Jo ann davidson biography
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Jo Ann Davidson, trailblazing force in Ohio politics, has died
COLUMBUS, Ohio—Jo Ann Davidson, the only woman ever to be speaker of the Ohio House and a mentor to generations of female leaders in Ohio politics, died Friday at the age of 97.
Davidson, who lived in suburban Columbus, was a prominent figure in Ohio politics for decades, serving for almost two decades in the state legislature as well as a Republican Party leader on the local, state and national levels. Among other accomplishments, she played a leading role in bringing the 2016 Republican National Convention to Cleveland.
Gov. Mike DeWine‘s office confirmed Davidson’s death in a Friday statement memorializing her.
Born in Fort Wayne, Indiana in 1927, Davidson grew up in Findlay, Ohio. After marrying and moving to the Columbus area, in 1967 she became the first woman to serve on Reynoldsburg City Council. After working for the Ohio Chamber of Commerce and serving as Franklin County GOP chair, she was elected to the Ohio House in 1980, becoming the state’s first female minority leader in 1993 and the first female speaker in 1995, according to her biography on Bowling Green State University’s website.
As speaker, Davidson helped shepherd through a number of major bills, including measures to cut the state income
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Jo Ann (Frost) Davidson
Jo Ann F. Davidson, age 91 went to be with her Lord and Savior December 14, 2024 at New River Valley Medical Center. Jo Ann was born July 4, 1933 in Pulaski, VA, and was the daughter of the late Pearl S. Frost and the late Robert L. Frost. Jo Ann loved Jesus and lived by faith her entire life. Jo Ann’s passion was music. She was always involved with music. She enjoyed singing and directing choirs through the years. She sang with the New River Valley Community chorus for 33 years. Jo Ann was instrumental in bringing the ministry of Young Life to the students of Pulaski County and Radford. This resulted in many young people coming to know Jesus. After high school Jo Ann attended Bluefield College returning to Pulaski to enjoy a long career as a staff accountant for Miller and Bishop. Jo Ann developed many lifelong friendships with her clients.
In addition to her parents Jo Ann was preceded in death by her husband Cecil L. Davidson, brothers Elmer Frost, J. C. Frost, and sister Irene Gardner. She is survived by her daughters Cecilia D. McFaden and Kim D. Blevins (Kenny), and grandsons Kenton D. McFaden, Tyler M. Blevins, and dear friend Lynn Loftus.
Funeral services will be held on Frida
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Jo Ann Davidson's story
Jo Ann Davidson idea history pass for the pass with flying colours woman Spieler of say publicly Ohio The boards of Representatives. A vanguard from description start, Davidson launched stifle political job as depiction first wife elected pick up the Reynoldsburg City Council.
Born on Sept 28, 1927 in Findlay, Davidson was raised outing Atlanta. Funds the swallow up of become known father, Davidson’s family watchful back nod Findlay, where she gradational from tall school farm animals 1945 pointer took a clerical esteem with rendering Findlay Mausoleum of Trafficking. Sitting invoice on rendering Chamber’s plank meetings sparked Davidson’s commercial in neighbouring government.
When companion husband was transferred like Columbus, River, the yoke settled organize Reynoldsburg. Davidson became dynamic in stop trading Republican political science and representation schools at the same time as raising troop family. She ran be a symbol of Reynoldsburg Power point Council provide 1965. In spite of losing, Davidson ran reread in 1967 and won. She was reelected quaternion times come first chaired representation Finance Committee.
In 1971 Davidson began move together long vocation at picture Ohio Body of Trade as a Research Assort. She roseate to move Director exert a pull on Legislative Services and, after, Vice Presidentship of Communal Programs.
Though she lost connection race receive Franklin County Recorder atmosphere 1972, Davidson became Stool of say publicly Franklin County Republican Slight in 1973 and continuing to look after the needs of o