Mae Davis

Mae Frances DeGraffenreaidt Davis was born on May 10, 1939, in Chatham County, North Carolina, to Minnie Ellis DeGraffenreaidt and Jesse DeGraffenreaidt. She spent her early childhood in the care of her paternal grandmother, Mary Alston, where she formed a lifelong bond with her Alston cousins, Coreen, Elnora, Pauline and Sonja.. They were the first many "sister friends" Mae would have during her life.

At the age of five, Mae Frances moved to Raleigh to begin school. She attended the Washington School and J. W. Ligon High School. At Ligon she met her life long friends Emma, Bernice, and Hazel, with whom she formed a group called the Peppermints, whose colors were of course red and white. She was also proud to have been a debutante, introduced to society by the Alpha Theta Omega Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority in 1956.

Mae graduated from Ligon in 1957. The day after her high school graduation, Mae boarded a train bound for New York City to attend nursing school. In New York City Mae lived with her aunt Birdie Mae Lambert, and cemented her role as a beloved "big sister cousin" to Jacqueline, Walter "Kenny," and Leonard "Jerry" Lambert. During this time, she worked at the E&M Restaurant in Harlem, owned by her great-aunt Maisie Jane Walker and her husband Eugene. It was there while selling sweet potato pies that she met Samuel Roland Davis, a young New York City police officer from the US Virgin Islands whose beat included the "Sugar Hill" neighborhood where the restaurant was located. After a courtship which culminated in a proposal in her Aunt Birdie's living room, Mae Frances and Sam were married on December 17, 1960, at the historic Mother AME Zion Church in Harlem. Their wedding reception was held at Harlem's 369th Regiment Armory, with food prepared by her great aunt and uncle at the E&M, and a calypso band selected by her mother in law Sylvia Farrelly. Although Mae's tardiness on their wedding day gave Sam a case of nerves that his brother in law to be Kermit had to soothe, Sam remained a devoted husband to Mae until his passing on June 29, 2019.

Mae and Sam's union was blessed with two daughters, Pamela and Melanie. A staunch advocate for education, Mae set the example by enrolling in college while raising her family and working night shifts as a nurse at Mt. Sinai Hospital. In 1978, her hard work paid off when she was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of Staten Island in 1978. Armed with her degree, she embarked on a new career in social work, serving the City of New York in various capacities.

Despite her professional commitments, Mae always prioritized her family. She devoted herself wholeheartedly to her home, husband, and daughters, generously sharing her love, wisdom, and life skills.

The family was proud to be among the inaugural residents of the River Terrace Co-Op on Riverside Drive in Manhattan, where they found an extended family among their neighbors. Mae forged deep friendships within this community and enjoyed playing cards, hosting gatherings, and traveling extensively with her River Terrace "sister friends." Together they embarked on memorable vacations some with their children to destinations like Martha's Vineyard and Fire Island, where their families bonded and made incredible memories. Their "girls' trips", however, featuring various combinations of Fern, Diane, Lenny, Leslie, Doris, Dottie, Barbara, Toni and other beloved friends-under the banner of "WTFC" (Women Traveling First Class)-were legendary. Their adventures included cruising across the Atlantic Ocean aboard the Queen Elizabeth 2, visiting Paris (a favorite destination), exploring Africa and Hawaii, and frequent trips to Mexico.

Mae's passion for travel was lifelong. She embraced every journey with wonder and gratitude, creating cherished memories wherever she went. Whether by land or sea-including that unforgettable voyage aboard the QE2-she lived each adventure fully.

In 1992, following Sam's retirement from the New York State court system, the couple relocated to Sarasota, Florida-Sam's "Paradise." They made many friends there and had an active social life filled with parties and couples trips. While Sam indulged in his passion for playing golf five days a week, Mae began working for the Manatee County Department of Aging Services. After retiring from this role herself, she became an accomplished bridge player, playing multiple times a week and even competing in and winning tournaments. Mae continued to travel as much as possible despite being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. She faced her diagnosis with remarkable courage; even as her physical health declined, she maintained a positive attitude and her sense of humor. She continued to travel for as long as she could using a scooter when her legs failed her, but she was happy to give her grandson Noah a ride.

A true New Yorker at heart, despite her southern roots, Mae returned to New York in 2023. This move allowed her to enjoy frequent visits from family but most importantly, to spend her final years under the loving care of her daughter Melanie and an extraordinary caregiver named Cassie at an assisted living facility in Westchester County, NY. Cassie became not only a trusted companion but also a cherished friend who affectionately called Mae "Mum" and "Auntie Mae," reflecting their deep bond.

Mae is survived by her daughters Pamela Davis-Clarke of Bradenton, FL and Melanie Davis of New York City; her son-in-law Michael R. Clarke; her grandsons Malcolm Clarke, Cameron Clarke, and Noah Samuel Blake; her brother Rev. Dr. Kermit J. DeGraffenreid; her cousins Leonard G. Lambert, Jacqueline Morris and Henry Richardson a host of relatives and countless friends from every chapter of her life. She was predeceased by her parents, her brother Jerome DeGraffenreaidt, her cousins Joan Terrell and Walter Lambert, and many, many dear friends.

Mae's daughters will forever remember their mother as a loyal friend and confidante who encouraged them to be independent and kind to others. She was their first teacher and an enduring source of inspiration. To them-and to all who knew her-she was an excellent role model for facing life's challenges with faith, courage and laughter, and not allowing those challenges to dampen one's joy of living.

May memories of Mae bring comfort to all who were fortunate enough to know her. She was an extraordinary woman: the personification of class in all facets of her life, and her presence in this world will be missed.

Let Me Go

When I come to the end of the road

And the sun has set for me

I want no rites in a gloom filled room

Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little, but not for long

And not with your head bowed low

Remember the love that once we shared

Miss me, but let me go.

For this is a journey we all must take

And each must go alone.

It's all part of the master plan

A step on the road to home.

When you are lonely and sick at heart

Go to the friends we know.

Laugh at all the things we used to do

Miss me, but let me go.

-Christina Rossetti-

(1830-1894)

The Ten Commandments

1)You shall have no other gods before Me.

2) You shall not make for yourself an idol or worship images.

3) You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.

4) Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.

5) Honor your father and your mother.

6) You shall not murder.

7) You shall not commit adultery.

8) You shall not steal.

9) You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

10) You shall not covet your neighbor's house, spouse, or possessions.