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Mary J. Davis
Born: 7/2/1938
Died: 6/22/2026
Age: 87
Community: Davison , MI
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Mary Josephine Davis of Davison, aged 87, died Monday, June 22, 2026, at home surrounded by her children after an eight-month battle with dementia and its effects.
Born July 2, 1938, in Flint, MI to Harold and Rosalie (Martel) Dudley, the oldest of two daughters, Mary Jo resided in the greater Flint area almost her entire life- attending Flint Central High School and working at several local businesses including Yankee Stores, Buttercup Bakery, Mansour’s Markets and Koegel Meats before retiring from the Flint Journal in 1999. She was a proud member of the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians.
Being the child of a World War I veteran father and a hard working mother from the native American tribal area of Rudyard Mary Jo learned to grow up fast in a changing world. Times weren’t always easy living in the shadows of the Great Depression and World War II; she made her way with hard work, overcoming the occasional setback with a strong will and the support from family and friends. Those experiences helped her to become one of the most kind hearted people you’d ever meet. She consistently went without so that others could have more.
“JoJo” enjoyed spending time with family, babysitting the kids, gossiping with the adults, telling stories over a smoke break, putting on extravagant holiday dinners, baking for special and not so special occasions, and making sure nobody went without. Recently as time caught up and her energy slowed down she became a loyal viewer of Let’s Make A Deal, The Price Is Right, Judge Judy and Dr. Jeff -Rocky Mountain Vet, and she was always faithful to the Detroit Tigers and Michigan Wolverines (GO BLUE!).
She is survived by husband Marvin Davis of Davison, son David Davis of Davison, daughter Sarah Davis of Davison, special nephew “Little Dave” Middleton and his children David Benjamin and Mary Ana of Arizona; stepson Marvin Davis, Jr and wife Patricia of North Carolina; stepdaughter Tracy and husband Brian Church of Gaines, MI and their children, son, Brandon (Becca)of Ohio and their children Lincoln and Royce; daughter, Krystal of Gaines, MI; brother in law Lee Pyle of Flint, MI, sister in law Ruby Davis of North Carolina, brother in law Pat Middleton of Florida; her loving nieces and nephews David Middleton, Nancy Isabell, Jeff (Angi) Pyle, Joni (Ted) Hayden, Pete (Becky) Pyle, Ken Laatz, Lisa Johnson, Harold (Lorna) Davis, Michele (Alyson) Davis, Billie Jo (Ricky) Davis, Sally (Darrell) Barber, and Valerie Allie. And JoJo is forever loved by the ‘kids’ - each one meant the world to her in their own way- Cameron Pyle (Kali), McKenna Pyle, Bethany Hayden, Riley Pyle, Carter Pyle, Kennedy Hayden, Lucy Hayden, Samuel Laatz, Ryan Back, and Mariah Martinez.
Mary Jo was preceded in death by her parents, her stepfather Gene ‘Pa’ Doherty; son Harold “Chubby” Johnson, stepson Raymond Davis; sister Sarah Margaret Pyle; nieces Kelly Laatz, Mary Middleton and Sherry DeLaCruz (Gary); in-laws Alice Davis, Hollis Davis, Sonny and Ethel Davis.
The family would like to thank special friends Alicia Reyna and family, Nese Nelson and family, The Williams family, John Carpenter, Rick West, Mark Newell, Sam Spence, and the Oshima family for the calls, texts, visits and support. A huge thank you to her healthcare team Kyndra Morton NP, Dr. Jeffery Noroyan, and Ashley with the McLaren Hospice Team for all of their work in making her feel safe, wanted, and comfortable.
JoJo lived a full life, she was never more happy than when she was with her loved ones- the holidays were her favorite, the family get togethers on Bradley Avenue, in the Epoxy Lounge and at Luigi’s were always special; she enjoyed traveling to Indiana and cherished her years with the Hayden girls and taking them to karate lessons, piano lessons, basketball practices and every other place that Plymouth, Indiana would let them step foot in.
She absolutely loved her road trips and vacations traveling with her daughter Sarah to North Carolina, the Outer Banks, Myrtle Beach, Las Vegas and Disney World and the occasional pit stop at a casino or two.
She was always happy cheering on the Goodrich Martians and was a huge fan of Dave & Teresa St. Aubin, the Lauinger family, Coach Jason Gray and Mitch Urbain.
She forever cherished every trip she got to make ‘up north’ to Hale and Long Lake to Ma and Pa’s cabin and the summers camping at Dwayne and Helen Lewis’s in Edenville gave her stories and memories to last a lifetime. She loved a spontaneous road trip or just getting in the car and tagging along to Meijer or to Sam’s to go shopping and grab a hot pretzel.
Most of all though through everything she loved her people and she loved their people.
Her love was unconditional. Her concern was genuine. Her kindness was limitless, and her happiness and smile were contagious.
It really was a life well lived.
“Good night, I love you, see you when you get up.”
The family invites you to attend a memorial service at Swartz Funeral Home on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 2pm, Pastor Jim Garfield presiding, followed by a fellowship dinner.
Visitation will be held from 5-8pm on Friday, July 10, 2026, and Saturday until the time of service at the funeral home.
After the service Jo Jo will be cremated and will be laid to rest at a later date at Sunset Hills Cemetery next to her son Harold ‘Chubby’ Johnson.
Donations may be made to Shelter of Flint, 924 Cedar Street, Flint, MI 48503
The family thanks you for your donations, words of support and friendship and invites you to attend the remembrance services and also asks you to please take a few minutes to share your favorite memories or story about JoJo on her tribute page.
Your condolences may be shared with the family at swartzfuneralhomeinc.com
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| Visitation |
| Date: |
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7/10/2026 |
| Time: |
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5:00 PM |
| Visitation will be held from 5-8pm on Friday, July 10, 2026, and Saturday until the time of service at the funeral home. |
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| Funeral Service |
| Date: |
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7/11/2026 |
| Time: |
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2:00 PM |
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| Location: |
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Swartz Funeral Home & Cremation Center
1225 West Hill Road
Flint, MI 48507Get a Map to this location...
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