Martha Rhodes Ward Davis, 88, formerly of 706 Winwood Drive and a resident of Edenton House, died Tuesday May 18, 2010 at Chowan Hospital.
She was born in Williamston on November 30, 1921 to the late Jordan Walton and Emma Clyde Mizelle Ward and was predeceased by a brother, James Ward and two sisters; Bernice Conway and Margaret Flaherty.
Martha was a member of Cashie Baptist Church, the WMU, and was a Worthy Matron of the Eastern Star. She received her nursing degree from Sinai Hospital in Baltimore, Md. and her post graduate degree from Sydenham Hospital. She later served in the US Navy Nursing Corp during World War II and earned the rank of Lt. JG.
After service, Martha worked as a school nurse from 1966-1975 then with Bertie County Home Health from 1975-1981. After retiring from nursing, she helped her husband in G. T. Davis & Co. from 1981-1989.
Survivors include her husband, Grady T. Davis, Jr.; three sons, G. Talmage Davis, III and his wife, Barbara, of Nags Head, Walton Deva, formerly James Walton Davis, and his wife, Lori, of Hillsboro and John Hunter Davis and his wife, Cindy, of Merry Hill; sister, Ruth W. Brown of Williamston; grandchildren, Jonathon Eric Davis, Stephanie Hart, Alek Deva and Jordan Deva; great grandchildren; Grace Davis, Jack Davis, Leah Davis and Joshua Hart; many nieces, grand nieces, nephews and grand nephews all whom she loved very much, a host of friends whom she viewed as extended family.
A memorial service celebrating her life will be held on Friday May 28, 2010 at 11 a.m. at Cashie Baptist Church by Dr. Carroll Tarkington.
The family will receive friends from 7-9 p.m. Thursday, May 27, 2010 at Walker Funeral Home with light refreshments and desserts served for all. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Grady and Martha Davis Scholarship Fund, ECU Greenville Center, Suite 1100, 2200 South Charles St., Greenville, NC 27858-4353.
Online condolences may be directed to www.walkerfh.net. Walker Funeral Home is serving the Davis family.