories stayed with her and reflected the joyful spirit she carried throughout her life.

Like so many immigrants who came to America with hope in their hearts, Mavis made the courageous decision to leave Costa Rica and build a better future for herself and her family. She was the first generation of her family to make that journey. It wasn't easy, but through faith, determination, and hard work, she created a life filled with opportunity and love.

One of the greatest gifts Mavis inherited from her mother was her love of cooking. Just as her childhood home was filled with the smell of fresh meals, Mavis made sure her own home was the same. She lovingly prepared meals every day and especially looked forward to holidays, when family gathered around her table. She was also an incredible baker, known for her delicious cakes and freshly baked buns. Feeding people wasn't simply something she did—it was how she expressed her love. If you sat at Mavis's table, you knew you were family and that she would feed you by sharing what she had to offer.

Mavis also loved music. She had a beautiful sense of rhythm and was an excellent dancer. Whether it was a family celebration or simply enjoying her favorite songs at home, music brought joy to her life, and she shared that joy with everyone around her.

Professionally, Mavis devoted 30 years of her life to caring for others as a Licensed Vocational Nurse in the ICU at Glendale Adventist Hospital. Nursing wasn't just her profession—it was her calling. She cared for patients during some of the most difficult moments of their lives with compassion, dignity, and kindness.

During those three decades, she formed lifelong friendships with people from many different cultures and backgrounds. She genuinely enjoyed learning about their traditions, especially their food. She brought home recipes and shared them with her own family, preparing dishes like pancit, her famous carrot cake, and countless other meals that became treasured family favorites. Her kitchen became a place where cultures came together, friendships were celebrated, and everyone was welcome.

But above all else, Mavis loved her family.

She taught us that love is shown in everyday acts of kindness—in preparing a meal, offering a helping hand, opening your home, sharing a laugh, or simply being there when someone needed you. She showed us the importance of working hard, caring deeply, and treating every person with dignity and respect.

Her legacy is not only found in the family she leaves behind but in the countless lives she touched as a nurse, a friend, a neighbor.

Though our hearts are heavy today, we find comfort knowing that her life was one well lived. We will remember her warm smile, her dancing spirit, the delicious meals she prepared with love, the compassion she gave so freely, and the unwavering devotion she had to those she loved.

Mom, Grandma, thank you for your courage, your sacrifices, your wisdom, and your unconditional love. Thank you for showing us what it means to live with grace, generosity, and joy.

Your hands may now be at rest, but your love will continue to guide us. Your recipes will be made in our kitchens. Your songs will still make us smile. Your memories will live on in every family gathering, every shared meal, and every story we tell.

You came to this country with hope. You built a beautiful life. You loved deeply, served faithfully, and left this world better than you found it.

We will love you always, miss you forever, and carry you in our hearts until we meet again.

Rest in peace, Mom.