Joyce Kidder Davis

Joyce Kidder Davis
April 3, 1927-April 22, 2024


Joyce Kidder Davis passed away peacefully on April 22, 2024, at the age of 97.  She was a resident of Tiverton Rhode Island for more than 30 years. Born in Philadelphia, PA, she was the daughter of the late Allan Hill Kidder and Esther Baldwin Kidder.  

Joyce attended Swarthmore College on a full merit scholarship and graduated with Highest Honors and induction into the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society, in 1949. Upon graduation, Joyce was the recipient of a Fulbright Scholarship and pursued graduate studies at the University Libre de Bruxelles in Belgium. She subsequently completed her graduate studies at Columbia University in New York City, receiving her master’s degree in history.  Joyce served on the faculty of City College of New York as a lecturer in history.  Joyce was a dedicated advocate for our nation’s democratic principles and was actively engaged in local political activities and voter registration, including work with the League of Women Voters.

Joyce married Stephen E. Davis in 1955. They were married for more than 68 years, when he died in February of 2024.  Joyce is survived by her brother Donald A. Kidder and sister Mary Ann Marshall, her three children:  Owen K. Davis, Carolyn W. Erskine and Charles B. Davis, seven grandchildren: Zoe CG Davis, Alida A. Davis, Nathaniel AK Erskine, Adele W. Hanks, Amelia F. Erskine, Christopher E. Davis and Aaron R. Davis and two great-grandchildren: Riley M. Hanks and Kathryn H. Erskine.

Donations in Joyce’s honor would be well-received by Planned Parenthood of Southern New England.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Perry Funeral Home, 111 Dartmouth Street, New Bedford MA.