March 29, 1932-August 15, 1984
Davidson, noted volunteer, dies at 52
BUCHANAN--Mrs. Joanne H. Davidson, 52, known for her volunteer work throughout the community, died at 9 a.m. Wednesday in Chicago following a brief illness.
The Buchanan resident had recently been named "Woman of the Year" by the Clark Professional Women's Association, of which she was a member. The organization said it made the presentation because of her "leadership, dedication, contagious enthusiasm, ability, personality, hard work and service to our organization, her church, as well as other community volunteer activities."
Davidson was also the 1984 recipient of the "VIP of the Year Award" given out by the Berrien County Probation Board in the "Volunteers in Probation" program. Twiced[sic] honored in this way, she was recognized for her administrative, fundraising and counseling efforts on behalf of the county probation program.
Born March 29, 1932, in St. Joseph she was a lifetime area resident. She worked as a financial analyst with the Clark Credit Corporation in Buchanan and was a member of the First Baptist Church in Niles.
She is survived by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Leo Kretchman of Niles; one daughter, Mrs. Jill Copeland of South Bend; and one brother, Glenn Kretchman of Niles. Another daughter, Joy Davidson, preceded her in death in September of 1980.
Services are 10 a.m. Saturday at the First Baptist Church in Niles with the Rev. Ray C. Cunningham of that church officiating. Burial will be at Silverbrook Cemetery.
Friends by call after 2 p.m. Friday at the Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles.
Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church in Niles.
(Source: Niles Daily Star, Thursday, August 16, 1984, page 2, col. 1-4, microfilm Niles District Library)