Patricia Allen Davis
- Published: September 25, 2014
Patricia Allen Davis, 88, of Yellow Springs, died Sept. 20 in Sudbury, Mass., after a hard-fought battle against lung cancer.
Patricia was born on Aug. 14, 1926, to Dr. Greer A. and Johnie (Henry) Allen in Springfield, Ohio. She received a Bachelors degree in biology from Fisk University and, while at Fisk, married Dr. Thomas J. Davis, a graduate of nearby Meharry Medical College (her father’s alma mater). After her husband’s death in 1962, Patricia became a working mother and a graduate student. She earned a Masters degree in English from Ohio State University, joined its faculty, and taught English there during the 1960s and 1970s. She again became a graduate student, earning a Juris Doctor degree at Columbia Law School in 1981, She then was graduate dean at the University of Cincinnati before joining the faculty of Central State University where she taught English until retirement.
Patricia was widely and deeply loved, and was respected by everyone who knew her. Her deepest love was for her children and family, but her zest for living was boundless. She was an eager learner, avid reader, movie-goer, and bridge player. Pat immersed herself in the arts and gave generously to organizations for progressive change. She reveled in foreign travel. Patricia was a gourmet cook and gracious hostess. She cherished her friendships and enjoyed long conversations. Patricia also loved being well-dressed and had a shoe collection rivaling that of Imelda Marcos.
Patricia is survived by her children, Joan Helen Davis, Columbus, Mark Allen Davis, Columbus, Blake McKeverin (Nadezhda Belyous) Davis, Moscow, Russia, Syrie Ruth Davis (David) Fried, Sudbury, Mass., and Elizabeth Hannah Davis (James) Ebright, Columbus. She is also survived by her sister, Wilhelmina (Kenneth) Huber, Yellow Springs; by her grandchildren, Sarah Fried, Greer Fried, Yelena Davis, Robert Ebright, Eric Ebright and Samantha (Andrew) Goodman; and by her nieces and nephew, Carol (Michael) Shutley, Lisa (Daniel) Gardner and Eric Smith.
In addition to her parents and husband, Patricia was preceded in death by her beloved aunt Minnie Beatrice Grimes, her uncle Thornton Allen, her stepmother Isabel Lucile (Pullen) Allen, her sister Martha Helen Allen, her brother Greer Richard Allen, and many aunts and cousins.
A memorial service is being planned.
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