Merle Davis Umstead

Merle Holland Davis Umstead (July 11, 1901 – April 14, 1988) was an American educator, political hostess, and civic leader. She worked as a school principal and as a high school teacher prior to her marriage. As the wife of Governor William B. Umstead, she served as First Lady of North Carolina from 1953 to 1954. Widowed after her husband died during his term as governor, she and her daughter had to vacate the North Carolina Executive Mansion and returned to Durham, North Carolina. Umstead also served as the President of the Durham American Legion Auxiliary and served on the board of trustees of East Carolina University.

Early life and education Umstead was born Merle Holland Davis on July 11, 1901, in Bostic, North Carolina to Charles Daniel Davis and Daisy Washburn Davis.

She attended the Normal and Collegiate Institute, a boarding school for girls in Asheville, graduating in 1919. Due to his heart condition, Umstead took a more significant role in her husband's administration.

She died on April 14, 1988, and was buried at Mount Tabor United Methodist Church in Rougemont.