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By Jocelyn Torres, for the SNAP

The Democratic Women of Stanly County gathered Oct. 17 for its monthly meeting at Blue Bay Restaurant to honor Alice Lee Davis, who has dedicated more than 50 years to public service and civic engagement.
Davis will turn 97 on Dec. 11, and the group took the opportunity to recognize her lifetime of contributions.
Known affectionately as “Nana,” Davis has registered hundreds of voters over the years and played a pivotal role in local elections. Even when she was no longer able to drive, Davis remained steadfast in her efforts to encourage voter turnout, having family and friends drive her to nursing homes to ensure residents could cast their ballots.
She was present at the polls in the 2020 election, actively encouraging people to vote, often waving down cars and offering her assistance.
Her daughter, Brenda Stanback, spoke proudly of her mother’s dedication.
“She’s the only person I know of that could speak, and voters would listen … without an argument,” said Stanback, who was by her mother’s side throughout her efforts, even babysitting children while their parents went with Davis to vote.
Stanback recalled that she would even buy candies, sodas and snacks for voters and their children to make the experience enjoyable.
In addition to her election work, Davis served as the precinct chair for Albemarle’s 8th district for many years and was a delegate at county and state Democratic conventions.
Beyond her political activism, her professional accomplishments are equally impressive. She was in the first group of students to attend Stanly Technical Institute when it opened in 1972, now known as Stanly Community College.
After earning her degree, she became the assistant director of the Stanly Technical Learning Lab, where she served until the program ended. Later, she worked at the Piedmont Mental Health Center and co-founded a day program for developmentally disabled individuals called Options. After that program closed, she worked at Lifespan, another program for individuals with developmental disabilities, until her retirement at the age of 83.
Long before and even now in retirement, Davis has remained a pillar in the community, serving on boards like the Stanly Community Christian Ministry, Habitat for Humanity, and the Albemarle Public Housing Board of Directors. She helped organize community events, including proms and dances, and provided gowns, tuxedos and limousines for participants.
Her contributions extend to the Stanly County Annual Community Christmas Dinner and numerous other organizations.
In her late 1980s, Davis was still advocating for those in need, regularly attending city council, county commissioner and school board meetings to advocate the interests of her neighbors.
“If Alice could still drive now, she would be volunteering somewhere,” Stanback said.
As Nov. 5 approaches, Davis plans to be at her precinct to greet voters, continuing the tradition she has upheld for years. Her commitment to her precinct and her passion for helping others remain unwavering, with many voters still preferring to rely on her guidance and support.
Those interested in joining the Democratic Women of Stanly County can contact Fran Walker at franw704@yahoo.com for more information.

Jocelyn Torres is a freelance writer for The Stanly News & Press.