Edith L. Davis

Did you know our Aunt Edie won a trophy from the State Department for being a duck pin championship bowler, with a score of 179? That is our Edith Davis!

Edith was born in Kremmling, Colorado, on October 12, 1919. Her Swedish mother and Irish father immigrated to the USA in 1907. Her father first worked with the Santa Fe Railroad, then purchased a farm in Sofia, NM, near Clayton, to pursue wheat farming. Sadly, he was killed in a car accident when his two daughters and son were young.

In the country the children attended a one-room school, but moved to Albuquerque so that the children could attend high school. Edith studied at Lincoln Middle School then graduated from Albuquerque High School in 1939. On Sundays, the family walked to worship at Central United Methodist Church.

Edith continued her education at McCaulley’s Business School for two years where she was encouraged to study for a civil service test. She passed the exam, launching her into a long career of government service. In 1941 she was offered a job with the Treasury Department Bond Office as an addressograph operator in Washington, D.C., but six months later started work for a wartime agency, filing and typing. She was promoted to being an analyst with the Department of State, reviewing documents, reports, and correspondence with government agencies and embassies.

Interesting experiences were to be had in the Capitol City. She attended dances and lunches at embassies, went to USO dances, and traveled around the Eastern area of the US. She and friends from her boarding house had the enriching opportunity of attending Peter Marshall’s church for three years!

One somber day following JFK’s funeral, Edith was the receptionist greeting delegates as they came to the State Department to sign their names after marching in the memorial parade.

When Edith retired from her fulfilling career in 1976 she returned to Albuquerque. Since her sister, Edna, was already here they decided to “team up” and travel around, even to Germany and Alaska.

Her family consists of many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, whom she enjoyed tremendously.

An active hobby was bowling (earning 57 trophies). She also kept busy by helping many organizations: working with American Lung Association; tutoring children at Emerson School; Coordinating CUMC Senior Group; Sending greeting cards for the Membership Care Committee of CUMC; being an enthusiastic member of Christ United Methodist church.

Edith was a joyous, fun-loving woman who loved roses and the hue of pink. Certainly the Bible verse exemplifies her: “But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” Galatians 5:22

Don not stand at my grave and weep; I am not there. I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning’s hush, I am the swift uplifting rush or quiet birds in circles flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grace and cry; I am not there. I did not die.

Edith passed away November 2, 2018.  She is survived by four generations of her loving nephews and nieces.  A Funeral Service will be held Friday, November 9, 2018, 12:00 p.m. at Chester T. French Memorial Mausoleum Chapel, 924 Menaul Blvd NE.