Lenore Irene Davison, lovingly known as “Lee,” passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at the age of 84.
Born Lenore Irene Dickerson in Bedford, Ohio, she was the daughter of Charles and Anna Dickerson. She was raised in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, alongside her sisters, Sally Whitledge and the late Jacqueline Belshaw. In recent years, Lee made her home in Savannah, Georgia.
Lee was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Daniel G. Davison of Lambertville, Michigan. She is survived by her daughter, Lynn Balaguer Colston; her son, Evan Balaguer; her stepson, Charles Davison (Tami); her sister, Sally Whitledge; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
She also leaves behind a cherished legacy through her grandchildren: Brian Telecky, Zachary Balaguer, Nicholas Balaguer, Graciela Colston, J. Fenimore Colston, J. Dixon Colston, Elizabeth Hildebrand (Brian), Christie Griffin (Christopher), Charles Davison (Tiffany), and Max Davison (Haruna). She was also blessed with great-grandchildren Joshua, Aubrey, Taiga, Noah, and Jonah, all of whom brought her immeasurable joy.
Lee and her husband Dan made their home in Lambertville, Michigan, where they were longtime members of Epworth United Methodist Church in Toledo, Ohio. She was loved by all who knew her for her kindness, generous spirit, gracious hospitality, exceptional organizational abilities, and gift for public speaking.
Her Christian faith guided every aspect of her life. Lee spoke at Epworth and other churches throughout the Toledo area, inspiring others to dedicate themselves to mission work. She organized and led volunteer mission teams serving communities affected by Hurricane Katrina, as well as missions to Zaire, Haiti, and multiple trips to Guatemala. These teams delivered medical and school supplies, visited orphanages, and worked closely with local communities to understand and meet their greatest needs. Closer to home, she faithfully volunteered each year for the Epworth Christmas Bazaar. Helping others was never simply something Lee did—it was her life’s calling. Those who knew her best believe the words of Scripture describe her well: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
After moving to Savannah in 2018, Lee became a devoted member of Asbury Memorial Church, where she quickly found another loving church family. She delighted in serving others through fellowship, often baking countless batches of her beloved lemon bars and cookies and preparing her famous chicken salad for church gatherings. Lee treasured the friendships she formed at Asbury and cared deeply for every member of the congregation. Whether lending a helping hand, offering words of encouragement, or faithfully assisting with the collection of the offering during worship services, she quietly demonstrated Christ’s love through acts of service and generosity.
Music was another of Lee’s great passions. She was a devoted member of Sweet Adelines International for more than fifty years. Throughout her remarkable career, she sang, directed, taught, mentored, and served in leadership roles at the local, regional, and international levels. Her championship quartet earned the title of International Quartet Champion and performed across the country, including a memorable USO tour of military hospitals, bringing comfort and joy to service members through music.
As the director of a chorus of approximately 80 women, Lee led concert tours throughout the Netherlands, Scotland, England, Bermuda, Washington, D.C., and performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Her extraordinary musical talent, graceful leadership, and beautiful voice touched countless lives and will continue to inspire generations of singers.
Family was the center of Lee’s life and the source of her greatest happiness. Nothing brought her more joy than spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, celebrating their accomplishments and creating cherished memories together. She treasured every opportunity to gather with her family, whether for holidays, special occasions, or simply to enjoy one another’s company. Just weeks before her passing, she traveled to Salt Lake City to proudly celebrate her grandson’s college graduation, a trip that brought her tremendous joy. She had also been eagerly looking forward to attending her great-grandson’s high school graduation, a milestone she was sadly unable to witness following her sudden illness. Though she could not be there in person, her love, encouragement, and pride in her family will remain with them always.
Above all else, Lee’s life was a testament to faith in action, a heart for service, a love of music, and an unwavering devotion to her family. Her warmth, generosity, unwavering faith, and servant’s heart leave an enduring legacy of kindness, compassion, and love that will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.
