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Margaret Smyth McKissick Davis

1923 - 2018

BORN

1923

DIED

2018

FUNERAL HOME

Dunbar Funeral Home - Devine

3926 Devine St

Columbia, South Carolina

Margaret Davis Obituary

Name: Memorial Gathering for Margaret Smyth McKissick Davis
Location: Trinity Episcopal Cathedral

Margaret Smyth McKissick Davis Columbia, SC - Margaret Smyth McKissick Davis - wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, equestrian, businesswoman, hostess and consummate southern lady - died peacefully in her home on Tuesday. She was with her devoted caregiver, Monica Foulks, and family who gathered to express not only their love but their deep admiration and respect for this highly regarded lady whose generous spirit touched everyone she met. One of her greatest gifts was to make people of all ages and from all walks of life, even strangers, genuinely feel that he or she was the most important person she'd ever met. Indiscriminate in her generosity of spirit, she always sought to improve the lives of others through warmth, encouragement and opportunity where possible. Born on June 13, 1923 in Greenville to textile manufacturer Ellison McKissick and his wife Jean, she was raised with her three siblings on the family's core values of industry and hard work. She attended public schools in Greenville and was graduated in 1941 from the Spence School in New York City. During her youth, she earned a reputation as one of the highly accomplished riders of three-gaited show horses throughout the southeast, ultimately showing in Madison Square Garden. Her horsemanship was recognized with scores of first prizes in venues such as Tryon, where a winner's trophy was named "The Margaret McKissick Cup." In 1954 she settled in Columbia upon marrying John Bratton Davis, Jr., a lawyer and then Chairman of the State Development Board who would become Chief Judge of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of South Carolina. Their 50 years together until his death in 2004 was testament to both a successful marriage and a genuine partnership. In 1978, Margaret and her daughter Jean started "Non(e)such", an antique and gift shop to which she remained devoted for forty years. Her co-workers and customers considered themselves extended family with her, and she with them. Margaret's favorite place away from Columbia and Non(e)such was Linville, NC where she hiked nearly every mountain trail, earning the nickname "Speedy". She served on the boards of many civic and charitable organizations including as a Regent of Kenmore House in Fredericksburg, Virginia, the Palmetto Garden Club and the Colonial Dames of South Carolina. She was predeceased by her husband, Judge Davis; her sister, Mary McLean McKissick Armfield; her brothers, Anthony Foster McKissick II and Ellison Smyth McKissick, Jr. She is survived by her children, Sherwood M. Cleveland and his wife Kathleen; William Choice Cleveland, III and his wife Anne; Jean Davis Bruton and her husband John. She is also survived by her lifelong friend, Vernon Cheeseboro, her grandchildren, Sherwood M. Cleveland, Jr. and his wife Kelly; Braden C. Bergan and her husband David; Henry Edmunds Cleveland; Margaret C. Stokenberry and her husband Corby; William C. Cleveland, IV and his wife Grace; Margaret Bruton Mood and her husband John; John Connor Cleveland; John Calvin Bruton, III and his wife Sara. Great-grandchildren are Walker Fisk Pitts; Phoebe Susan Bergan; Anna Kenly Bergan; Carol League Cleveland; William C. Cleveland,V; Sherwood M. Cleveland, III; Jean McKissick Mood; and Celena Glenn Stokenberry. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, January 11, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, followed by a reception in Satterlee Hall. Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 1100 Sumter Street, Columbia, S.C. 29201, the Crossnore School and Children's Home, 100 DAR Drive, Crossnore, N.C. 28616 or a charity of one's choice. Please sign the online guestbook at www.dunbarfunerals.com. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston

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Published by Charleston Post & Courier from Jan. 9 to Jan. 10, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Margaret Davis

16 Entries

Cleve Dobbins

January 15, 2018

I just learned of Margaret's death. She was a true Southern lady in every way. I recall sitting with her and my Mama many years ago in the stands watching Woody play tennis on center court at the Greenville Country Club. She was so supportive of Woody and Will in all of their endeavors. The last time I saw Margaret was at the reception following the funeral service for our cousin George McCoin. While talking with her, I recall telling her that she personifies grace which is absolutely true. I wish I could have spent more with her. My sincere condolences to Woody, Will and Jean.

