Long-time executive director of the Picayune Housing Authority, Mary Ellen Davis, passed away last week at the age of 94.

Davis worked for the Picayune Housing Authority for over 60 years, becoming executive director in 1957 until she retired in 2012. After retirement, she served as chairman on the Board of Commissioners, said Ruby Upton, who worked with Davis for 10 years.

Davis was one of the founding employees of the Housing Authority when it was established in 1952. She worked her way up from secretary to executive director where she stayed until she was 91 years old, said Patricia Formby, Davis’ sister-in-law.

Davis was one of seven children. She met her husband Bennie Davis, a retired major with the U.S. Army, during World War II at Camp Shelby. At the time, she had just completed high school and was working as his secretary, said Formby.

Mary and Bennie Davis were married until his passing in 1958. They had one daughter, Janet Ellen Davis, who preceded Mary Davis in death in November of 2012.

In 1951 plans to establish the Picayune Housing Authority began. Davis was right in the middle of it alongside her husband Bennie. Bennie Davis served as the first executive director and Mary Davis was his secretary, said Formby.

After about two months, Bennie left the position and Mary “held it all together,” said Formby.

After a few years, Davis was formally appointed as executive director in 1957, said Upton.

Davis was born and raised in Picayune and was an active member of the community.

“She gave everything to the community that she had,” said Upton. “That’s what she lived for, taking care of the community.”

She was a member of a local woman’s club, the Picayune Garden Club, and Past Grand Worthy Matron of the local Order of the Eastern Star, said Formby.

She was nominated for lifetime membership in the Mississippi Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials where she served as president of the Southeast Regional Council for 2 years, said Upton.

She was also a member of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment for over 40 years, said Upton.

“She was a stellar business woman, pragmatic and savvy, but always invested in the people she knew, worked with, and loved. She will be greatly missed,” said Rhonda Poché Johnson, a long-time friend and coworker.

Her last project as executive director was building The Pines apartment complex for senior citizens, said Formby.

“Those old people loved her,” said Formby. “She was very proud of that because older people didn’t have any place to go.”

Davis passed away Thursday June 23 after an illness.

“I lost my best friend,” said Formby. “I loved her dearly.”

Funeral services will be held Friday, July 1 at First Baptist Church of Picayune at 10 a.m. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m.