The life of Edith Scott (Mrs. James) Davison of Oakwood Village in Madison, WI and formerly of Utica, NY, came to a close on December 23 at her home.

Born on June 29, 1928, in Chattanooga, TN, she was the third child of four and only daughter of Edith Millsaps and Sr. Lt. Carl A. Scott, US Navy. Her early years were spent between Pensacola and Long Beach and San Diego, CA, as her family “followed the fleet.”

In 1936 her father retired, and the family moved back to Chattanooga to a home on the side of Lookout Mountain, adjacent to the Lookout Mountain National Military Park. It was “down the mountain” to attend Chattanooga schools, music lessons and church. Edith began a life-long involvement in piano and choral music.

After graduating from Chattanooga High School, Edith’s adventuresome spirit and love of travel took her to Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, NY. She graduated with a B.A. and double major in Religion and Child Development. Deeply committed to some form of Christian Ministry, Edith then took a position as a Methodist short-term missionary. She was sent to Manila, Philippines, where she served as Assistant Director of a neighborhood center. She also taught Bible classes and music in two church-related schools in Manila. After completing her three year commitment, Edith traveled home via south east Asia and Europe.

Upon returning to the U.S., Edith became engaged to the love of her life, James Davison, a young American Baptist pastor from upstate New York. Edith then entered Drew University School of Theology in Madison, New Jersey, spending their “engagement year” completing the classwork for her MA in Christian Education, which she received in 1955.

Jim and Edith were married in Chattanooga on June 26, 1954, while Jim was pastor of two small churches in Watkins Glen and Altay, NY. Following their marriage, Edith became a substitute teacher in Watkins Glen.

In 1956 Jim was called to be American Baptist Campus Minister for Cornell University and Ithaca College in Ithaca, NY. Edith kept an open house, entertaining new students at her famous “Freshman Dinners”. She also wrote program resource materials for American Baptist youth publications.

In 1964 Jim accepted the call to Iowa City, IA to be pastor of the First Baptist Church and American Baptist Campus Minister for the University of Iowa. With her warm and welcoming spirit, Edith hosted many dinners for incoming freshmen and other U of I students, and provided support to the spouses and families of international students. It was in Iowa City that Edith began her 27-year career teaching piano and sharing her love of music. After the acquisition of a small tent-camper the family, now with four blossoming children, spent vacations traveling all across the country.

In 1972 Jim became pastor of Tabernacle Baptist Church in Utica, NY. Edith expanded her piano teaching and also worked as a Program Associate in Christian Education for American Baptist Churches of New York State. The gift of a visit to the Holy Land started Edith and Jim on a continuum of exploration of people and countries around the world.

In 1984 Jim accepted a call to be pastor of First Baptist Church, Birmingham, MI. Edith was heavily involved in church and community ministries, including serving as President of the Board of Directors of Detroit Friendship House, a faith-based mission in Hamtramck, MI, and working part-time as a Christian Education resource staff person for American Baptist Churches of Southeast Michigan. She also developed a new interest: creating ecclesiastical banners.

In 1993 Jim and Edith both retired and moved back to Utica, NY, and Tabernacle Baptist Church. They traveled a good deal. Between eight grandchildren and a map of the world, they were frequently on the road. In Utica, as more and more Karen people (refugees from Burma) arrived, Edith’s concern for people of SE Asia was renewed. She engaged the Church in a significant refugee ministry, including her creation of the “Caring Corner,” a food, clothing and household item dispensary which now serves nearly 1,000 Karen church members.

In 2009 Jim and Edith moved to Madison, WI to be near family and they became active in the First Baptist Church. Edith enjoyed the many concerts and educational opportunities which Oakwood and Madison offered. Above all, she enjoyed time with Jim watching the changing seasons and welcoming the visits of wildlife in the nature conservancy outside their window.

Edith is survived by her beloved husband, Jim, their four children and spouses, Laura (Greg) Kolden, of Madison, WI, Virginia (Stephen) Lacy of Evanston, IL, Nancy (Charles) Brind of Westwood, MA, and James Scott (Lorraine) Davison of Zionsville, IN and eight grandchildren: Anna Kolden (Alex) Seidenstricker, Jamie Kolden, William Lacy, Sarah Lacy, Katherine Brind, Alexandra Brind, Cameron Davison and Brody Davison.

When asked how she wished to be remembered, her reply was: “She was a woman of faith.”

Memorial gifts may be given in Edith’s memory to First Baptist Church, Madison, WI, Tabernacle Baptist Church (13 Clark Place, Utica, NY 13501), or Agrace Hospice Care (5395 East Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711).

A memorial service will be held on January 14, 2023 at 2:00 pm at First Baptist Church, 518 N. Franklin Ave., Madison, WI 53705. The service will be livestreamed and can be viewed at: http://live.firstbaptistmadison.org or YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/eubzz6mr or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FBCMadison. A memorial service will also be held at Tabernacle Baptist Church, Utica, NY in the spring (date to be announced), with burial in Rome Cemetery, Rome, NY.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services 5701 Odana Road 608-274-1000

Edith Davison

June 29, 1928 - December 23, 2022

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