Mary Ruth Davis Horwitch

Mary Ruth Davis Horwitch passed away peacefully on November 4, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born on October 23, 1953 in Memphis, Tennessee, Mary lived a full and spirited life marked by laughter, loyalty, and love.

Mary was truly larger than life. She had a gift for being at the center of every celebration—not because she sought attention, but because her energy and laughter naturally drew people in. She was involved in everything, always lending a hand, organizing the fun, and capturing every memory behind her camera. The selfies she took at every event were legendary! Her booming laugh could be heard from miles away, and her radiant smile was a constant presence. A friend to everyone she met, Mary’s warmth and joy made every room brighter. She was known for her vibrant personality and her deep devotion to the people and things she loved. Mary lived each moment with joy and style. She lived life to its fullest every single day of her 72 years, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unforgettable moments.

Mary was a true Memphis Tigers superfan through and through from birth. Having been born in Memphis and attending Memphis State University, her love for the Tigers started early and carried into adulthood. Despite moving away from Memphis after college, she followed the Tigers across the world, cheering them on at football and basketball games with unmatched enthusiasm. Whether she was decked out in her famous tiger costume or dressed as Elvis himself, she brought energy and laughter everywhere she went. Known affectionately to fellow fans as “Memphis Mary,” she embodied the pride and passion of her city and its teams — a loyal supporter whose Tiger spirit never wavered.

A talented quilter, Mary poured her creativity and heart into every stitch. She specialized in t-shirt quilts, transforming cherished memories into lasting keepsakes for family and friends. Her quilt room was her happy place — filled to the absolute brim with fabric, color, inspiration and an ice-cold Coke Zero for creativity fuel. Whether working with quilting groups, attending retreats, collaborating with close friends, planning projects for the CJCN sisterhood, or creating projects for charity, Mary found joy in giving warmth and comfort to others. There was truly no fabric she didn’t own, and no project too big or small for her imagination.

Mary was also an avid mahjong player who found great joy in both the challenge of the game and the friendships it fostered. She cherished the countless hours spent playing- whether at home, in tournaments, with the Galveston Mahj Mavens, or even on cruises with her late sister-in-law Iris. Always eager to share her passion, she was a patient and enthusiastic teacher who introduced many to the game over the years — including her daughter most recently. Mary had mahjong “students” everywhere she went, each carrying a little piece of her joy, laughter, and competitive spirit.

The beach was truly her happy place. For ten years she split her time between North Houston and the beach before fulfilling her dream of becoming a full-time island resident three years ago. She cherished her days as part of the WAG group at the country club, never missing a “19th Hole” celebration with friends, and enjoyed peaceful walks along the shore, soaking in the sun and sea air. She could always be found at the golf cart parades, charity galas, or hanging out with neighbors as she embraces life at the beach. The chance to live in sandals and floral sundresses suited her perfectly-she embraced the easy, joyful rhythm of coastal life as she cruised down the Seawall in her beloved red Corvette. Mary truly loved every moment of being an island girl.

The true love of Mary’s life was her husband, Gary, with whom she shared 40 plus wonderful years of marriage. While she was Mary to the rest of the world, she was always “Mary-Ruth” to Gary-a special name shared just between them. With rhyming names, joined hearts and matching perm hair-dos at one point in the 80s, they were truly two of a kind and partners in every sense of the word. You could always find them living life truly together, whether it be heckling each other in a friendly rivalry during the Memphis Houston games, or as the head referee and starting official dream team at the neighborhood swim meets. Together they built a life filled with laughter, adventure, unwavering devotion and fun! Their bond set a beautiful example of what it means to be supportive, loyal, and deeply in love, a partnership that inspired everyone who knew them and set a shining example of what marriage should be.

Above all, she was endlessly proud of her children and the family she built with Gary. She adored their daughter Samantha-Anne and son Philip. During their childhood, she was a devoted stay-at-home mom who poured her heart into every detail of their lives—never missing a volleyball game, Scout meeting, football practice, PTA event, or band concert. Mary crafted homecoming mums, planned tailgates and birthday parties, packed and unpacked countless homes in multiple states, critiqued outfits, answered late night phone calls, and served as a guiding light whenever her kids needed it. She was her children’s biggest cheerleader, offering unwavering love, support, and enthusiasm that continued long after they were grown. She truly was the ultimate fan of her kids in every season of their lives. Her devout love of family continued into her newest, and arguably favorite, role of grandmother. Mary absolutely adored her grandson Wiley and cherished the time they spent together.

Mary is survived by her husband Gary Horwitch, daughter Samantha-Anne Nadolny (Robert), son Phil Horwitch (Amanda), grandson William “Wiley” Horwitch, twin sister Linda Bratton, older sister Sandra Palozolo (Jerry), sister in law Georgia Davis, and nephews Jeremy Palozolo (Samantha), Jeffrey Palozolo (Jacqui), Philip Rubin (Jamie) and Bradley Jaffe, all of whom will carry her love and memory with them always. She is proceeded in death by her parents William Davis Sr., and Elaine Ford, brother Hon. William Davis, Jr. and sister-in-law Iris Jaffe.

Her warmth, humor, and generous spirit touched countless lives, and she will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 1:oopm CST November 17, 2025 at Forest Park The Woodlands Funeral Home in the Woodlands, Texas. The family invites all who knew and loved her to join in honoring her beautiful life to a reception and shiva immediately following the burial at the Nadolny family home in the Heights area, 1116 Allston Street, Houston, Texas.

Donations can be made directly to the Nadolny family for the shiva or in Mary’s honor to the 901 Fund, Houston Hadassah, the Galveston Quilt Guild, or the MD Anderson Cancer Center.

May her memory forever be a blessing to all that she touched.