Marian Davis - Carlson Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

DAVIS - CARLSON – Marian, 97, formerly of South Fork, died peacefully on April 28, 2016, at Autumn Glen Senior Living in Coon Rapids, Minn. She leaves behind a lifetime legacy of teaching, hard work, dedication, and growth for all of us fortunate enough to have known her. She was born Marian Helen Walls on August 23, 1918 in South Fork, Pa. The influenza epidemic took her father and sister that same year. The forge of her childhood taught her well the life lessons she gave to everyone she touched and her energy level and spirit never waned. After graduating from South Fork High School in 1936, she went on to Indiana State Teachers College in Indiana, PA. majoring in education. Before graduating, she was pressed into teaching at South Fork Public Schools. She married Seward D. Davis, Cpl., US Army, on November 5, 1942 and as was customary for the times, she had to resign her position. After Seward shipped out in 1944, now as Captain in the US Army Air Corps, she was implored by Adams Township (PA) to return to St. Michael Elementary School where she taught geography, history, and math. She was named Head Teacher (Principal) at St. Michael’s in 1953. She completed her undergraduate degree and Master’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Pittsburgh in 1955. In 1963 four school districts consolidated to form the Forest Hills (PA) School District and she was named Assistant Principal of the singular elementary school which was the largest in the state. She became Principal of Forest Hills Elementary School in 1966 which was still the largest school with 86 teachers and 1776 students. At that time, she was the first and only female Principal in the state. She retired from that position in 1977 after a career of 35 years, having enlightened and opened many doors for her students and fellow teachers alike. She was a member and served as President of the Beta Epsilon Chapter (PA) of Delta Kappa Gamma (National Teacher’s Honorary Sorority) and The Quota Club (for female supervisors) of Johnstone (PA). She taught Sunday School and served on the Methodist Church Council in Johnstown. She was preceded in death by her mother in 1972, and her husband Seward in 1986. She married Wesley of Stillwater, MN. (and North Port, FL.) in 1987. They enjoyed more than 12 wonderful years together until his death in 2000. Survivors include sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Luverne Lundeberg, Jack and Delores Nelson, and Luther and Mavis Carlson and several nieces and nephews. Honoring Marian’s request service will be private. Local arrangements by Charles O. Dimond Funeral Home, Inc., South Fork. www.DimondFuneralHome.com

Marian Davis - Carlson

August 23, 1918 - April 28, 2016