Obituary of Violet A. Davidson

Rev. Violet A. Davidson, 74, of 970 Big Tree Sugar Grove Rd. passed away peacefully after a brief illness, surrounded by her loving family, on Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023 at UPMC Hamot. She was born April 7, 1949 in Lottsville, Pa., a daughter of the late Robert L. and Nancy J. Sales Neal. A 1967 graduate of Southwestern Central School, Vi earned her Associate in Applied Science in Human Services at Jamestown Community College, Bachelor of Science in Community and Religious Studies from Empire State College, and Master of Divinity degree from United Theological Seminary. She had served as Residential Services Coordinator for The Salvation Army Domestic Violence / Rape Crisis Program before being the Christian Education Director and Visitation Assistant at Kidder Memorial United Methodist Church where she held many and various positions in volunteer ministry. Vi then served as Pastor of Kennedy First United Methodist Church from 2001 to 2005 before serving as Pastor of Lakewood United Methodist Church from 2005 until her retirement. She was presently a member of Bemus Point United Methodist Church. Vi held many additional volunteer positions specifically serving youth, including Reachout Ministries Board Member and treasurer, as well as Director and Children's Specialist of Royal Family Kids Camp. Always kind, giving and supportive, her family and faith were most important to her. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 48 years, Randall H. Davidson; daughters, Kimberly (Peyton) McVinney and Jessica (Tom) Dayton; grandchildren, Brooke Angelo, Hunter McVinney, Drew McVinney, and Mason McVinney; and a sister, Betty Syper and brother, Fred Rice. The funeral will be held on Sunday, Dec. 3rd in the Lind Funeral Home, led by Pastor Tom Holland of Bemus Point United Methodist Church. Friends will be received for 2 hours prior to the service Sunday from noon to 2 p.m. Memorials may be made to Royal Family Kids Camp, c/o Bemus Point United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 99, Bemus Point, NY 14712. Please add "RKFC" to the memo line.