Evelyn Davis
Published 9:53 am Friday, January 31, 2025
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August 10, 1932 – January 16, 2025
Evelyn Davis was born in Dowagiac, MI to Frank and Elizabeth (Stevens) Biek on August 10, 1932. Despite her father’s death when she was a baby, Evelyn’s childhood was happy and full in the house on Orchard Street where she grew up with her brother Gene in the loving care of her mother and grandmother. Her small-town post-Depression world formed the wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend we loved forever. Her childhood included the simplest of pleasures: bike riding with her dog Stub in the bicycle basket; visiting many uncles and aunts who lived close by; helping her mother can, bake and cook; and being little sister to a loving big brother.
After high school graduation Evelyn went to Kalamazoo College, graduating in 1954 with a bachelor’s degree in English. There, she also met a dashing young man, Don Davis, who became her life’s love and partner during their sixty-nine years of marriage. They started their forever life on June 18, 1955, and in 1966 settled their family in East Lansing. By then, Evelyn and Don had added four children, three of whom survive her: Karen Davis (Allen Schnack), Susan Davis (Jim Gluys) and Ellen (Chris) Petti. Leaving her much too soon was beloved son John (Pat) Davis, Evelyn and Don’s second child, who died in 2021. Eight grandchildren (some of whom lovingly refer to her as “Grandmuffin”), their spouses, and six (and a half!) great-grandchildren are her legacy.
Evelyn and Don’s marriage and life included extraordinary travel experiences for this small-town girl, among them: Tahiti, Australia, New Zealand (multiple return trips to this favorite destination), Israel, many countries in Europe, the Galapagos Islands and Vanuatu. In celebration of their 80th birthdays the adventurers journeyed to South Africa, Tanzania, and Kenya. Closer to home, many trips took them to visit friends and family across the United States. Evelyn’s favorite place of all, however, was their cottage on Long Lake, the family gathering place for the Strawberry Jam Fest, wine on the deck, M&M’s, long walks, and boat rides.
Although Evelyn and Don traveled the world, Evelyn was inarguably most at home in her kitchen baking her famous brownies and chocolate chip cookies in the home designed by their dear friend Hank, where she and Don lived for fifty years. She was ever-present in the lives of her family: in the early years she kept track of four small children during Don’s medical education, and later volunteered at the kids’ schools, cheered at swimming meets, attended music recitals, choir concerts, plays, and many graduations. Motherhood was her calling, up to and including when the four small children were grown and caring for families of their own. It was important to Evelyn that in creating their home she and Don also welcomed many friends and family into their warm circle. All of us will remember her warm hugs and her habit of feeding everyone — truly her language of love.
Evelyn’s support of Don throughout his career enabled his long and satisfying medical practice. They relied on one another throughout their life, a true partnership of shared decisions, work, and family. Don was Evelyn’s faithful companion every day in her later years, testament to their steadfast commitment to and love for one another.
We will miss Evelyn deeply, yet are sure she is at peace at the conclusion of a remarkable life. In her singular way, Evelyn left an indelible imprint on her husband and family who were privileged to call her wife and mother.
There will be a family gathering at the cottage in place of a memorial service, but we ask you to remember Evelyn by sharing her giving and generous spirit with those you love.
Those who would like to make a donation in Evelyn’s memory may do so to the charity of their choice, or to The Peoples Church of East Lansing where Evelyn was a member for fifty-nine years: The Peoples Church, 200 W. Grand River Ave., East Lansing, MI 48823.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.greastlansing.com