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TO EXPRESS PROFOUND SORROW UPON THE PASSING OF DR. MARIANNA WHITE DAVIS, TO CELEBRATE HER LIFE AND ACHIEVEMENTS, AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Marianna White Davis on Saturday, September 11, 2021, at the venerable age of ninety-two; and
Whereas, born on January 8, 1929, Dr. Davis was the daughter of college sweethearts, Army Major Reverend Albert McNeil White and Mrs. Laura Bowman White. She was educated at the Waverly School in Columbia and Claflin College Grade School in Orangeburg, before she attended Wilkinson High School. An ardent and dedicated student during her high school years, she was president of four organizations, editor-in-chief of the school newspaper, assembly organist, vice president of the student council, and graduated at the top of her class as valedictorian; and
Whereas, fervently dedicated to education, Dr. Davis received scholarships and grants to complete her master's degree at New York University and work towards her doctorate from Boston University. Always prepared for a challenge, she managed to become the first student at Boston University to complete her doctorate in only two years; and
Whereas, Dr. Davis went on to teach, first focusing on English and research in the public schools of Columbia, York, St. Matthews, and Spartanburg. At the collegiate level she taught and lectured at Northeastern Graduate University, Tufts University, the University of Michigan, and Harvard University. Closer to home, she taught English at South Carolina State University, Voorhees College, Claflin College, and Benedict College. Internationally, she lectured in Europe at the New School in London, and at the University of Valencia in Spain; and
Whereas, brilliant and influential, Dr. Davis brought the Concert of Sacred Music, featuring the great Duke Ellington, to Orangeburg in 1968 for what was truly a once in a lifetime performance. She also organized and produced the Black History Teleconference for twenty-five years, which was broadcast in over seventy countries. An avid fan of travel and football, Dr. Davis visited all fifty states and six countries, and attended thirty-six Super Bowls, including the first twenty-five in a row; and
Whereas, generous with her time, Dr. Davis was a member of many social organizations including Alpha Kappa Alpha, The Moles, The Girlfriends, the Alumni Associations of Boston University, New York University, South Carolina State University, and Wilkinson High School Alumni. A member of many professional organizations, she was most proud of becoming the first African American president for the National Teachers of English; and
Whereas, a woman of great faith, Dr. Davis was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church (UMC). She served and attended Trinity UMC Orangeburg, Francis Burns UMC, and Wesley UMC, both of Columbia . She also found great enjoyment in attending Cascade UMC and World Changers Church International in Atlanta.
Whereas, preceded in death by her late husband, Clifton E. Davis; her siblings, Agnes Elizabeth Butler and Heyward Tecumseh White; and brother-in-law, Bill Butler; she leaves to cherish her memory her son, Kenneth Renay Davis, Sr.; grandson, Kenneth Reginald Davis II; granddaughter, Lauren Renay Davis; and a host of other family and friends. She will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege and pleasure of knowing her. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, express profound sorrow upon the passing of Dr. Marianna White Davis, celebrate her life and achievements, and extend the deepest sympathy to her family and many friends.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Kenneth Renay Davis, Sr. for the family.
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