2026 Homecoming Honorees

Margar

et Monteith Davis (’66)

Distinguished  Service Award

Margaret Monteith Davis, a native of Grenada, is the 2026 Distinguished Service Award recipient. She has devoted her life to education, community service, faith, family and the development of young people. Her journey from a student at Holmes Community College to an accomplished teacher, principal, educational leader, community volunteer and longtime Holmes trustee reflects a lifetime of learning and service.

Education was never simply a career for Davis; it became a calling. Growing up surrounded by educators in her family, she developed an early appreciation for teaching and working with young people. Her experiences as a student, campus counselor, church volunteer, teacher, principal and community leader would ultimately shape a life dedicated to helping others learn and succeed.

When Davis first left Holmes, she carried with her more than academic credits. She carried skills, experiences, friendships and lessons that would remain with her throughout her professional life.

During her time at Holmes, she took a variety of courses and made a point of learning from each of them. She later reflected that the variety of courses she completed gave her skills that would help her succeed in the classroom.

One skill she recognized early as being especially important was public speaking. Davis worked hard to become a stronger and more confident speaker, and she credits Miss Emma Bostick with helping her develop that ability. The encouragement and instruction she received from Miss Bostick helped prepare her for a career in which communicating effectively with students, parents, teachers, administrators and community members would be essential.

The lessons she learned at Holmes became a foundation upon which she would build the rest of her education and career.

Davis earned an Associate of Arts degree with honors and was a member of Phi Theta Kappa while at Holmes. She went on to Mississippi State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree through the College of Education. After graduating, Davis was interviewed by a school in Huntsville, Alabama. She was offered a position teaching fourth grade, beginning her professional career in the classroom.

Her time in Huntsville was about more than teaching. She learned how to navigate a new community, build relationships and become comfortable in a new environment. Davis has always had a gift for making friends wherever she goes. She also became involved with a new church, continuing the pattern of faith and community involvement that has remained an important part of her life.

After approximately a year and a half in Huntsville, Davis returned to Mississippi, where she continued her teaching career. In 1969, Davis began teaching at Batesville Elementary School. While she enjoyed teaching, she knew that she wanted to continue her education and prepare herself for additional opportunities in the field.

Davis enrolled in summer and night classes at the University of Mississippi while continuing to work. Balancing professional responsibilities with continued education required discipline and determination, qualities that would become hallmarks of her life. She earned a Master of Education degree in 1972. Her commitment to professional growth continued, and in May 1980 she earned a Specialist in Education degree from the University of Mississippi.

Eventually, her career brought her back to Grenada, where she would spend many years serving students and families in the Grenada School District. From 1974 through June 1978, Davis served as a teacher at Lizzie Horn Elementary School in the Grenada School District. Her dedication to students and education soon led to an opportunity to serve in school administration.

In July 1978, she became principal of Lizzie Horn Elementary School, a position she held through 1982. She then became principal of Grenada Junior High School in August 1982, serving in that position until June 1992.

Throughout her years as a teacher and administrator, Davis remained focused on young people. Her leadership was shaped by the belief that students need educators who will listen to them, encourage them and help them recognize their own potential.

In 1982, Davis married Hiram Eddie Davis Jr., who was also a Holmes Community College alumnus, having attended Holmes from 1965 to 1967. She describes it as a joy to help Hiram rear his children. She helped raise Hiram Davis II and Carol Davis Smith, becoming an important part of their lives and family.

Today, her family includes four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Her dedication to young people extended naturally from her professional life into her family life, where she continued to provide love, guidance and encouragement.

Davis’ commitment to service extends well beyond education. She has been involved in numerous organizations throughout Grenada and Mississippi. She is a lifetime member of the Junior Auxiliary of Grenada and an associate member of the Grenada Garden Club. She has also been involved with the Daughters of the American Revolution, Colonial Dames of the XVII Century and Magna Charta organizations at both the national and Mississippi levels.

Davis remains very involved in agriculture and community affairs. She has served on the Grenada County Farm Bureau Board since 2004. She has also served as a former vice president for North Mississippi with the Mississippi Farm Bureau.

Davis remains active in her community through organizations such as her community book club, continuing her lifelong interest in learning, reading, conversation and fellowship. She has been an active member of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Grenada and has participated in church activities that have allowed her to continue working with and encouraging others.

Since 1995, she has served on the Holmes Community College Board of Trustees representing Grenada County. Her service to the college has continued for decades, and this commitment is deeply personal. Holmes was the foundation of her educational journey, and she has never forgotten the opportunities and experiences she received at Holmes.