A Memorial Service celebrating Lee’s life will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Asbury Memorial Church, 1008 East Henry Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to either of the organizations that were especially meaningful to Lee:
The Coronet Club c/o Sing United International 9110 South Toledo Avenue Tulsa, OK 74137
Please make checks payable to The Coronet Club or Asbury Memorial Church 1008 East Henry Street Savannah, Georgia 31401
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Greg Belle
Aunt Lee, as I’ve always known her, was one of my 4 moms from the 4th Edition in the early 1970’s in Cleveland.
We lived in the same town, so she always had a great paying job for my brother and me. Among other things, we did baby sitting for Evan and Lynn, landscaping , car driving or whatever else she could find for us to do and way over-paid us!
Of course there were many get-togethers over the years and she and Aunt Sally made our whole family feel like we were part of their family!
After she moved to Savannah, my mom and I visited her there. She and the quartet were the highlight of my mom’s surprise 80th birthday party!
When my mom suddenly became ill in 2020, Aunt Lee was right there and stayed at our house helping with my mom!
She was hilarious and never met a stranger. She always made me feel like I was important to her and I will miss her love, kindness and funny side comments. My and my family’s sympathy go out to her family and friends.
Barb Tame (Greater Cleveland Chorus)
I remember Lee’s first visit to Euclid Chorus. Her Uncle Lou was director. Her sister Jackie and I were both 14. She sat beside me and said ‘I don’t know if I can sing but they told me I had to sing tenor.” Started singing tenor in the Related Four which were Sally (bass), Jackie (bari), Lee (tenor) & cousin Ruth (lead). They won Regional but couldn’t compete International because Jackie was too young. Euclid chapter merged to form Cleveland East Suburban chapter. Sally was our director when we went to our first International Chorus contest in London England. After Sally came Lee as our director. We had many happy times together. I always looked forward to International competition when I would see Lee busy at the Cornet Club table and try to catch up on the year. I sang with her Sisters and her Mom. My Dad sang with her Dad. That’s a lot of history. I will miss her.
Clive & Joan Satchelle
We were so saddened to hear of Lee’s passing. She was such an incredible , kind and loving friend. Lee coached our Bluewater chorus in Owen Sound Ontario for 25+ years. She always stayed with us and she, Dan , Clive and I became great friends. We had a tremendous amount of fun together ,,,pool parties, horse races , golfing, shovelling snow and when Lee came up for a winter session she was hyped to get to attend our local OHL hockey team games. She was demanding as a singing coach, but so much fun as a friend . Since her move to Savannah, we havent actually seen her, first due to Covid as well as ongoing health issues. During each visit , her joke to Clive , and she said it several times a visit , “work, work work” and we can still hear her saying that phrase. Such wonderful and happy memories of a special loving lady who will be missed by family and everyone who had the priviledge of knowing her.
Rest in peace Lee
Jack Glaser
I have known Lee for a short period of time and so enjoyed her company and dedication to the neighborhood and festivities.
We sparred at times in good faith and always left our thoughts with precious hugs showing great respect for each other.
Lee was welcomed with a beautiful warm smile and caring attitude towards her dear friends and family.
As I passed her residence she would always look at me with a gracious smile and wave back at me.
Lee will be missed by so many of us!
God bless you Lee and your heavenly times.
REST IN PEACE!!!
Jack
Beth Vasta
My condolences to Lee’s friends and family. Lee welcomed my parents with open arms at Asbury Memorial and then we discovered she lived right down the street. Lee was always there to give a helping hand, especially with my dad’s many illnesses. She brought goodies, meals, soups, etc. When my mom could no longer drive, Lee drove my mom to church on Sunday’s. Lee was true to being a servant as she served others through her actions in so many ways. She will truly be missed.
Patricia Perez
I had the pleasure of meeting Lee when I was serving as president of the Southbridge Women’s club in 2023.
I was very impressed by her commitment and dedication to beautifying our community entrances with decorative flags placed for the patriotic holidays!
She was always volunteering her help at the many club events and she always had a friendly smile to greet everyone who came to know her!
I spotlighted her for our club newsletter and was very impressed with her successful singing career and all her charity works!
Such a warm , generous and loving person and friend!
I will miss her!
May she rest in peace ❤️