Margaret M. Davis

On January 23, 2025, the remarkable and resilient 100-year-old Margaret M. Davis joined her late husband Wilman, daughter Cynthia and son Stephen as well as a host of family members and friends in life eternal. A devout Christian, Margaret was born to Winifred and Theodore Carlson on September 18,1924. In 2024, she marked her 100th birthday in Atlanta at a party where she was unquestionably the star of the show. Margaret was the second of seven children, all of whom proceeded her in death. At an early age, four of the children were placed in the Norwegian Lutheran Children’s Home in Chicago; the remaining three lived with families in the area. At age 11, Margaret met Florence and Ray Wiegand who in today’s time would be considered her foster parents. In 1944, Margaret was introduced to Wilman Davis by her brother Roy while both men were stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA. After Margaret and Wilman wrote to each other for a period of time, they officially met in Chicago. They resumed their letter writing – and romance – while Wilman was stationed In Okinawa, Japan. Following Wilman’s honorable and decorated discharge from the Army, he returned to the States where the couple married on September 7, 1946, in Wheaton, IL. Margaret and Wilman had five children, Cynthia (deceased), J.R. (Advance, N.C., with wife Diana), Marilee (Atlanta, GA), Stephen (deceased) and Suzanne (Cleveland, GA, with husband Steve). The Davis family was significantly involved in the Forrest-Strawn-Wing IL community in the 50s, 60s and 70s. In addition to her living children, Margaret is survived by her grandchildren Stephanie (& Christopher) Whitaker; Jon Davis; Chad (& Annie) Davis, Tara (& Chad) Wamsley, Wendi (& Ryan) Zimmerman and Kaci (& Chase) Fischer and 11 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her niece Bonnie (& Kent) Kelly and Margaret’s foster family Nancy Matson, Judy Johannsen, Joyce Swim, Johnny Wiegand and Jimmy Wiegand. Margaret enjoyed life with many of her Carlson family nieces and nephews as well. Having a gloriously fun spirit and a great sense of humor, Margaret loved her family and especially delighted in being the center of attention – unless it involved dancing, where she preferred to just watch. She usually, and unintentionally, commanded a room simply by her presence. A mother extraordinaire, Margaret was an avid cook, baker, canner, homemaker, florist and pianist/organist. In her later years, she enjoyed reading, music, Bible study and word-find games. She was up to date on most topics and enjoyed conversations on a plethora of subjects. In fact, she was a ‘master of communications,’ and before realizing, many had revealed their life stories to her. She never met a stranger. Visitation for Margaret Davis is Saturday, February 8th, from 9-10:00 a.m. at Clancy-Gernon Funeral Home, 1480 West Court Street, Kankakee, IL, followed by a 10:00 a.m. on-site service, and then burial at Kankakee Memorial Gardens, 15 South 3000 East Road, Kankakee. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to: Tunnel for Towers, 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306; International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, 303 E. Wacker Dr., Suite 2300, Chicago, IL 60601; or Samaritan’s Purse, P.O. Box 3000 Boone, NC 28697. A Celebration of Life service will take place in Atlanta in the Spring.

Margaret M. Davis

September 18, 1924 - January 23, 2025