Davina Elizabeth Younger

Davina Elizabeth (Wallace) Younger, age 95, went to be with her Lord on Friday, March 31st. She passed away peacefully surrounded by family at Capital Manor in Salem, Oregon. She was born on December 8, 1927, in Niagara Falls, New York, to Charles and Elizabeth Wallace. She was sister to older brothers Donald and Charles, and younger brother Robert and sister Margaret.
Davina’s family moved often throughout her childhood, but settled in Forestville, New York, where her father started Wallace’s Department Store. After completing a one-year business course, Davina moved back home in 1945 to work at the family store.
Davina’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. At the age of 12, she accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior and from that point on, her life was dedicated to serving Him. She was a role model of grace, patience, and love to everyone she met.
In 1948, Davina attended Baptist Bible Seminary in Johnson City, New York. It was there she met the love of her life, William Thomas (Tom) Younger. They were married on July 23, 1949. Together, they embarked on a life of full-time ministry that lasted over 45 years. They moved to various cities, pastoring churches in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and California. In 1973, Tom and Davina moved to Oregon where Tom served as the fourth president of Western Baptist College (now Corban University), and Davina managed the college bookstore. In retirement, Davina supported her husband’s ministry as he became Assistant to the President at Corban and associate pastor at Valley Baptist Church in Perrydale, Oregon.
Davina’s musical talents were also a hallmark of her life. Growing up, her family traveled to different churches to sing with her siblings, “The Wallaces.” In later years she faithfully played the organ and piano and sang in choir when she was not accompanying. She taught piano lessons to most of her children and several grandchildren as well as countless students in her community. In retirement Davina continued to teach and play piano at Valley Baptist Church until she was 89 years old.
Davina was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and her love for her family was immeasurable. She will be greatly missed. She was a fantastic cook, a competitive game player, and a gracious hostess. She blessed many with her laughter and love. Her fingerprints are evident in the lives of many, and her legacy will live on in the people she loved.
Davina is survived by her children, Brenda (Don) Baranco, Mark (Betsy) Younger, Peter (Gundi) Younger, Colleen (Mark) Cowan, and Lori (Timm) Taff, 15 grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Margaret Green. She was preceded in death by her parents, her three brothers, and her husband Tom.
A celebration of Davina’s life will be held on Tuesday 11th 2023 at 6:30 PM at the Psalm Center on the campus of Corban University, Salem, Oregon. Donations in Davina’s memory can be made to Valley Baptist Church in Perrydale, Oregon, or Corban University.

Valley Baptist Church
PO Box 849
Perrydale, OR 97338

Corban University
5000 Deer Park Drive SE
Salem, OR 97317