Bisexual LGBTQ+ advocate and retired University of Chicago auditor Margaret Davis, a.k.a. Spencer Ice, died May 30 after a 14 year battle with cancer.
Davis was born on Aug. 3 (she wished not to have the year revealed) in Detroit, where she spent her early life. She graduated from Chicago State University with a bachelor's degree and later an MBA, both in finance. Davis also received her nursing degree from what was then known as Cook County Hospital.
Prior to Davis' longtime role as University of Chicago auditor, she was an RN at University of Chicago Hospital.
When Davis arrived in Chicago as a young person, she discovered Greater Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church, where she was an active ministries and choir member for the next 63 years. She was also a fitness enthusiast and enjoyed cooking, sewing and creating costume jewelry as well as going to plays and the opera.
Among Davis' many volunteer endeavors giving time to both the Lyric Opera and her church, where she spoke about cancer awareness, specifically early-warning signs. Davis also supported many LGBTQ+ organizations as well as Enjoy Life Chicago, a social club for Black professionals, by attending their events for many years.
Davis was preceded in death by her parents Harry and Corine (Spencer) Ice and brothers Lloyd and Melvin Ice. She is survived by her sons Jerald Keith (Lisa) Davis and Shannon Davis; siblings Melba Poole, Del Stubblefield, Edward Ice and Clifford (Lee) Ice; grandchildren Autumn Goodrum-Davis, Sydni Goodrum-Davis, Jordin Davis, B. Ashby Goodrum, Keith Lewis Jr., Alyssa Moore and Jah'nya Ruff; and many nieces, a nephew, great nieces and great nephews, cousins, godchildren and extended family.
"I have known Margaret for decades," said longtime friend Carolyn Stokes. "We shared personal challenges together that enhanced our spirits. She provided me with tremendous support and possessed an innate sense of knowing whenever she was needed. Her unwavering selflessness whenever I needed her was a source of constant reassurance. Margaret was always a beacon of light for everyone to look towards for strength and courage in their own lives. My devotion to our friendship and the beauty of her soul will carry me forward in love and light for the rest of my life."
"Margaret and I are Leo sisters and as such have celebrated our birthdays together for over 16 years," said longtime friend Carmen White. "We met through her sister, Melba, and other mutual friends. She has added vitality and inspiration to my life as I watched her navigate her life and health condition with determination and grace. She was a forceful advocate for herself and others, assuring that she was always provided the very best healthcare and that her providers knew that she was 'living and not dying.'
"When the doctors determined they had no other medications or procedures in their armamentarium to treat her, Margaret continued to live a full and vibrant life; she even attended a play and had dinner out, on the Saturday before her death, with her village, a group of women with whom she regularly socialized. I will miss her calls to check on me and to thank me for some small favor. I will miss the aura of Margaret which was thankfulness, happiness and hopefulness. Thank you Margaret for allowing the villagers to travel this road with you."
"Margaret was a very strong, outgoing and no nonsense kind of woman," said longtime friend Pat McCombs. "She loved her family and loved to travel. Margaret never beat around the bush on any issue and was at as many events as possible to show her support. She had a very stylish way of dress and was one of a kind. Margaret was a force to be reckoned with. She did not let her health issues hinder her way of life and living life. Margaret will be sorely missed by many friends and of course her family."
"Margaret Davis was a wonderful, magnificent spirit who lived life beyond its fullest," said longtime friend Sharron Matthews. "Margaret was in love with life, and life was so happy to love her back. She will forever be admired and loved for the joy and exuberance she shared as a member of the Literary Exchange (LE), supporting the volunteer work LE did to lift up and highlight the talents of women of color in the LGBTQ+ communities, [both] in Chicago and nationally."
Another longtime friend, Terri Riley, added, "Margaret Davis was a courageous woman who lived her life in her way until the end. Though older than me, she and her sister Melba always called me their 'big sister,' because I have always taken care [of] and looked after them. Margaret loved God, family, theater, music and travel. She is loved by many and will be sorely missed. I still cannot believe that she left us. Rest in power beautiful queen."
Davis' funeral service will take place June 10 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at Greater Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church, 5856 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60637 with the burial at Oak Woods Cemetery, 1035 E. 67th St., Chicago, Illinois 60637. Prior to Davis' death, she asked that her funeral attendees wear colorful clothing, not black.
