Emily A. Davis

Emily was born on August 14, 1944 in Oak Ridge, Tennessee to her loving parents Dorothy and James Martin. Her family was steeped in deep principles of faith, family and patriotism. A brilliant scientist, her father was brought to Oak Ridge, to work on the Manhattan Project. Emily adored her brothers, Richard and Jim. She graduated from Oak Ridge High School and told many stories of the joy she had playing the clarinet for the marching band. She loved music! Emily’s love of Tennessee ran deep, she was a big fan of the University of Tennessee Volunteers and there was no mistaking that her Tennessee twang emerged as soon as we crossed over the state border.

After high school, she graduated in 1965 from St. Mary’s Memorial Hospital School of Nursing and made amazing life-long friends. She loved the trip out west in her dad’s station wagon with them, and the many adventures they shared. Upon returning from their trip, Emily moved to Cincinnati and began her nursing career at Good Samaritan Hospital. She quickly met Dr. Ken Albers and they married on May 4, 1968. Emily and Ken built a beautiful family with their three children: Ken , Katie, and Liz. Rooted in faith, Ken and Emily believed that God had a plan for their family as Ken was diagnosed with a brain tumor. He survived for 17 years which many know was miraculous. Emily was sure of it and it strengthened her faith in God.

Amidst the challenging years of raising three wonderful and active teenagers, Emily sang her heart out with the All Saints choir, played tennis and bridge and worked endless hours at Bethesda North Hospital. We need to mention she prayed A LOT throughout it all.  Through mutual friends, Emily was introduced to Jerry Davis. We believe Jerry was handpicked, a perfect complement to Emily. They married on November 5, 1994. Together they became life adventurers. They sought every avenue to experience life to the fullest: traveling, hiking, even zip lining in Maui just 5 years ago. They wove their musical talents into beautiful duets. The conversation was interesting and the laughter was contagious. However,  the most important thing she became was a dedicated and loving grandma, Nonnie, to her nine grandchildren. She showed up and was present for all of life’s little moments that were actually the big ones: ice cream sundaes, sleepovers, trips to the zoo, Hilton Head vacations, 10 year old trips, and the biggest cheerleader on the sidelines, that was Nonnie.

Emily was passionate about many organizations: Pregnancy Center East, Serra Club, St. Vincent de Paul, and Mary Rose Mission, among others. She also brought the Everybody Counts Program to All Saints School which is a program still taught today. She quietly prayed for the conversion of hearts and was blessed to witness four conversions to Catholicism in her own family: Jerry, Kirsten, Andrew and Keith.

Although Emily was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in May of 2018, leukemia did not define her. Throughout her 3 year journey, she showed gusto, grace and determination with her faith intact. She immediately called on her friend and leader of Holy Land pilgrimages, the late Fr. Jim Willig, as an inspiration and intercessor for prayers and strength. She was often seen handing out his book, Lessons from the School of Suffering to fellow patients, doctors and clergy. Emily was always grateful for her faithful friends and family all through her life. They were the ones that inspired her to push forward every day.  Emily led with love that took shape in her deep caring and service to others. She didn’t sit on the sidelines... ever. She lived a life with many blessings, centered on God, and we were all so blessed, and honored to have lived it right along with her.

Emily Albers Davis (nee Martin) beloved wife of 26 years to Jerry E. Davis; loving mother of Ken (Kirsten) Albers, Katie (Andrew) Goodrich, Liz (Keith) Goodrich; stepmother of Nate Davis, Lee (Valerie) Davis, Jay Davis; cherished grandmother of Olivia and Maggie Albers, Adam and Ella Goodrich, Lindsay, Will and Sophie Goodrich, Kieren and Isabella Davis; sister of the late Richard A. Martin (Ruth Ellen), James L. Martin (Cheryl). Preceded in death by her parents James and Dorothy Martin and her late husband Dr. Kenneth B. Albers II. Emily was a devout Catholic and her family and faith were paramount in her life. Peacefully called to heaven on July 29, 2021 at 76 years of age surrounded by her adoring family.

Visitation Tuesday, August 3 from 5-7pm at Gilligan Funeral Home, 8225 Montgomery Rd. Mass of Christian Burial Wednesday, August 4 at 10:30am St. Cecilia Catholic Church 3105 Madison Rd. Interment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Live streaming of the service is available here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyRu5SP4hMCBoTbS5wAbeUQ/featured

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Mount St. Mary's Seminary and School of Theology, 6616 Beechmont Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio 45230 or Pregnancy Center East, 4760 Madison Rd., Cincinnati, Ohio 45227

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