Janet Davis Obituary

Janet Fryman Davis SUMMERVILLE - Janet Marie Fryman Davis passed away peacefully on the last day of 2022. She was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, teacher, mother and grandmother during her incredible 82 years of life. Born on June 4, 1940, to parents Willard and Julia Mockabee, she grew up in Dayton, Ohio, together with her older sister, Judy, and younger brother, Larry. She attended Oakwood High School and Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, It was while at Miami that she met Richard Felix Fryman. The two fell in love, were married on August 17, 1963, and had two sons, Matthew Wallace and William Felix (Matt and Billy). The family relocated to Carrollton, Georgia, in 1986 and she and Richard retired on Daniel Island, South Carolina in 2004. Wherever they were, Janet filled their home with joy, love and creativity. She loved to cook and used food to spread joy and show her love to friends and family. She was a gracious host, and threw frequent parties and get-togethers for friends, neighbors, colleagues and international students. Teaching was Janet's passion and generations of children benefited from her gentle and creative teaching style. After receiving her degree in education from Miami, she taught at primary schools in Illinois, St. Thomas, USVI, and Georgia. Janet was a life-long student; she received a master's degree in elementary education from Southern Illinois University and at age of 73, she was certified as a Master Naturalist by the state of South Carolina. Janet's love of teaching was only outdone by her love for her family. Family was at the center of her universe, and she would go to any length to be near them and ensure that they were well cared for. After Richard died, Janet was fortunate to find love again. She met Erle Davis through their church, Trinity United Methodist in Charleston, SC, and they were married in 2012. Janet was active in the Methodist church. She had strong faith and truly lived by Jesus's teachings, not out of a sense of obligation, but because she knew that it is right to love thy neighbor, help the weak and to turn the other cheek. She opposed war, abhorred bullies and was accepting of all cultures, lifestyles and points of view. Janet had an unswervingly positive outlook on life and always believed in the best in people. Yet she was always ready to take a stand and fight for injustices and causes she believed in. Never one to sit still, Janet began running in her early 40s and continued into her 70s. She participated in 5K and 10K road races and even completed a half marathon. She often joked that she would regularly win medals in the races because she was usually the only runner in her age bracket. She is preceded in death by her husband, Richard; and her second husband, Erle. She is survived by her son, Matthew, his wife, Cat, and children, Katie and David; her son William, his wife, Rikke, and children, Audrey, Felix, and Elliot; her sister, Judy; and brother, Larry; and many nieces and nephews. Janet will be sorely missed by her friends, family and everyone whose life she touched. We are grateful for the time we had together and know that the world is a better place because she was in it. A celebration of Janet's life will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church, 273 Meeting St., Charleston, SC, on February 18th, at 1:00pm with a memorial service at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Janet's name to a charity of your choice. Visit our guestbook at legacy.com/obituaries/charleston