Marshall County is home to one of the original “Reallife Rosie the Riveters,” and she is turning 100 years old on November the 2. May Bell ParsonsDavisisanoutstanding woman with an amazing lifespan that goes to show just what ladies are capable of and how they made a mark in history that can’t be erased or overlooked.
The almost-centenarian served the country during World War II. As one of 11 children, she focused on the fact that her brothers were still in the war to keep her working in the factories.
Davis was recognized on August 3, 2024, and presented with a bronze replica of the Rosie the Riveter Congressional Gold Medal of Honor.Twoofherlatesisters, who also carried out this same honor during WWII, were also honored with the same medal. Congress authorized the medal to honor the 6,000,000 women who foreverchangedthecultureof America when they stepped up and went to work in the munitions and weapons factories. Thewomensteppedup because the men went off to war leaving factories without the employees they needed to support the demands of the war efforts.
Davis first worked in the LoneStarArmyAmmunition Plant in Texarkana, making live hand grenades. This wasn’t an easy job, because beside the conveyor belts, the factories had barricades in place to hide behind in the case of a faulty pin that would come out during the manufacturing process.
Some women were reported to have lost arms or even their lives in some cases. Even though the women did notreceivethesamewagesas themenwhowouldhavebeen in those dangerous positions, they still bravely showed up each day working tirelessly to do their part.
Davis moved up to become an inspector at the factory. Which led her to work as an inspector at another facility, Shumaker Naval Ammunition Depot, making sidewinder missiles. Davis said she still remains deeply patriotic.
After her service, she married twice and had four children. All of her children have college degrees, something that Davis encouraged them all to pursue. Each of her children made her proud by achieving MBA’s, Masters Degrees one son who became a lawyer.
Davis has been a resident of Kingston since 1971. She worked and retired from the Wal-Mart corporation after 34 years. She said she absolutely loved working hard and waking up as early as 4 a.m. for most of her life.
Davis has a passion for gardening and still, at 99 years old, loves to go outside to rake the leaves, sweep her porch and maintain her yard. TheMadillRecordhopesthat Davis has a wonderful 100th birthday.