The Life of Marion Irvin Davis
Marion I Davis of Glenolden, PA passed away peacefully on Friday September 9, 2022 at the Samaritain Hospice Center in Voorhees, NJ surrounded by seen and unseen angels. She was 88.
Dear Marion was born in March of 1934 to Howard L. and Mary Davis (Gray), (both now deceased), being their only living child.
Marion lived in Glenolden until going to Beaver College in Jenkintown, PA where she graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s of Art Degree in 1956. Way to go Marion!
After graduating, Marion taught in the Chichester and Interboro school districts for 3 years as she prepared for the Mission Field.
Fulfilling what she had been called to since her teen years, Marion signed on with South Africa General Mission, now SIM. Leaving her parents and friends, She courageously flew to Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia) to teach at Mukinge Girls School. She took the first year there to learn the Kikaonde language and recover from hepatitis.
The list of those who’s lives that were greatly blessed by her skills, abilities and love is much too long for this Obituary, but God knows each act of Kindness and sacrifice Marion made. She now has her reward!
I found this scripture in one of the letters Marion wrote to her supporters in 1961. It was and always has been her heart for Zambians.
“And all thy Children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the Peace of thy Children”. Isaiah 54:13
She also commented “Truly in these troubled times, Africa’s children need the Lord Jesus Christ and His peace. Pray with me that many of them will come to know and love HIM.”
Marion not only taught and cared for many Zambian children and young adults, but also supported a Leper colony and blind individuals during her 25 year stay in that country.
Returning to the USA in 1984 to care for her aging parents, Marion continued to support her Zambian families by collecting and shipping hundreds of boxes of clothing and essentials, as well as sending financial aide.
As was her nature, Marion continued to render care for the suffering and underprivileged after the death of her parents. She worked for several years in the Bind Center and the Soup Kitchen, both located in nearby Chester, PA.
Marion's last years were difficult, but not without Grace given her by Almighty God… Although Dementia/Alzheimers robbed her of her ability to talk and move about, she would often smile when she saw a friendly face come in view and so enjoyed scripture being read to her. Aides in the Skilled Nursing home would comment on what a pleasant and cooperative resident she was.
Oh, dear Marion; you will be so missed.
Friends are welcome to her Graveside Service on Tuesday, September 20th, 2022 at the Arlington Cemetery, 2900 State Road, Drexel Hill, PA, at 12 noon.