WHEREAS, Mary Frances Mays-Davis, a lifelong resident of Covington who served the Commonwealth for nearly five decades as a court clerk, died on April 28, 2018; and

WHEREAS, after graduating from Covington High School and Mary Washington College, Mary Mays-Davis became the deputy clerk of the first trial justice court in Alleghany County; and

WHEREAS, Mary Mays-Davis served as clerk of the Alleghany County General and Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Combined Courts and later retired as an employee of the Supreme Court of Virginia; she also was a charter member of the Association of Clerks of District Courts of Virginia; and

WHEREAS, Mary Mays-Davis was an active leader in the community, serving as a charter member of the Alleghany County Historical Society, advisory board member of Dabney S. Lancaster Community College, and founding board member of the Alleghany Highlands Arts and Crafts Center; and

WHEREAS, a devout member of Edgemont Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, Mary Mays-Davis was one of the first women to be elected as a deacon and served the congregation in that capacity for 31 years; and

WHEREAS, Mary Mays-Davis also served her church as a Sunday school teacher, youth leader, president and chair of women's ministries, Meals on Wheels coordinator, and member of the choir; she organized the Edgemont History Room and was a valuable resource on church procedures and heritage; and

WHEREAS, Mary Mays-Davis earned many awards and accolades for her personal and professional achievements, including the Woman of the Year award from the Business and Professional Women's Club, the Arts Legacy Award from the Alleghany Highlands Arts and Crafts Center, and the Partner in Ministry Award from Edgemont Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church; and

WHEREAS, Mary Mays-Davis will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by numerous family members, friends, and colleagues; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of Virginia hereby note with great sadness the loss of Mary Frances Mays-Davis, a respected member of the Covington community who left a legacy of contributions to Virginia's justice system; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Mary Frances Mays-Davis as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's respect for her memory.