Texas WMU seeks to mark gravesites of leaders_71105

Posted: 7/08/05

Texas WMU seeks to mark gravesites of leaders

By George Henson

Staff Writer

Woman's Missionary Union of Texas leaders are seeking descendants of Mary Hill Davis so she can be honored as a part of a triumvirate of the mission organization's leadership.

This year marks Texas WMU's 125th anniversary, and as a part of the ceremonies recalling the organization's storied past, the group hopes to place special markers at the gravesites of Fannie Breedlove Davis, Eula Mae Henderson and Mary Hill Davis.

The three women were all prominent in Texas WMU history. Fannie Breedlove Davis was the state's WMU first president. Eula Mae Henderson was the organization's longest-tenured executive director, serving from 1947 until 1980. Mary Hill Davis was the state president with the longest term of service, from 1906 until 1931.

The first step in the process was to find the gravesites. The harder part has been to locate family members of the women to give permission for the new markers. That has been accomplished–with the exception of Mary Hill Davis.

“It's kind of an exciting search,” Texas WMU Executive Director-Treasurer Carolyn Porterfield said. “I've never done anything like this.”

While she found the process exciting, Porterfield also will be relieved when a family member of Mary Hill Davis is located. Part of the problem is no one is sure any descendants remain. Davis had a son who married, but both he and his wife have died, and WMU leaders do not know if they had any children.

If family members are not found to grant permission, a special marker at her gravesite probably will not be possible, Porterfield said.

Because of the uncertainty involved, a date has not been set for the ceremonies.

“We have talked about the fall, possibly October. Summer is just too hot,” Porterfield said.

Anyone with knowledge of Mary Hill Davis' family should contact the Texas WMU office at (214) 828-5155.