Martha Lou Davis

MARTHA LOU DAVIS

Civic leader and community volunteer Martha Lou Davis died Tuesday, August 17, 2009.

Martha retired in 1982, after 35 years in the business office of Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, where she was a Life Member of Telephone Pioneers of America and Communication Workers of America, serving as vice-president and secretary of both. She served 10 years on Gainesville City Council, including two years as Mayor Pro Tempore. In addition, Martha gave six years on Texoma Council of Governments, five years on the executive committee, was appointed to the Texoma Regional Community Development Review Committee, served as Liaison for the Planning and Zoning Board and particularly enjoyed work on the Preservation Committee during the restoration of the Santa Fe Depot.

Martha was never idle. With boundless energy she volunteered on projects with the Telephone Pioneers, worked weekends at the Gainesville Livestock Auction and carried her U.S. Mail rural route.

For all her talents, Martha was at her best when she was caring for others’ needs – especially the elderly.

Her sensitive, untiring and selflessness giving to her beloved community made Martha Davis’ rich and full life one of Gainesville’s finest moments.

Martha is survived one brother, Robert Davis and wife Debra; one brother-in-law, Robert Baker; niece Jana Hodge and husband Allen; niece Shannon White; three nephews, Lanny Baker and wife Pat, Jeff Davis and Scott Davis; one great-niece Chelsey Hodge; and one great-nephew Zachary White. She is also survived by her cherished companion of forty-two years, Charles Clement whose family whole-heartedly adopted Martha as their own.

She was preceded in death by her parents Archie and Leona Davis, sisters Helen Davis and Lois Davis Baker.

Visitation will be held at the Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home on Thursday, August 20, 2009, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. The funeral service will be held Friday, August 21, 2009 at 4:00 PM at the Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home Chapel with Denny Hook officiating. Burial will follow at the Fairview Cemetery.

You may sign the online registry at www.geojcarroll.com.