Fort Myers philanthropist Berne Davis passes away at 102

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FORT MYERS, Fla.- Berne Davis, a philanthropist who nourished the arts and culture in Southwest Florida, has died at the age of 102.

Davis passed away in her sleep Monday morning at her home, with family members present. People close to the family say Davis recently had some health issues.

Davis was friends with Thomas and Mina Edison and gave her time and money to enhance local culture. She was known as one of the grande dames of Lee County.

Davis lived most of her life in the Fort Myers area, rising from poverty to become a benefactor of the arts.

She and her late husband, Sidney Davis, donated more than $1 million to create the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center in downtown Fort Myers.

Davis and Barbara B. Mann joined forces to help many local causes, from gardening to creating scholarships for young women.

Arrangements for Davis’ funeral have not been arranged yet.

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