Gladys Davis

Gladys Tilley Davis was born December 22, 1923 in London England, one of five children born to Harriet Crowder and Frederick William Tilley. Gladys left her earthly confines on August 21, 2020 to join the love of her life and husband of 50 years, Robert John Davis, and their daughter Madeleine Elizabeth Williams.

Gladys was known for her style, grace, and her love of dancing. In fact, she would often do “The Twist” any time music was played, requiring little encouragement by friends and family. Her grandchildren were often treated to the “Can-Can”, a dance that she would do well into her 80’s.

Growing up in England, Gladys often told stories of London during World War II, seeking shelter in underground bunkers, and her work on the switchboard at Scotland Yard. Gladys believed in volunteering and did so for many years at the “Arc” in Missouri City, and later with Alzheimer’s patients at Colonial Oaks Assisted Living in Sugar Land. At Colonial Oaks, she was known as “The Ice Cream Lady” who served ice cream to the residents. She loved this work and volunteered until she was in her late 80’s and could no longer drive safely back and forth.

In August 2008, Glady moved her residence to Brookdale First Colony (formerly The Terrace). She especially loved any time there was live music and enjoyed playing Bingo as often as she could. Her favorite time was Happy Hour with her friends.

Preceding her in death are Gladys’ parents, brothers Frederick Tilley and George Tilley, and her sister Elizabeth Green. Gladys’ surviving sister Dorothy (Dolly) Harrison lives in England.

Gladys was incredibly proud of, and loved, her five children and their families. She is survived by four of her five children, Gail (Bobbi) Lorraine Horne and her husband Daniel Jay Horne, Eric Barrington Davis, MD, Denise Elaine Davis, and Gizelle Roberta Davis.

Gladys will be missed by her 9 grandchildren and 2 step-grandchildren and their spouses: David Robert Williams, Lisa Michelle Davis, Jay Andrew Vandenberg and wife Emily, Dena Marie Vandenberg and husband William McCright, Christopher Robert Rine and wife Shayna, Matthew Robert Davis and wife Adriana, Stephanie Rae Rine, Michael James Davis, Samantha Runcie, and step-grandsons Sean Daniel Horne and wife Melissa, and Eric Christopher Horne and wife Melanie.

Nicknamed “Great Mother”, Gladys especially loved young children, and is survived by her 7 Great-grandchildren: Joshua Andrew Hemphill, Zane Bradley Horne, Kaitlyn Breanne Horne, Celia Susan McCright, Brayden Christopher Horne, Charley Boudreaux Vandenberg, Lainey Jane Vandenberg, and Caynen James Rine.

In consideration of safety concerns during COVID, a family memorial will be held in late December in recognition of Gladys’ 97th birthday. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to acknowledge Gladys’ work with Alzheimer’s patients may make a donation in her memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, https://www.alz.org.