Marilyn Davis

Marilyn K. Davis (Emig), a retired Registered Nurse born in Kalamazoo, MI, died unexpectedly on August 1st, 2021 in Traverse City, MI at the age of 77. Marilyn is survived by her husband; Ed Davis; her children Carsten (Jen) McCarter and Carrie McCarter and stepchildren; Brent (Kathy) Davis, Celeste (Kip) Roberts, Sally (Jason) Cross, Diana Duffey and Cindy Johnson. She also has a brother, Dan (Sharon) Emig, ten cherished grandchildren and many beloved nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents, Clarice and Ellsworth Emig; brother, George (Virginia) Emig; and first husband, Charles McCarter. Marilyn graduated from the Bronson School of Nursing and started her nursing career in San Francisco, CA where she met and married Charles (Chuck) McCarter who was serving in the U.S. Navy. She had the opportunity to travel the world, following wherever he was stationed. They settled in Portage, MI after Chuck's retirement, to raise their young family in 1974. Marilyn was employed at Bronson Methodist Hospital as a Pediatric Nurse. She was a devoted wife, friend, mother and daughter. She was active in the choir at UMC/Pathfinder Church and her love of music continued throughout her life. In 1983, she lost her father and husband just a few months apart. The bond between Marilyn and her mother grew as they leaned into each other and those dear to them for support. Marilyn went on to complete her bachelors' degree at Western Michigan University in 1986, while raising two children as a single parent and working at Bronson in Infection Control and Quality Management. In 1989, Marilyn and Ed Davis married, blending their busy lives and families. Marilyn was happy to make room for all the new, while staying connected with cherished friends (40 & Sporty), quilters, classmates/sorority sisters and extended family in Kentucky. She was quick to say 'yes' to new adventures, loved travel and any opportunity to be part of her children's lives. She retired from her full-time nursing career in 1996; pouring love, laughter and precious time into her grandchildren's lives. She put effort into making special memories with each grandchild, creating a unique quilt for each, attending their games, plays, concerts and spending time with them up north at the Lake Leelanau house. Marilyn's quilts were a labor of love; and the abiding friendships she made in her quilting groups were as important to her as the beautiful quilts she created. As much as she enjoyed the creative process, she cherished the community/communal effort that went into making quilts for those seriously ill or in foster care. Marilyn's kindness and service to others extended across the county; helping others as a Volunteer Coordinator and Driver for the Shepherd Center and Meals-on-Wheels. A time to visit with the family will be held at Pathfinder Church on August 13th from 5:00-7:00 PM, also at 10:00 AM on August 14th prior to her Memorial Service, which starts at 11:00 AM at Pathfinder Church, 8740 S. Westnedge Ave, Portage. A luncheon will immediately follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Shepherd Center of Kalamazoo or Meals-on-Wheels.