Barbara Jean Davidson
Barbara Jean Davidson, 94, of Pentwater, passed away Monday, July 28, 2025. She was born February 2, 1931, in Grand Rapids, the daughter of David and Ida (Wingeier) Washburn.
Throughout her life, Barbara demonstrated a passion for helping others and a dedication for civic engagement. In her younger years, she was a member of the choir at First United Methodist Church of Holland, a member of the Hospital Guild at Holland Hospital, and a member of Macatawa Bay Yacht Club. Barbara especially loved giving ‘secret Santa’ gifts to children and the elderly near Christmas.
Later in her life, her civic mindedness blossomed in Pentwater. Barbara co-founded the Pentwater Artisan Learning Center, as well as held a board position for many years. She was also involved with the Red Hat Society in Oceana County, a volunteer for Hospice, an active contributing member of the Pentwater Yacht Club, and as co-founder of the Pentwater Junior Sailing Program; she loved boating, especially the shores of Lake Michigan.
A truly giving spirit, Barbara was the founder of the Wayne Elhart be nice. Memorial Fund, a donor advised fund of the Community Foundation for Oceana County. Her initiative with this fund was the result of losing her son Wayne Elhart in March 2015 to depression by suicide. Her initiative born just six months after her son’s death provided funding to support the be nice. education program on mental illness awareness and suicide prevention to hundreds of thousands of school age students, their teachers and parents throughout West Michigan. Her passion still lives on today continuing to equip young and old with the be nice. action plan on how to recognize depression and prevent suicide before it’s too late.
Barbara is survived by: her children, Jeff (Cherie) Elhart, Kathy Elhart, and Nikki (Keith) Blankenship; brothers, David Washburn, George (Carol) Washburn, and Stewart Washburn; grandchildren, Jacob (Danielle) Elhart and Benjamin (Allison) Elhart; and great-grandchildren, Maeson Elhart, Avery Elhart, and Malcolm Elhart.
Barbara was preceded in death by: her parents; her loving husband, Everett Eugene Davidson; and son, Wayne Elhart.
Memorial services will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Thursday, July 31, 2025, at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, 2370 North 72nd Avenue, Hart, with a light luncheon to follow.
Memorial contributions may be made to: the Wayne Elhart be nice. Memorial Fund through the Community Foundation for Oceana County, PO Box 902, Pentwater, MI 49449; the Pentwater Artisan Learning Center, 780 Park Street, Pentwater, MI 49449; or the Pentwater Junior Sailing Program, PO Box 931, Pentwater, MI 49449.
Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.
www.beaconfh.com
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