Ms. Marie Edmonia Davidson

Mother Marie Edmonia Davidson was born on May 1, 1921, in West Blocton, Alabama, to the loving union of Henry St. Clair and Sarah (Scarborough) St. Clair. who married in 1898. From this union, their family grew to ten children, six of whom survived. Mother Davidson accepted Christ as her Savior at an early age and attended New Hope AME Zion Church. She received her formal education in Alabama, graduating from Bibb County Training High School in Centerville, AL, and Alabama State Teachers College in Montgomery, AL, now known as Alabama State University. Mother Davidson knew she wanted to be an educator and teacher like her older sister. She faced many obstacles living in segregated Alabama, including run-ins with the Ku Klux Klan. She endured many hardships, but she was determined to learn as much as she could and educate others. For many years, Mother Davidson taught at Mount Olive Elementary School. a one room schoolhouse, until she married her sweetheart, Andy Davidson and moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1950. She then helped at the family grocery store, Davidson's Food Market. while her husbond worked the 2nd shift at AO Smith Corporation (for 33 years); he also worked at the store. Later, after they sold the store, she worked for many years as a cashier at Dick's Supermarket on 5th and Center Street, while still being a busy wife and mother. They were blessed by God with a son, Steven Anthony, and a daughter, Vicki Lynn. Mother Davidson, her husband, and family members built the family home from the ground up with no mortgage! Mother Davidson went back to Alabama in 1960 and brought her widowed mother, Sarah, back to live with her and the family in Milwaukee. Mother Davidson lived a life defined by her love for God and her Christian love and respect for others. Mother Davidson was a faithful member of Tabernacle Community Baptist Church where she was a member of the Mother's Ministry. She looked forward to being with her church family and studying her Sunday School lessons. She was devoted to reading, discussing, and most importantly learning all about God's word. Mother Davidson deeply loved her husband, children, and family. While she never sought or craved the limelight. she was a humble individual full of wisdom and love who had opportunities to share her experiences and opinions with the local news stations, as well as the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, The Shepard Express, and the Wisconsin State Journal. During one of those interviews by WTMJ, after a presidential election, she shared the importance of voting because she understood the sacrifices of others who made it possible. She announced proudly, "I never missed voting!" Mother Davidson deservedly received recognition and acknowledgement from President Joe Biden for her 101 st birthday! Always the teacher, if she read something in the newspaper, she'd cut it out and pass it along. If she saw it in a book, she dog eared the page, gave you the book, and told you to read it! Mother Davidson believed one was never too old to be taught and to learn. In her 80s, she started going to Green tree-Teutonia CLC, attending computer classes with her son to learn about the internet. Mother Davidson would focus on educational sites, especially about Black History. She said she wanted to learn things about her people that were kept from her and others while growing up. Mother Davidson would also come and speak to the young people at Green tree, encouraging them to work hard, stay in school, and get their education. Mother Davidson had a great sense of humor, the most infectious laugh, and beautiful skin that defied her age. She looked forward to going to the beauty shop to get her hair done, and her daughter brushing and braiding her hair. In her leisure, Mother Davidson enjoyed reading with her husband, Andy, usually the Bible and the daily newspaper. She also enjoyed watching The Jefferson's, Family Feud, Paternity Court, and all documentaries on PBS television! She enjoyed gardening, sewing, singing gospel hymns, watching the fireworks, looking at Christmas lights, and watching the ball drop on television every New Year in Times Square! In her nineties and into her 100th birthday, Mother was a champ at Connect Four, Tic Tac Toe, and Brain Quest Math games. Mother Davidson loved to garden and loved to cook and eat all types of vegetables, especially her cabbage or greens with cornbread. She also had a bit of a sweet tooth. Her favorites were peach cobbler, pound cake, and key lime pie. And she would never turn down a scoop of Kopps frozen custard! Her favorite treat was a Dum Dum sucker, especially when she was reading or relaxing. She was a Packer Backer and a Milwaukee Bucks fan. Mother Davidson often joked when either team was losing that she should be out on the field or the court because they needed her help! Mother Davidson attended Alexian Brothers Day Center activities, where she enjoyed Bible Study, reading, music, exercise class, and doing puzzles. On January 21 , 2025, Mother Marie Edmonia Davidson peacefully received her wings and ascended into heaven into the loving arms of our Lord God. She was preceded in death by her: parents, Henry St. Clair and Sarah St. Clair; soulmate/husband, Andy Davidson; dear son, Steven Anthony Davidson; brothers, John Henry St. Clair, Huey (Lucille) St. Clair, Forrest St. Clair, and Norris (Willie Mae) St. Clair; and sister, Ada (Theodore) Parker. She leaves to cherish her memory: devoted daughter, Vicki Lynn Davidson; beloved grandson, Travis James Davidson; loving friend and sister in Christ, Laviena Davis; good friend and dedicated caregiver, Deandreas McCollough; trusted friend and neighbor, Veonzal Johnson; dear friend and former student, Rosia Belle Sarnowski; and a host of nieces, nephews, loving church members, and friends.

Ms. Marie Edmonia Davidson

May 1, 1921 - January 21, 2025