Gail Davis

May 17, 1948 – July 16, 2024

Gail Davis, 76, of Branson, MO passed away peacefully at her home on July 16, 2024. She was born in Michigan and lived most of her life in Springfield and Branson.

Gail was a light in the lives of so many. Her warmth, humor, care, and creativity were evident to all. No matter the circumstance, Gail found beauty in the ordinary. A keen observer and artist, she captured and celebrated everyday moments that give life meaning. “How interesting!” was a favorite phrase, as she delighted in learning and sharing ideas and inspiration with others. She imparted this joie de vivre and sense of wonder about the world to her children and grandchildren, sending them off to the wilds of Alaska, the stunning Swiss countryside, and travel to several countries abroad.

Gail was an artist and patron of the arts. Specializing in watercolor pencil and paint, she honed her skills alongside fellow artists in the Table Rock Art Guild and celebrated their successes at local art shows. Several artists’ original works grace the Davis family gallery walls due to Gail’s patronage and support.

Gail owned Interior Design for all Seasons and spent a lifetime designing her house into a welcoming and beautiful space; a place to come home. A consummate hostess, Gail planned many a supper club, themed dinner, and family gathering with warmth and genuine hospitality. Anyone invited to the Davis home for a meal knew they were in for a treat. Upon entering Gail’s kitchen, everyone became a potential student. Apron securely fastened, Gail transformed back into a home economics teacher through instruction, detailed explanations, stories, demonstrations, (and always encouragement) for her burgeoning master chefs. A messy kitchen is a creative kitchen, and can one really have too many cookbooks?

Gail was generous with her time and gifts. She devoted years of service with Boy & Girl Scouts as she built into the lives of young people, including earning the Silver Beaver Award. She encouraged her children in pursuits of arts, service, education, and conservation. For many years, Gail wrote and published a monthly P.E.O. newsletter, reporting to her local chapter as she created meaningful connection for her P.E.O. sisters. A personal note from Gail, whether handwritten or artistically rendered ecard, showed how much she cared for others and took genuine interest in their lives.

Gail’s curated home library is a testament to her many interests, including genealogy, cooking, gardening, and entertaining. She enjoyed travel and learning about new places. Gail spent many happy weeks in classes at “vacation college” at Cottey College, charming her beloved PEO suitemates with her entertaining stories. She brought laughter and life to so many.

As a passionate advocate for women’s education, Gail was proud to help select PEO scholarship recipients and was an active member of AAUW.

Gail is preceded in death by her parents and brother.

Gail is survived by her husband of 55 years Mike; her daughters Jennifer Wilson (Dave) and Alisa Berger (Adrian); son Adam Davis; grandson, Connor Wilson; sister-in-law Sue Pingleton (Pete) as well as other relatives and friends.

A  Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 3, 2024 from 1:00 PM until 3:oo PM at Greenlawn Funeral Home in Branson.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any memorial gifts be made in Gail’s honor to her local PEO Chapter for the Star Scholarship:

Memorial donation checks payable to:

Chapter JR

Memo:  Gail Davis Memorial – Star Scholarship

Mail c/o:  PEO Treasurer JR

471 Table Rock Heights

Hollister, MO 65672