Jeanne Marie (Grady) Davis

Jeanne Marie (Grady) Davis was born July 26, 1933, in Columbus to James and Julia (Keavy) Grady, both first-generation Americans of Irish descent (County Mayo).

Jeanne often proclaimed, “We’ve lived a charmed life!” Press on, and you’ll surely agree.

Her story begins during the Depression on Columbus’ East Side. The nine-member Grady clan were parishioners at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. From “Rosary” Grade School, Jeanne moved on to St. Joseph Academy following her mom (‘19) and sister Joann (‘47) – and later sister Joyce (‘60).

Upon graduation from St. Joseph’s in 1951, she attended Ohio State coinciding with Woody Hayes’ first year (she later befriended Woody’s widow, Anne). Jeanne graduated with a degree in Child Development in 1955.

During college, she accompanied her mother to a neighbor’s wedding where she met the sweet-tenor wedding soloist, Don Davis, a cousin of the bride. All other boyfriends were quickly forgotten, and Don became her constant companion for the next 70+ years.

Jeanne and Don wed Sept. 18, 1954, at Rosary. Shortly thereafter Don graduated from OSU Dental School and enlisted in the Army and was stationed at Fort Richardson Army Base in Anchorage, Territory of Alaska. Jeanne and first-born, Julie, joined him and they lived in the officers’ quarters where they made lifelong friends with other dentists (including a 50-year Army anniversary celebration!).

After the Army, they returned to Columbus with Julie and Alaskan-born son, Don Jr., and a third child, Mark, on the way. Don established his dental practice on North High Street near Whetstone Park, while Jeanne became major domo of the ever-expanding Davis family. Scott, Laura, and Brian followed as the family settled at their beloved home at 56 Amazon Place. Whetstone Park was the de facto back yard/ballfield/playground for the Davis children, all of whom attended Immaculate Conception (IC) and Bishop Watterson. Later, Jeanne and Don moved to the Knolls for 20+ years and then downsized to an apartment in Arlington.

Everyone who knew her has a Jeanne story. She had the distinction of being the best listener and best sharer in any conversation. Never owned a computer, never understood the need for social media, but boy could she work that phone. She was the ultimate connector – a true bond-builder. She stayed in continuous touch with family and friends and made new friends of all ages and walks of life, making our community a better place. On any given day, she would pile the kids in the car and go on an old-fashioned visit – oftentimes to those who didn’t get many other visitors. Or to visit family or close friends.

Above all she loved her husband and family. She had a special bond with each of her six children. She attended their every event and led the way with praise. She could also let loose on you if you or a friend stepped out of line – as any right-minded parent with six children eight-and-a-half years apart in age is liable to do. And she was always your biggest fan.

Each of her daughters- and sons-in-law loved her dearly, and she loved each of them.

Her seven handsome grandsons were a priority the past 35+ years. Countless family gatherings, card games, overnight visits, trips to the store to pick out birthday gifts followed by a 1:1 lunch. She made each feel special.

And her great-grandchildren brought her incredible joy.

She was one of the most fun-loving people ever. Hosting epic July 4th and Beat Michigan parties. Countless travel adventures. With Don and friends to Vegas. To national parks. Siesta Key with sister-in-law Gloria and the ladies. Many Buckeyes away games including the 1971 Rose Bowl. Fishing trips with the Davis side. Trips back and forth to Indy to see the Keefe cousins. Jaunts to Chicagoland to see grandsons.

Stories of Jeanne include her leading script Ohio through our surprised new neighbor’s home. She hooked into The Shoe in her 70’s. In her 60’s, she and sister Joann finagled their way into the Ohio presidential inaugural ball by following the Ohio U. band into the bash. She woke her children up to the OSU fight song on game day and answered the phone “O-H” all day long, win or lose.

Jeanne was a legendary Clintonville and IC community member and volunteer. She was a generous, thoughtful, card playing, Olympic Pool regular. Gabbing on the phone to close friends Aggie Reed or Marlene Antolino or Judy Williams Creely or Alice Goodburn or a host of others too long to list. Selling raffle tickets, carting kids around in the Country Squire station wagon, caring for elderly family members, friends, or neighbors.

Jeanne was a constant at bridge and duplicate tables around Columbus. She and Don played poker every Friday night for years. She played quickly and shrewdly. The group always enjoyed the Davis kids rolling in from a night out looking for poker night leftovers.

As the children got older, she hit the workforce starting as an aide at Head Start and Montessori schools. She became a founding staff member at The Forum at Knightsbridge, teaming up with a much younger staff in the leasing office. They just loved her. She was a member of the Franklin County Board of Revision appointed by County Commissioner Dorothy Teater. Jeanne and Don volunteered for many years at Greater Columbus American Red Cross Blood Services. They were awarded the “Joined Hands in Giving Award” by Ohio First Lady Hope Taft given to couples who have been married 50-plus years who still regularly performed community service together.

Jeanne was a voracious reader, never ever without a book. The staff of Whetstone and Lane Road libraries were valued resources and friends. She loved reading obituaries.

The Catholic faith was a constant in Jeanne’s life. As they moved around the north side, Don and Jeanne belonged to IC, Our Lady of Peace and St. Andrew. She was a Eucharistic Minister bringing the sacrament to the housebound and patients at Riverside Hospital.

Jeanne is survived by her husband of almost 70 years, Donald R. Davis, DDS, and their six children, seven grandsons and two great grandchildren– Julie (John) Keckstein; Don Jr. (Jennie); Mark; Scott (Beth) and their four sons-andy (Laura) and their young children Anna and Logan, Tim (Daniela), Joe (Audrey) and Tyler; Laura (Charles) Tonkin and Charles’ children, Julie and Patrick and grandson, Adrian; and Brian (Dominica) and their three sons-blaise (fiancée Alex), Noah and Grady.

Jeanne is also survived by her beloved sister Joyce Grady (Sam) Bell and cherished sister-in-law Gloria Davis.

Preceded in death by infant granddaughter Carmen Marie Davis and step grandson Tyler; her siblings Jimmy, Julian (Donna), Jerry (Joan), Joann (Dick) Keefe and Joe; Don’s parents, Orin and Marie Davis and Don’s brothers and sisters Mac Davis, Beryl (Bob) Pope, Hazel (Arthur) Burt and Walter Davis.

She will be missed by her dozens of beloved Grady and Davis nieces and nephews and their families. Everyone loved Aunt Jeanne!

Special thanks to Jeanne and Don’s devoted physician, Dr. Dan Melaragno, and Regina in his office, for providing expert care for many years. And many thanks to the compassionate staff of Claremont Retirement Village where Don and Jeanne have lived the past few years.

In honor of Jeanne and Don’s commitment to Catholic education, donations may be made to Monsignor Grimes Scholarship Program for tuition assistance at Bishop Watterson High School; or Greater Columbus Chapter of American Red Cross.

Visitation 4pm-7pm, Thursday, May 16, at Egan-ryan Funeral Home Northwest, 4661 Kenny Road, Columbus. Mass of Christian Burial at 11am, Friday, May 17, at St. Andrew Catholic Church, 1899 Mccoy Rd, Columbus, immediately followed by burial at Resurrection Cemetery, 9571 N High St, Lewis Center. Luncheon celebration around 1:30pm back at St. Andrew Parish Hall.