Mary J. Davis was born on March 9, 1917 in Southampton County to the late Alvilla and Richard Banks.

On May 29, 1948, she married Rufus F. Davis and for the next 33 years they were together until his death, September 24, 1981. She was predeceased by a daughter, Edith Mae.

Mary is preceded in death by 9 siblings: William Harry, Sarah Elizabeth, Hilda Richard, Delaware, Lucille, Walter Lee, Raymond and twins, Vernell and Ercell Banks.

"Aunt Mary" as she was affectionately known to all, leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews to cherish her memories of wonderful times spent together.

Mary took a sincere look into the Bible and begin to study it thoroughly. From her deep study of the scriptures she realized that she wanted to do more in serving her God. On April 11, 1964 she made a public dedication of her love for Jehovah by water baptism and became one of Jehovah's Witnesses. For the next 52 years, she engaged in the ministry that she loved, teaching family members and others the truth about Jehovah God. She loved reading the Bible and talking about God's promises for the future. Her favorite saying was "Let God's will be done."

"Aunt Mary" started to work at the age of 8. When she turned 12 years of age, she worked at Pretlow Peanuts Factory until retiring.