It is with great sadness that the family of Gladys Marie (née. Ballew) Davis announces her passing. She was 95 at her passing peacefully at home. Born in Sparta, Tennessee to Mary (Young) and Beecher Ballew on October 10, 1930.
She is preceded in death by her loving husband, the love of her life; James, brothers; Findlay, Clay, Junior, Bobby, Jack, Richard and two sisters; Virginia and Thelma. She made a habit of standing up for those who couldn’t defend themselves, stood up to bullies and never backed down from a fight no matter how insurmountable the odds against her seemed. She was a champion for the underdog ,a friend to the friendless, and Mother to many ‘orphans’.
Gladys is survived by her son; Kennedy Ballew, daughter; Debbie Selby, and numerous nieces and nephews.
She lived in various cities; Linn, MA, Leadville, CO, with Chicago being one they lived in mostly over a period of years. She held various jobs and her final career was very fulfilling as a Baker at St. Vincent’s Hospital, baking breads and desserts for hundreds of people daily. This love of feeding people drove her lifestyle through the years and made her home an open table to those who were hungry. She loved to tell tales of their adventures to other people who were gathered around her.
Funeral service will be held at Bell Funeral Home Sumiton Chapel on Monday, October 20, 2025 at 2:00pm, visitation for friends will be one hour prior to the service, burial to follow at Shangi Cemetery.
