Dorothy "Jean" Davis age 86 died in the early hours of December 12 2010 after a lengthy battle with cancer. She had just returned to Marshall Nursing & Rehabilitation Center after an inpatient stay at Oaklawn Hospital. Though her illness presented her with great challenges she endured it bravely and with spirit eventually passing peacefully in her sleep. She had resided in Marshall for three years prior to which she had lived in Berkley Michigan for 50 years. Born in Fort Smith Arkansas in 1924 Jean was the daughter of Herman and Ethel Turner. Her beloved younger sister Betty Duffy passed away in 2005. She is survived by her only child daughter Terry Davis Boyda. Terry and her husband Charles are the parents of Jean's only grandchildren Schuyler Caitlin Boyda and Kendall Corinne Boyda ages 26 and 21 respectively. Great support was given to Jean during her final months by her nephew and his wife Steve and Lynn Duffy of Troy Michigan. Jean was married for 10 years relocating to the Detroit area in 1952 and giving birth to her only child daughter Terry Davis Boyda in 1953. Divorced shortly thereafter Jean became one of her generation's first "career women" working for Ethel Corporation an international company for many years until her retirement at age 65. She held positions as Executive Secretary to a company Vice President and later as a File Room Supervisor. She took great pride in her work and was a valued addition to the Ethyl family for decades. Jean was an avid reader enjoyed walking her dog and was a fitness enthusiast well into her 80's. After her move to Marshall she corresponded with many friends and relatives regularly. Her writing skills were enjoyed by many and the witty poems she composed graced numerous birthday cards over the years. She is remembered by all as a woman of grace and style even during those months when her illness was most challenging. Cremation arrangements were entrusted to the Craig K. Kempf Funeral Home of Marshall. A Memorial Service will be held in the Detroit area in early 2011. Announcements will be sent to friends and family when all plans are in place. It was Jean's wish that any desired memorial contributions be made to the First Baptist Church of Ferndale where Jean was an active member for over 40 years. Their address is 1841 Pinecrest Drive Ferndale MI 48220. Alternatively contributions may be made to the .
Published in Daily Tribune on December 19 2010.
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