Valerie Renee Davis' Obituary
Valerie Davis, age 81, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 28, 2026 following a short illness. She was born on November 7, 1944, in Muskegon. She was the youngest child of six children born to Jacob Warner and Clara Marie Barringer Shaw and remained a lifelong resident of the Muskegon area.
On April 6, 1963, she married Doug Davis in Muskegon. They shared 40 years together until his death on August 12, 2003. Together, they built a life centered around family and friendship. Valerie especially enjoyed the many memories made with family and friends playing games and cards; never hesitating to summon the card gods for better hands when she thought games were not going her way. They showed up every single time creating much frustration and laughs for her opponents. Valerie was an avid Detroit Tigers fan and would never consider leaving a Tigers game early no matter the score or weather.
A dedicated business owner and hardworking member of the community, Valerie, along with Doug, proudly owned and operated A&W Airline Root Beer until her retirement in 1999. She will be remembered for her strong work ethic, caring heart, and devotion to those she loved.
Valerie is survived by her daughters, Shelley L. (Ed) Machovsky and Alicia K. Kelly, both of Montague; her son, Dean D. (Susan) Davis of Norton Shores; and five grandchildren: Rachel N. (Ben) Vallier, Blake A. Cook, Emily K. (Steven) Langlois and her treasured “boys”, Nicholas J. Davis and Zachary D. Davis as well as five great grandchildren. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews, including Shawn Grabinski, whose unwavering support and love for Valerie and her family during her illness was a blessing.
She was preceded in death by her parents and sisters, Teryl Sovacool, Donna Shaw, and Lynda Shaw, and brothers, Marquis Shaw, and Garth Shaw.
In accordance with Valerie’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no memorial service will be held.
Memorial contributions may be made to Pound Buddies (3279 E Laketon, Muskegon, MI 49442) or Noah Project (5205 Airline Hwy, Muskegon, MI 49444).
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St, Norton Shores, MI 49444. Share memories with the family at https://sytsemafh.com.
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