Myra Davis

Story: Graham Jones

Photo: Sam Musarika

Myra Davis sadly passed away on 25th May 2014. She was a well known, loved and highly respected figure in Burngreave where she worked hard looking after those in need, who are often among the most vulnerable people in society. She combined ardent activism with an unstinting personal kindness. She was the founder member of ASSIST (Asylum Seeker Support In the Short Term), the Committee to Defend Asylum Seekers (CDAS) and the Sheffield Conversation Club. She taught ESOL (English as a Second Language) in Burngreave for over a decade.

A tribute from ASSIST said,

“Her determination that asylum seekers should not be left alone with the effects of destitution inspired others to contribute and to learn. Her house was home to many asylum seekers who found a real refuge with her. She fought tirelessly where she saw injustice and at the same time brought joy in living and a vision of a world where all would be respected.”

Myra was the host to a succession of asylum seekers to her house. In her own words:

“It's always a lot of fun, a lot of laughter. It fills my house with purpose and dreams of the future. But it’s not like it’s all from me, it’s a two-way process that gives me tremendous satisfaction because those people who’ve stayed with me are so generous afterwards with their time and care, both to me and to others. I have gained so much from it! And yes, I think other people can, I know you can. It’s a lovely thing to do.”

Myra was also an active member of Sheffield Amnesty International whose secretary, Kitty Ross writes:

“She sometimes attended two meetings on the same night which shows how dedicated she was. Myra brought many refugees and asylum seekers along to meetings, many of whom have become regular members of the group. She will be sadly missed by us all.”

Rashida Hassanali, former Extended Services Coordinator, Fir Vale Family of Schools, said,

“Kath Hobson (Firs Hill School) and I always hesitated to take new learners to Myra's ESOL class after term started as she would never turn them away, despite having the biggest class and the biggest crèche in the whole of Sheffield! We knew we'd get into trouble for letting her take ‘just one more’. Myra had a massive appeal with learners, being everybody’s ‘mum’ or ‘aunty’ and for many she was the key person they turned to for advice and support on all sorts of matters. Myra taught hundreds of women over more than a decade in our family of schools and to her, each and every one had a special place in her enormous heart. Her classes were also famed for their end of year celebrations with vast quantities of food and animated conversations often between women who didn't share a language!”

A message from Firs Hill Entry 1 class:

“Myra was a very nice person, she helped us a lot. She would help anybody. She treated everyone as a friend. She understood what we meant. We started with Myra and she was very kind. She gave us a hug when she saw us. She was very patient and she helped us slowly, slowly. She was a good teacher. She loved and understood everybody.”

Firs Hill ESOL Entry 2 class wrote:

“Myra was a very good and nice lady. We miss her very very much.”

“She was a very good teacher, and I miss her.”

“She was a very very kind and good teacher.”

A message from Firs Hill Pre Entry Class:

“Myra always told Shamim to take her time and don’t rush. She was always happy and such a good teacher. She was always laughing and made us feel special. We will miss you, Myra, but we know you have a place in heaven.”

Myra will be missed by her huge ‘family’ in Sheffield but also leaves behind two children, four grandchildren and a greatgranddaughter, as well as her husband.