Davis
WAYCROSS — Mary Patricia “Maripat” Davis (September 16, 1933— February 7, 2026), a beloved figure in her community, passed away peacefully in hospice care surrounded by family at Hospice Satilla in Waycross due to complications from pneumonia.
She was 92 years old and spent her final years living with her sister, Dot Sasser, in Waycross. Ms. Davis was a native of
Athens.
Born to Edward M. Davis Sr. (1901-1987) and Dorothy Ann Dowdy Davis (1907-1973), Ms. Davis’ vibrant spirit and passion for dance touched numerous lives.
Ms. Davis is survived by her brother, Edward M. “Sonny” Davis (wife Terrie) of Morrison, Colo.; nephews John E. “Chip” Sasser (wife Gina), Richard Sasser (wife Donna), both of Fernandina Beach, Fla., E. Marshall Davis (wife Terry) of Decatur, Ga.; nieces Kim Donaldson of Lawrenceville, Ga., and Rosie Malone (husband Bill) of Highlands, N.C.
She was preceded in death by her brother-inlaw, Robert A. “Bob” Sasser of Waycross (1927– 2019) and her sister, Dorothy A. “Dot” Sasser of Waycross (1928- 2025).
In 1950, Ms. Davis cofounded the Maripat School of Dance, originally named the Maripat and Dorothy Ann School of Dance, alongside her mother and sister. The school began its journey from her home on Second Street SE, where Ms. Davis shared her love of dance inspired by her early experiences dancing with her siblings. The family had roots in Athens and Waycross before relocating to Moultrie in 1947, where Ms. Davis became an integral part of the community.
Certified as a Dance Instructor by the Dance Educators Association in New York City, Ms. Davis expanded her expertise by attending their workshops over several years. Through her 56 years of teaching, the school grew from around 50 students to as many as 250 during peak periods when young people discovered the joy of dance. Her influence extended throughout Colquitt County, where she taught children and grandchildren of her former students.
Ms. Davis was especially fond of jazz, tap, and ballet, and she even introduced hip-hop lessons to her curriculum. Each school year culminated in a themed dance recital in June at the Moultrie High School auditorium, while summers were bustling with events like the Festival on the Square and dance camps.
Ms. Davis was a cat lover who enjoyed working in a large vegetable garden in the rear yard of the family’s home. She also was a lifelong fan of the University of Georgia Bulldogs.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Hospice Satilla, 808 Evergreen Way, Waycross, 31501, and to the First Baptist Church of Moultrie, 400 South Main Street, Moultrie, 31768.
A graveside service was held February 12 in Pinecrest Memory Gardens Cemetery, Moultrie.
Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.milesodumfuneralhome. com.
