Mary Lee Davis

Mary Lee Davis, 75, a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, and friend, passed peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. Born on March 4, 1951, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Mary was the middle of five children born to the late Henry Lee Joseph Davis and Emma Lee Furst. Mary was a God-fearing and virtuous woman who lived a life defined by hard work, grit, deep devotion to her family, and an infectious love for the people and places that brought her joy.

She moved to Colorado in 1966 where she lived with her late Uncle Henry and Aunt Babe and attended Manual High School in Denver. She loved exploring new places, and also lived in Seattle and San Francisco in the early 1970s, before settling back home in Denver. Over the course of her life, Mary's caring nature touched the hearts of many through her work in hospitality and food services. She worked at the historic Denver Dry Goods Company, served residents at local nursing homes with compassion and care, and lifted the spirits of patrons as a club manager. In the late 1990s, Mary dished meals at Christian Living Campus, side-by-side with her late brother Joe and her son Jason. Among the most cherished chapters of her working life were 20 devoted years at Safeway, where she delighted customers as a Starbucks barista crafting the perfect cup and brightening mornings with her smile. She retired with well-earned pride in August 2020.

Outside of work, Mary lived for the moments that mattered most. She was happiest surrounded by family and friends, and her grandchildren held a very special place in her heart. To all who knew her, she was an anchor who offered a grounding presence, endless love, wisdom, strength, and a hearty laugh. Mary loved visiting family in Arkansas, California, and New York, and any chance to travel brought her joy. She especially loved the freedom of the open road and could often be found behind the wheel, perfectly content wherever the drive might lead. When weekends came, Mary could be found settled in front of the television worshipping and praising God with Pastor Joel Osteen. She also loved cheering on the Denver Broncos and watching Westerns, and none compared to her all-time favorites, Bonanza and Gunsmoke.

Mary leaves to cherish her memory her sons and their spouses (Jason & Shantel, Tony & Florence), five grandchildren and their spouses (Destiny, DeNesha & Marvin, Dominique, Stephanie, and Jaylynn), nine great grandchildren (Anila, Amor, Malachi, Marvin Jr., Major, Maya, Legend, Faith, and Maxwell Jr.), nieces, nephews, and their spouses (Pam & Ray, Amelia & Cornelius, Darell & Stacey), two generations of great nieces and nephews, (Shakari, Keyshawn, Antwan, Brittany, Kami, Gabby, Genesis, Blessing, Courage, and Armoni), several friends and former coworkers. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband (Gerald "Benny" Thomas), siblings (Velma, Ella, Vergie, and Joe), great uncles and aunts, cousins, one nephew (Steve), and one grandson (Colin Joseph).

"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." John 14:1-3