January 14, 2018

Dear Woody, Will and Jean:

I write to note the death of a great woman who I had the pleasure of knowing my entire life. Your parents and mine went through the depression and World War 11. Your mother, my mother, Ida Dargan McMaster; Wayway Pope; Jennie Dreher Evans and Jane McCuthen were not only close friends but very much alike. Underneath the great love of their family; friends; their children and their considerable charm was a bar of iron. It is hard to imagine a more wonderful person than your mother.
The thoughts of me and mine are with you and yours.
George Hunter McMaster

Jeff Brooker, MD

January 12, 2018

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Bruton and all Mrs. Margaret Davis's family:
As her notice recorded Mrs. Davis and Judge Davis had remarkable lives and have an event or building named for them to remind others of their value and special skills. Your strong family ties will assure her and Judge Davis's memories in your lives.
Mrs. Brooker and I extend condolences to you and Mrs. Davis's many descendants and wish for you all comfort in the remembrance of the wondrous life she lived.

Fletcher Spigner III

January 12, 2018

The Spigner Family expresses its sincere condolences to your family. A great person. A great family. We are so sorry.

Fletcher Spigner III

Peggy Malone-McWhite

January 11, 2018

Jean and Family, I am sorry to hear the passing of your dear mother. Please know you are in my prayers.

Becky Turner Riggs

January 11, 2018

Jean, I'll always be grateful for her devotion to Frances. Margaret touched our lives in many ways and we were beyond blessed to know her. Surely she is dancing in Heaven. Thanks be to God!

January 10, 2018

So sorry for your lost, she will be missed by so many . She used to call everyone darling and everyone respond with a smile. I will always remember HER smile.

January 10, 2018

So sorry for your lost, she will be missed by so many . She used to call everyone darling and everyone respond with a smile. I will always remember HER smile.

January 10, 2018

To the family, I am sorry to hear the news about your loss. May the God who "binds up the brokenhearted" and "comforts all who mourn" sustain your family during this challenging time. Isaiah 61:1,2 *

Psalm 46:1, W Jones

January 10, 2018

It can be so hard to face the first year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.

January 10, 2018

A truly great lady, an inspiration and she was fun! Our greatest condolences.
Ann Hagan and John Carmichael
Camden, SC

Ellen Walker

January 10, 2018

Jean, I was so sad to hear of your Moms passing, she was loved by so many especially by my Mother.
You all are in my prayers.
Ellen walker

Julia Blake (Gelatt)

January 10, 2018

Back in the 1950s my cousin And Blake and I stayed several times at their home in Columbia while playing in the tennis tournament there. They were both so welcoming and we always enjoyed our stay there. We were cousins and my parents thought very highly of Margaret. Lots of sympathy and best wishes to Will and Woody and their families.

Keith Stoneman

January 10, 2018

Oh, so many fond memories. A joy to be around and so fortunate to have been her friend for these many years. A friendship cherished and a life to be celebrated. Such a charming and wonderful Southern Lady. Her spirit will carry on with all of us who knew and loved her. All my best to her family, as we honor Margaret , who was indeed a very special lady.

T W

January 10, 2018

Sorry for your loss. May the God who "binds up the brokenhearted" and "comforts all who mourn" strengthen your family during this difficult time (Isaiah 61:1,2)

Bud Ferillo

January 9, 2018

It is hard to say goodbye to a great lady who gave so much to her family and community as Margaret Davis. Her lasting legacy will surely include the amazing spirit she instilled in her extensive family and networks of friends. She had a sparkle about her and offered the right thing to say when you spoke with her. You knew you had her attention and appreciation and you left her in a better frame of mind than you had before. A gracious Southern lady with a capacity for fun and hard work, she inspired many people through her life. We are all blessed to have lived in her time.

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