Waycross, GA - September 16, 1933 - February 7, 2026 Mary Patricia "Maripat" Davis, a beloved figure in her community, passed away peacefully in hospice care surrounded by family at Hospice Satilla in Waycross, Georgia, due to complications from pneumonia. She was 92 years old and spent her final years living with her sister, Dot Sasser, in Waycross. Maripat was a native of Athens, Georgia.

Born to Edward M. Davis Sr. (1901-1987) and Dorothy Ann Dowdy Davis (1907-1973), Maripat's vibrant spirit and passion for dance touched numerous lives. She is survived by her brother, Edward M. "Sonny" Davis (with wife Terrie) of Morrison, Colorado; nephews John E. "Chip" Sasser (with wife Gina) Richard Sasser (with wife Donna), both of Fernandina Beach, Florida; E. Marshall Davis (with wife Terry) of Decatur, nieces Kim Donaldson of Lawrenceville and Rosie Malone (with husband Bill) of Highlands, North Carolina. She was preceded in death by her brother-in-law, Robert A. "Bob" Sasser of Waycross (1927-2019) and her sister, Dorothy A. "Dot" Sasser of Waycross (1928- 2025).

In 1950, Maripat co-founded the Maripat School of Dance, originally named the Maripat and Dorothy Ann School of Dance, alongside her mother and sister. The school began its journey from her home on Second Street SE, where Maripat shared her love of dance inspired by her early experiences dancing with her siblings. The family had roots in Athens and Waycross before relocating to Moultrie in 1947, where Maripat became an integral part of the community.

Certified as a Dance Instructor by the Dance Educators Association in New York City, Maripat expanded her expertise by attending their workshops over several years. Through her 56 years of teaching, the school grew from around 50 students to as many as 250 during peak periods when young people discovered the joy of dance. Her influence extended throughout Colquitt County, where she taught children and grandchildren of her former students.

Maripat was especially fond of jazz, tap, and ballet, and she even introduced hip-hop lessons to her curriculum. Each school year culminated in a themed dance recital in June at the Moultrie High School auditorium, while summers were bustling with events like the Festival on the Square and dance camps. Maripat was a cat lover and enjoyed working in a large vegetable garden in the rear yard of the family's home and was a lifelong fan of the Georgia Bulldogs.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Hospice Satilla, 808 Evergreen Way, Waycross, Georgia 31501, and to the First Baptist Church of Moultrie, 400 South Main Street, Moultrie, Georgia 31768.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., in Pinecrest Memory Gardens Cemetery, 2929 South Main Street, Moultrie.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.milesodumfuneralhome.com.