Mary Kathryn Davidson

Mary was born in Pulaski County, Arkansas, to Oscar Floyd and Susie Maud Piercy Wharton on October 1, 1928. She was raised on a farm by her grandparents until she left home at 14 to work in the Jacksonville, Arkansas Ordnance Plant, making detonators for bombs during World War II. She was honored to serve on the home front during the war as a “Rosie the Riveter,” and later became a proud member of the American Rosie the Riveter Association.

After the war, Mary moved to Aspermont, Texas with her aunt and uncle. There, she worked in a café where she met Alva Jones “A.J.” Keathley. They were soon married and began their lives in Knox City, Texas, where they welcomed two children Donna Kay and Gary Alva. In 1968, the family moved to Odessa and joined Asbury Methodist Church. Mary greatly enjoyed the friends she made through Asbury and was often found having lunch or playing a round of cards in their company.

After A.J.’s death, Mary married John Kern, and after John passed, she married Dave Davidson. The family widened to include John and Dave’s families as well. Mary was a beloved mother, stepmother, and grandmother.

Mary is survived by her children, Donna Kay Keathley Blalack, Gary Alva Keathley and his wife Barbara; Carla Weathersby; grandchildren Christy Lynn Blalack Lavergne, her husband Dan and their children, Ashtin, Brylie and Easten, and Mason Thomas Blalack, his wife Jennifer, and their children Bodie and Wilder; Gary Lloyd Keathley, and his children, Pierce, Kinslie, Charlotte and Knoxleigh. Her extended family included Ed Kern and his wife Sharon; Kitty Kern; Mary Ann Andrews; and Bill Davidson and his wife Bonnie.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Oscar; and sister, Ruth; husbands Alva “A.J.” Keathley; John Kern; Duval “Dave” Davidson; and a great grandson, Duke Keathley.

The family would like to thank The Courtyards Assisted Living and Home Hospice for their excellent care.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Asbury United Methodist Church, 4001 E. University Blvd., Odessa, Texas 79762 or www.asburyodessa.org.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, November 27, 2022, at 2 p.m. at Asbury Methodist Church at 4001 E. University Blvd. in Odessa. It will also be live streamed on Asbury’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/aumcodessa.