Sylvia "Jean" Davis

Jean M. Davis ADRIAN - Sylvia Jean Mercer Davis, 81, of Adrian passed away after recent unexpected events on Sunday, January 13, 2013 at Hospice of Lenawee. Jean was born on July 19, 1931 in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. She was the youngest child of Galen and Marion (Hiles) Mercer. She married Ralph Ernest Davis on August 28, 1954. Ralph preceded her in death on December 27, 2012. Jean graduated from Bowling Green State University with a teaching degree in health and physical education. She was active in her sorority and also coached the BGSU synchronized swimming team. Jean graduated early from college and started her teaching career at twenty-one years of age. She taught in the Adrian Public Schools system for over thirty years. Jean was the varsity swimming coach and the director of the Doll-fins synchronized swimming team, which staged an annual theatrical performance. Jean also earned a Masters degree from the University of Michigan and taught at Adrian College and was director of the Adrian Nursery School. Jean was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church and served as a youth leader. She was an active member of the Michigan Education Association and served on numerous committees and service projects. She was a long time supporter of the Adrian Evening Lions Club and the Lenawee County Mounted Division. Jean was very well known for her fantastic sense of humor. She had a knack for the one liner and was uproariously funny and intelligent. She enjoyed the pursuit of knowledge, in particular medicine, and was always a wealth of information. Jean spent her entire life helping people. She would offer assistance to any one in need and was always the first to volunteer. She counts a plethora of former students as dear friends who have credited her with turning their lives around with her attention, kindness and consideration. She was a devoted and loving grandmother who volunteered her time and expertise in the classroom after retiring from teaching. She loved attending every school and sporting event she could of her grandchildren. She enjoyed wintering in Phoenix, Arizona, spending time at her lake cottage and gardening. She was a delight to be around with her quick wit and positive attitude and was a warm, gracious and loving person. Jean is survived by her children, Allen Davis of Tipton and Gayle (Sam) Mitchell of Adrian; four grandchildren, Tory and Trey Mitchell and Zackary and Ashley Davis; a brother, Jackson Reed (Judy) Mercer of Bowling Green, Ohio and a nephew, Todd (Mia) Mercer and their children, Jackson, Olivia and Max Mercer who live in Europe. Her parents preceded her in death. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 17, 2013, at the First Presbyterian Church of Adrian with Reverend James Splitt and Reverend Linda Farley officiating. A luncheon at the church will follow the service. Contributions can be directed to the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagley Funeral Home where online condolences are welcome at www.WagleyFuneralHome.com. .

Sylvia "Jean" Davis

July 19, 1931 - January 13, 2013