Mary Louise Davis Gavigan

Mary Louise Gavigan, 96, died Sunday, June 26, 2022 at her home in Moultrie comforted by the presence of loved ones and her faith in the Lord’s presence to come.  Born November 16, 1925, she was the daughter of the late Hamilton Scaife (Hamp) Davis, Sr., and Louise McGlaun Davis of Moultrie. 

Mrs. Gavigan received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Wesleyan College in Macon, and her Master’s Degree in Education from Florida State University.  Her 32-year career in education began in 1950 at Manatee County Schools in Florida, where she met her soulmate Robert H. (Bob) Gavigan, Jr., whom she married in 1953.  The young couple soon relocated to Mrs. Gavigan’s hometown of Moultrie, where she held successive positions as 12^th Grade English Teacher at Moultrie High School, Visiting Teacher for Colquitt County Schools, Title I Coordinator for Colquitt County Schools, and 4^th Grade Teacher at Barwick Elementary in Brooks County.  Mrs. Gavigan was a longtime active member of the First United Methodist Church of Moultrie, as well as a number of civic organizations, including the Moultrie Lion’s Club, the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Colonial Dames of America.

Mrs. Gavigan learned piano in early childhood and kept up her touch into her 90s, playing a weekly repertoire of favorite 1930’s and 1940’s hits.  She enjoyed orchestral, big band, and jazz music, as well as most all performing arts.  She was an avid reader, having a particular affinity for novels, biographies, poetry, and periodicals.  And she set aside time and money for vacation travel and thereby collected many cherished memories of amazing scenery and diverse cultures across America and around the world. And, as all who knew her well can attest, she loved and cared for her family beyond measure.

Mrs. Gavigan was preceded in death by her parents, her step-mother Ruby Roberson Davis, and brother Hamp Davis, Jr.  She is survived by her husband Bob, sons Robert H. Gavigan III and Stephen Davis Gavigan, as well as beloved longtime caregiver Dinita Blangor, and loving end-of-life caregivers Marci Thompson and Darlene Munoz.

Interment arrangements will be managed by Cobb Funeral Chapel. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be sent in her memory to the First United Methodist Church of Moultrie or a favored civic organization of the donor’s choice.