Dr. Dorothy Davidson left us….quietly…surrounded by family,…just like she wanted…
She lived her life as a trail blazer, “the first woman to”… was attached to many of her roles. For those of us who knew her… she’d share the stories and we would always garner knowledge and gain an understanding of just what a pioneer she was… in business and in philanthropy.
You can’t live in Huntsville and not know Dorothy Davidson.
I remember the first time I asked her to believe in one of our visions was April 2015. I met with her and shared the vision of KTECH. She read the proposal, listened to the plan and said “Ok!” That began a level of friendship and mentorship with Mrs. D that I value greatly.
Later that year, we had the opportunity to purchase the land and the house that now bears her name Davidson Farms. Over lunch…. “How much will it cost?” she asked, I answer, she says… “let’s go get the farm”. We closed in October 2015 and she immediately wanted to come and tour the house herself.
She was so proud to be able to provide a home for girls who otherwise wouldn’t have one. We talked frequently as we renovated the house, and discussed the culture we would create at Davidson Farms.
4 years ago this month we held a prayer walk and ribbon cutting at the farm. She surprised me with a sign naming the main house after me. She saw the vision of how the land would grow well past the main house to serve so many young ladies for generations to come.
We opened Davidson Farms in August of 2017 and she joined us for our first Thanksgiving at the farm. She loved it, loved being with the girls. They listened as she shared her wisdom.
I always listened as she shared her wisdom. I remember our last visit, her health was declining, her treatments were helping, but her mobility was limited. She had her bedroom set up so she could be comfortable. I shared about the cottage community and our plans to provide housing the next step for our girls on the road to independence. She was so excited. She loved building things and had a lot of guidance for me as we took on a building project. I was a sponge.
I am thankful Dorothy Davidson saw value and sowed amazing seeds to bring our vision of service to life. Because of her, we’ve helped changed the lives of so many young people.
I am thankful that Dorothy Davidson was an amazing mentor. She invited me to be her guest at the Alabama Business Hall of Fame awards when she was inducted in 2017. I was so proud of her that night!
Our community is a better place because Dorothy Davidson lived here and gave here.
My life is better because she invested in me…. In us…. And I will make sure I always pay it forward…. She would expect no less.
Fly high Mrs. D.
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