Melanie Mabry Barbrey Davis

Melanie Mabry Barbrey Davis, 76, passed away on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at a friend’s house in Cleveland, South Carolina. Melanie was the daughter of the late Harry E. Barbrey and the late Alva Mabry Barbrey. Melanie was born in Greenville, South Carolina on April 3, 1948, and grew up in Mauldin/Simpsonville South Carolina area. She graduated from Hillcrest High School in Simpsonville in 1966 and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Radford University in Virginia in 1970. Melanie taught elementary school in Greenville and Pickens Counties for 43 years where she was a beloved teacher and influenced the lives of hundreds of her students. Melanie retired from the Pickens County School system in 2013 , last teaching second grade at Dacusville Elementary School. Melanie will always be known for introducing her students to the Corduroy books, where the main character is a bear. Each year she gave her second-grade students a copy of the book and used the lessons in the story which many students said made them "fall in love with reading". Former students have left messages on her Facebook page such as "Mrs. Davis just didn't teach and pass on, but she kept up with us and even visited". Other students stated that “Mrs. Davis left a mark that will last a lifetime." Melanie married the love of her life, Henry Murray Davis, in 1986. Murray predeceased Melanie in April 2016. Melanie is survived by her brother David Barbrey and numerous cousins and friends. Melanie was a devout Christian and was a member of Grace Methodist Church in Pickens South Carolina. Melanie loved to travel and to shop and loved animals, especially cats. A memorial service to remember Melanie and her life will be held at 1 pm on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Grace United Methodist Church, 309 East Cedar Rock Street, Pickens, S.C. 29671. Pastor Valerie Mireb will lead the service. Memorials in Melanie’s honor may be made to Grace United Methodist Church or to Dacusville Elementary School, 200 Cherokee Trail Easley South Carolina 29640. The family wishes to extend special thanks to Jud Huffman for his friendship and care of Melanie and to Becky Davis, R.N., and Interim Hospice for their care of Melanie in her final illness. Palmetto Cremation Services is assisting the Davis family with their arrangements.

Melanie Mabry Barbrey Davis

April 3, 1948 - March 18, 2025