Jean E. Davidson (1924-2021)

DAVIDSON, SHROPE, JOHNSON

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 9/27/2021 at 07:27:27

JEAN E. DAVIDSON

Mechanicsville

Jean E. Davidson passed from this life Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, at the Rehabilitation Center of Lisbon. Graveside service: 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 28, at Rose Hill Cemetery, Mechanicsville. A celebration of Jean's life will be held at a later date. Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Mount Vernon, is caring for Jean and her family.

For those unable to join in person, there will be a webcast of Jean's Graveside Service. To watch and to share your support and memories with Jean's family, visit Jean's tribute wall at www.stewartbaxter.com under obituaries.

Jean Evelyn Davidson was born April 17, 1924, to Forest and Lola (Johnson) Shrope at the family farm south of Mechanicsville. She grew up on the farm with her sisters, Margaret and Marie. Jean attended Mechanicsville Schools and was a proud graduate of the Mechanicsville Class of 1941, along with the love of her life, Don Davidson. The Davidson farm was straight east of the Shropes' farm. After high school, Jean attended University of Iowa with Margaret. They returned to help on the farm. Jean married Don Davidson on Aug. 21, 1945, after he returned from service in World War II. Their daughter, Mary Jo, was born in 1951. Jean and Don farmed the family farms south of Mechanicsville until their retirement. They loved adventure and travel - visiting the USSR, China, Mexico, South America, Australia/New Zealand, Alaska and took many road trips in the US. One of their first adventures as a married couple happened shortly after their marriage; Jean and Don traveled to Chickasha, Okla., where Don received treatment for his war wounds at the veteran's rehabilitation hospital there. Jean sold shoes at a local store-she said that the job was not hard at all. War shortages meant that any available shoes were black and no one cared much if they fit. Jean and Don spent their evenings playing dominoes with the other residents of the boarding house where they stayed. Jean was known for her wit, sense of humor, generosity, hospitality and style. She was an active member of the community, volunteering as a leader and mentor. Jean was a member of the Presbyterian Church of Mechanicsville and the Mechanicsville Legion Auxiliary, among other organizations. She moved to Iowa City after Don passed and enjoyed that community as well.

Jean is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Mary Jo and David Orkowski of Riverside, Ill.; sister-in-law, Joye Davidson; brother-in-law, J.A. (Rose Anne) Phillips; nieces and nephews, Kathryn (Jerry) Osen, Merle (Debi) Tonne, Lyle (Marie Von Behren) Tonne, Jeff (Bonnie) Phillips, Barbara Greenfield, Nancy Haesemeyer, Susan (Jim) Vorhies and Scott (Shauna) Davidson; many great- and great-great -nieces and

-nephews; and special cousins, Jim Miller, Dorothy Wendt and Evelyn (Bob) Wethington.

Memorial donations may be made to the Mechanicsville Presbyterian Church, Mechanicsville Legion Auxiliary or to a favorite charity of your choosing.

The Don Davidson Academic Award was established in 2003 for North Cedar High School Seniors. It will be re-titled as the Don and Jean Davidson Academic Award. Any donations sent to the family will be added to that fund.

A special thank-you and blessings to the wonderful staff at the Rehabilitation Center of Lisbon who made Jean feel loved and appreciated during her residence there. They took extra special care of her. In addition, thank you to the fine folks of Hospice Compassus, who provided such comfort to Jean during her final illness.

Jean will be missed by all who knew her. She had a special place in many hearts. Jean had many dear friends, who always enjoyed a chuckle with her. The best memorial to Jean would be remembering a good time you had with her and smiling.