Ms. Marian Lee Davis

Ms. Marian Lee Davis, 88, died peacefully at Westminster Oaks Retirement Community in Tallahassee, Florida on Friday, October 6, 2023.

Ms. Marian was born in the small farming community of Coshocton, Ohio, located in the central eastern part of the state.  She is preceded in death by her father, Charles Henry Davis who worked for the Pennsylvania railroad, her mother, Christine Kempf Davis who was a stay at home mom and her sister Grace Angela Davis.

As a result of her father working for the railroad, Marian, her mother and sister had opportunity to travel all over the United States.  This planted the seed of adventure / travel in Marian.  After she graduated from Ohio State University (1956) and graduating from New York University with her master’s (1960), she accepted a 3 year teaching position in the college of home economics at the University of Nigeria.

In 1967, Marian was evacuated from Nigeria during the Nigerian Civil War (Biafran War).  She then enrolled at the University of California – Los Angeles to start her doctorate in Comparative Education.

In 1969, she accepted a one year educational post in the Philippines (Mindanao Institute of Technology) through the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).  In 1970 Marian L. Davis was recognized and adopted as a daughter by the province of Cotabato in the Philippines for her work in the education of people in the province.

Marian returned to her studies at UCLA and received her doctorate in Comparative Education.  She accepted a position at the Florida State University in the Department of Clothing and Textiles in the College of Home Economics.  In 1980, Marian published the first edition of her textbook, “Visual Design in Dress” which was used in college courses in dress design.  It’s popularity resulted in a second (1987) and third (1996) editions being published.   In 1988-1990, she made several trips to China and worked with faculty at Fujian Hwa Nan Women’s College developing and implementing curriculum.  As a distinguished educator and a creative fashion designer, Marian was highly regarded by her peers and widely respected by her students for her expertise and dedication to teaching.  Marian retired from FSU in 2003.

Marian had many other interests besides educating students.  She was an active member in 4H and the girl scouts.  She enjoyed gardening, sewing, painting, creating stain glass windows, synchronized swimming and writing.  But most of all, she liked to see others succeed in life.  She had a big heart for everyone she met and worked tirelessly to improve the lives of others.  Rest in Peace, Marian.

Funeral services to be announced at a later date with burial in Coshocton, Ohio. Given-Dawson-Paisley Funeral Home is serving the family.

An online memorial can be viewed at www.given-dawson-paisleyfh.com.

Category: Obituaries