Mary Frances Davis

Mary Bassett Davis was born on May 18, 1930, and passed away peacefully on May 24, 2025. She was 95. Mary was a resident of Tucson for 63 years. She was a loving wife, mother, granny, and great-granny and a friend to many. 

 

Mary was born in Asheville, North Carolina. She graduated from Greensboro Women’s college in 1951, with a degree in Education. After graduation she moved to Salisbury, North Carolina, where she began her teaching career, married Carlisle, and started a family. In 1962 the family moved to Tucson. Mary taught first grade 27 years in TUSD at Robison Elementary School. She loved teaching and continued to stay in touch with many of her former students. 

 

She was a member of Catalina United Methodist Church for over 60 years. Mary was a member of the United Methodist Women, a Stephen Minister, and volunteered in the church office for many years cataloging Sunday visitors. She belonged to the Home Builder’s Sunday School Class and considered the members to be her extended family.  

 

Her daughters called her the Energizer Bunny! Mary was active in several organizations. She was installed in the Omicron Chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa in 1977, belonged to a Bunco group for many years, and was a member of the Tucson Antique Doll Club and Tucson Retired Teachers. For 15 years Mary spent many hours volunteering for the “Hug-a-Bear” project. She collected, washed, and delivered stuffed animals to the Tucson Fire Department. After retirement Mary and Carlisle enjoyed travel across the United States and abroad. In recent years visits from great-grandchildren brought her much joy.   

 

For the last eight years Mary lived at Villa Hermosa where she developed strong friendships with residents and a deep gratitude for the hard-working staff.  

 

She was preceded in death by Carlisle, her beloved husband of 53 years, parents Joseph and Matilda Bassett, and brother Joseph Bassett Jr. Mary is survived by daughters Beth Weaver (Ron) and Jan Afonso (Antero), four grandchildren; Sarah O’Connell (Michael), Amy Afonso, Walt Afonso, Ruth Randolph (Charles), and four great grandchildren.  

 

Mary’s journey on earth has ended, but her story continues in the hearts of those she touched. She will be deeply missed. 

 

A Memorial service will be held at Catalina United Methodist Church 2700 E. Speedway Blvd, Tucson, on June 20, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.

 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mary’s name to: Catalina United Methodist Church 2700 E. Speedway Blvd Tucson 85716  www.catalinamethodist.org  or TMC’s Peppi’s House Hospice, 2715 N. Wyatt Dr. Tucson 85712  www.tmchospice.com