ROCKINGHAM — Marie Lloyd Davis, 93, of Rockingham, passed away on Oct. 29.
She is survived by her daughters, Deborah Davis of Rockingham and Donna Davis of Charlotte.
She is recently preceded in death by her husband of 72 years, Nathan Allison Davis.
Marie was born in 1929 to the late Andrew B. and Julia Murray Lloyd of Efland.
Raised on a thriving dairy farm, Lloyd’s Dairy of Efland, Marie greatly preferred helping her father and brothers milk the cows and tend to the fields outside rather than helping her mother and sisters with housework. More than once she proudly referred to herself as a tomboy.
In high school in Efland and later in Hillsborough, Marie excelled in playing basketball. One of her coaches later stated she was the best basketball player he had ever coached.
After high school, Marie attended the Women’s College in Greensboro, after two years transferring to Western Carolina University where she met her soon-to-be husband Nathan before receiving her degree in education.
Once wed, and with Nathan on the Highway Patrol, the couple settled in Belmont and started a family. After a few years staying at home and raising her children, Marie started to work, beginning a long 34-year career of teaching school in Hamlet, Gastonia, Monroe, and back to Hamlet, where she finally retired in 1987. Marie greatly enjoyed all aspects of her teaching years — her principals, fellow teachers — but most of all she loved her students, most of whom she could recall fondly years later. She would often run into her old students in medical facilities and shopping areas, and smiles and big hugs would always ensue.
In retirement, Marie, along with Nathan, enjoyed both her travels around the country and her visits with family members. She was an active member of both the North Carolina Highway Patrol State Auxillary and the Highway Patrol Retirees Association. Attending the twice-a-year conventions of both these organizations was a true highlight of Marie’s year.
Marie was also an accomplished shopper and bargain hunter, and could tell you the reduced price she had paid for such and such an item years after the item had been bought. Few were those who could match her in this department. Women’s clothing shops and department stores across the state will never be the same without her.
Marie was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church in Rockingham. For many years, she was an active member of her church circle. Without fail, she also sold many tickets to their once yearly well-known Salad Buffet.
Marie was a lifelong fan of the North Carolina Tar Heels in every sport, but especially basketball. She never lost her love of hoops. Three of her favorite words were “Go Tar Heels.”
In addition to her daughters, Marie is survived by her brother, Ben Lloyd of Efland and Priscilla Long of Hillsborough
In addition to her parents and her husband Nathan, she is preceded in death by her brothers Troy Lloyd of Efland, Everette Lloyd of Hillsborough, and by her sisters Mabel Gordon and Bettie Sue Rosemond of Hillsborough.
She leaves behind beloved in-laws, and many friends, neighbors, nieces and nephews with whom she enjoyed close friendships over the years. Marie was an outgoing person with a positive outlook on life, who was loved by many and will be missed by all.
Visitation will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Rockingham at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 12, followed by a church service at 11 a.m. with Pastor Darrel Bowles officiating. Entombment will follow at Hillsborough Town Cemetery in Hillsborough.
Condolences may be made online at carterfuneral.net.
Carter Funeral Home is assisting the Davis family.
