In Tribute to Mary J. Snell Davis

By Gary Earl Ross, Prof. Emeritus, University at Buffalo

Mary J. Snell-Davis

Sometimes a person’s true calling in life comes early, in young adulthood or even childhood. For Mary J. Snell-Davis, the call came later, during her work as a clerk at Empire State College, when Station Management approached her because she had been writing community-centered political articles for the Challenger.

Despite a lack of formal training in broadcasting, Ms. Davis did well enough on WUFO and focus of the talk show as sole host. Thus was born The Mary Davis Show, which eventually found its radio home at WGR and expanded to Public Access television. The first African-American woman to host show in the Buffalo area, Ms. Davis was a trailblazer who became a legend.

For more than three decades, with her signature sweet voice and a tireless interest in community affairs, the Black community, and broader Western New York, Mary tackled current events with an admirable fearlessness and determination. Human rights, poverty, education, social services, the arts, the law, and politics – especially politics – were the subjects she explored weekly with commentary panels composed of local and often national service providers, scholars, lawyers, writers, politicians, and just plain folks who had something to say.

No stranger to controversy, she stood her ground against those who would diminish her. Mary’s mission was needed advocacy and to give Voice to the Voiceless. During the pandemic, her shows moved online for a time in both audio and Zoom formats. She will live on through Audible and You Tube.

Born in Buffalo on August 20, 1937, Mary J. Snell Davis entered eternal rest on January 10, 2024. The loving daughter of the late Howard and Ruth Snell, Mary was the devoted wife of the late Shirley L. Davis, and the late Howard D. Stancil, the grandmother of Albert D. Richardson and Imani J. Molson, the great-grandmother of Damian and the late Sanaa Richardson, and the sister of the late Margaret and Howard Snell, other family and many friends.

Relatives and friends may visit True Bethel Baptist Church, 907 E Ferry St., Buffalo on Saturday (January 27th) from 10-11 AM, where a Funeral Service will immediately follow.

Interment will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Mary will be remembered for always putting her family first. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.