Friends from St. Mary’s called her the “glue” who maintained the friendships and camaraderie of staff staying in touch with many of them after retirement at dinners, birthday celebrations and other happy events. Before the hospital closed, she was a sparkplug in rounding up memorabilia to preserve the history of this women “owned and operated” venture that did so much good for so many.
Perry Pratt said Charlotte was “Fountain City through and through.”
Tyler Pavlis said, “Her impact on the community was huge.”
Charlotte McClure Davis, 90, died peacefully Tuesday, September 19, 2023, in her family home of 84 years. She was a lifetime member of Fountain City Presbyterian Church and the first female born at St. Mary’s to then graduate from its School of Nursing (1954). In 1955 she became head nurse for Pediatrics, a position she held until East Tennessee Children’s Hospital opened.
Ms. Davis trained RNs, LPNs, ward clerks and other staff members. Additionally, she trained pediatric interns in the practical hands-on aspects of their profession. She was held in high regard by all staffs at St. Mary’s – Orthopedics, Medical/Surgical, Recovery, ICU, Pharmacy, Central Supply and Housekeeping. She was always held in highest esteem by the dear Sisters of Mercy who were in charge of St. Mary’s.
Charlotte was a board member from inception of Fountain City Town Hall and attended countless City Council and Metropolitan Planning Commission meetings on behalf of Fountain Citians. She worked tirelessly each year for Honor Fountain City Day. In 1992 she was selected as Woman of the Year and was chosen in 2011 for the Central High School Wall of Fame. She was lovingly referred to as “The Mayor of Smithwood.”
The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. on Monday, September 25, 2023, at Stevens Mortuary with services following at 7, conducted by the Rev. Dr. Carl Grosse. The full obituary is here.