Gloria Faye Kirksey Davis, age 89, of Collierville, TN passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on June 19th, 2024. She was born in Lyon, MS and in her early years moved to Madisonville, KY where her father worked as a coal miner. She completed high school in Madisonville and received her Bachelor’s Degree from Murray State University.
After the loss of her beloved sister Janie, she spent time in Cali, Columbia where she was an English teacher. She returned to the States where she was introduced to Charles V. Davis and they married in1968 and remained so until his death in 2009.
In 1979, she began her 19 year career at FedEx where she was a valued employee and an even greater friend to her co-workers who are affectionately called The Purplettes. Their ongoing dinner club events were a highlight of her retirement.
She retired in 1998 from FedEx to care for her five grandchildren whom she adored. Her retirement was focused on their care where she had a huge influence on their lives.
Against her proper request of being referred to as GRANDMOTHER, she was dubbed the nickname “GIBBY” that stuck with her for the rest of her days.
She loved coffee, crossword puzzles, gardening and cooking. She was an avid reader and usually ended her day with a sip of Grand Marnier admiring her flowers from her back porch. Her friends and family remember her as someone who truly enjoyed life. Widely traveled and ahead of her time, she was frequently described as having a regal bearing with the class, dignity and sophisticated manners of a true Southern lady. Gloria also possessed a quick wit, exceptional sense of humor and a formidable intellect.
She is predeceased by her parents, Eron Carlton and Loyce Kirksey, and her sister, Janie Williamson. She is survived by her two daughters Janie (Brad) Ojeda and Ellen (Alan) Vannucci. Her nephew Ted (Marjorie) Williamson. Her five grandchildren Annabeth, Lucas and Ava Vannucci; Sophia and Sydney Ojeda; her three great nephews Ryan, Chase and Zachary Williamson; and extended family and friends. In her later years, she was cared for by Anabel Osorto.
Services will be held at Collierville Funeral Home on June 24th, 2024. The family will receive visitors from 1-2 pm with the service to follow.
