Cora Mallory-Davis
Age - 53
November 24, 2023
Cora M. Mallory-Davis, 85, a lifelong resident of Poughkeepsie NY, passed away on Monday, November 20, 2023. Born on September 16, 1938, Cora was the daughter of Roy Terrence Spence and Constance (McGerald) Spence and was raised by her grandmother Cora McGerald.
Cora Marie Spence, also known as Joy growing up, grew up at 77 Pershing Ave. She attended Warring Elementary School and graduated from Poughkeepsie High School in 1956.
Throughout her life, Cora boasted proudly of living on Pershing Ave. and receiving nurturing, love and guidance from her grandmother, Cora McGerald, which modeled her into the woman we would all come to
know.
Cora Marie Spence graduated from Bellevue Hospital School of Nursing in New York City in 1959 and began her nursing career at St. Francis Hospital (Poughkeepsie) as a RN shortly thereafter.
After a brief career with St. Francis Hospital, Cora dedicated 40 years as a professional nurse and administrator with Planned Parenthood of Dutchess/Ulster County and another 15 years as a consultant for the Accreditation and Evaluation Department of Planned Parenthood Federation of America
On June 11, 1960, Cora Marie Spence married Robert L. Mallory Sr. During the 27 years of marriage, Cora and Robert experienced the joy of raising two sons, Robert L. Mallory Jr. (Poughkeepsie) and Marc E. Mallory (KC, Missouri). Robert L. Mallory Sr. passed away on May 3, 1987.
On January 4, 1992, Cora M. Mallory married William C. Davis. During their time of marriage, Cora and Bill volunteered their time to community causes as well as traveled to several parts of the United States and the world.
Cora Mallory-Davis always believed in giving back to the community and took pride in being diverse, knowledgeable in addressing and supporting a cause.
She served in various volunteer capacities in a wide range of community activities, board memberships, and positions, among them: YWCA, Potential Unlimited, Family Services, United Way of Dutchess, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Dutchess, Girl Scouts of Dutchess County, Meals on Wheels of Greater Poughkeepsie, Eleanor Roosevelt Centre at Val-Kill, Mental Health of America Dutchess County, World Affairs Council of the Mid-Hudson Valley, Poughkeepsie Journal Multicultural Committee, Catharine Street Community Center, and Community Foundation of Hudson Valley.
Her community recognition includes: YWCA Salute to Women and Industry, Alexis de Tocqueville Society Award given by the United Way, Family of the Year award given by Family Services, Girl Scouts of Dutchess County Seat of Honor Award, Marist College President's Award for Community Service, New Horizons Foundation's Community Leadership Award and Distinguished Women Award from Catharine St. Community Center.
Cora, Mom, Beautiful Aunt Cora, Grandma Cora strived to lead by example through love, guidance, and support. She firmly believed "When one door closes, Another one opens" or "Regret Looks Back. . . . Worry Looks Around. . . . Faith Looks Ahead"
Cora M. Mallory-Davis was predeceased by Robert L. Mallory Sr. , daughters Christina and Leslie, parents, grandmother, and daughter-in-law Ellie Davis. She is survived by her sons Robert L. Mallory Jr. (Susie Balutis-Mallory), Marc E. Mallory, step-sons Tony Davis, Mark Davis, step-daughter Denise Davis, grandchildren Anthony, Keenan, Austin, Ryan, great grandchildren, the entire Cave and Cassell family.
Cora M. Mallory-Davis' final journey will lead her to Nettie, Bunny, Delores, Barbara, Betty, Toot, and Myrtle to name a few. She'll be waiting patiently for other love ones to follow.
A Viewing/Celebration of Life will be held at Vassar Alumni House on Monday, November 27, 2023 from 11am to 2 pm. Burial service will follow at Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Catharine Street Community Center, Mental Health of America Mallory Scholarship Fund, or Hospice.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Wm. G. Miller & Son FH, Inc. If you wish to send an online condolence, please visit our website at www. wmgmillerfuneralhome. comShow more