In addition to being named grand marshal of the Albemarle Christmas Parade, longtime Albemarle resident and community leader Alice Davis was honored by the Albemarle City Council at its Dec. 4 meeting with a proclamation of Saturday, Dec. 9 being designated as Alice “Nana” Davis Day in the city.

Prior to Mayor Ronnie Michael’s presentation of the proclamation, council members shared their memories and appreciation of the 95-year-old Davis.

“I just want to thank you for what you’ve done for the community,” said Councilman David Hunt, who said in the several years that he has known her she has been “a sweet lady to know and to talk with” as she served her community.

Councilman Benton Dry said, “Mrs. Alice, we’ve known each other a long time, and I have to say that you have been a guiding light not only for our city, but for every community in Stanly County…I don’t think there will ever be anyone who can hold a light to what you’ve meant and what you’ll continue to mean to each and every one of us.”

“I think I’ve known you for 40 years, going back to our Civitan Club days,” recalled Councilman Chris Whitley. “You were working hard then, and you’re still working hard now, and I just want to say how much I appreciate all the work you’ve done and all the lives you’ve touched in our community.”

Mayor Pro-Tem Martha Sue Hall recalled that “Ms. Alice” is well known not only to herself, but to her children as well.

“Every time you see me you ask about my children,” said Hall, who said, “they’ll be here this weekend and will be looking forward to seeing you on that float.

“You’ve been a leader not only in the South Albemarle community, but in the entire city and county,” Hall added, noting that Davis was instrumental in the formation of the area’s first female Civitan club in August 1980.

“Thank you so much for all you’ve done for Albemarle; we are all blessed by all you have done,” added Councilman Bill Aldridge. “We’ll never know the full impact you’ve had on all the people you have come in contact with.”

“Ms. Davis, your fingerprints are all over this city,” said Councilman Chris Bramlett, “and they will be here forever.”

Having known Davis for his entire life, Councilman Dexter Townsend said, “Ms. Alice, you’ve known me longer than I’ve known myself,” before describing her as a mentor to many in the community, and whose hours of service are immeasurable.

“You’ve been an advisor and a counselor, and you’re not just ‘Nana’ to your grandchildren, you’re the ‘community Nana’ as well,” he said. “You’ve done more for this community than I can ever thank you for.”

Townsend also noted Davis as a key person in the establishment of the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast, as well as a talented publicist before the days of social media.

“We have Facebook, Snapchat and Instagram and things of that nature now, but Mrs. Alice had a telephone,” he recalled, “and she’s more dangerous with a telephone than any of us can be (with social media).”

Townsend closed by stating that Davis has one speed, “and that is wide open.”