Janet Mae Davis

In Loving Memory of Janet Davis January 9, 1950 – February 12, 2025.

Janet Davis, born on January 9, 1950, in Norwalk, California, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family members on the evening of Wednesday, February 12, 2025, in Owensboro, Kentucky, after a courageous battle with cancer. The daughter of Robert Gilliam and Joy Gilliam, Janet's life was a testament to love, resilience, and devotion, leaving an unfillable void in the hearts of all who knew her.

Janet was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Joy Gilliam; her brother, David Gilliam; and her son, John Regan. Despite these losses, Janet’s strength and unwavering love for her family continued to guide her life and inspire those around her.

She was the cherished Navy wife of Gary Davis, with whom she shared 43 wonderful years of marriage. Together, they built a family grounded in love and unity. Janet was survived by her six children: James Regan, Ann Davis (and her fiancé Cory), Robert Regan (and his wife, Tiffany), Patsy Lewis (and her husband, Shawn), April Thayer (and her husband, Greg), Joy Tera, her sisters Pamela Ferm, Robin Cloinger (and husband Kenny), Her brothers Steven Gilliam (and his wife Robin) and Robert Gilliam. She was a passionate and loving caregiver to her surviving mother-in-law Shirley Davis and her late Father-in-Law, Howard “Cotton” Davis. Her legacy thrives through her 20 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, each of whom she adored and cherished deeply. Janet also had a wide and loving extended family as an aunt, niece, and cousin to relatives spanning from coast to coast.

Known for her radiant smile and kind heart, Janet had a remarkable ability to light up any room she entered. Her love of cooking was one of her greatest gifts to her family and community, and her kitchen was a place where love was served with every meal. She found joy and fulfillment in bringing people together through food and creating a space for lasting memories.

Janet was a woman of strong faith, deeply passionate about life and her family. She was a proud servant of the Macedonia Baptist Church quilting ministry, where she shared her creative talents and formed cherished friendships.

Her absence will be deeply felt, but Janet’s enduring legacy of love, kindness, and generosity will continue to inspire all who knew her. She was a woman who brought people together with grace and warmth, and her memory will forever be a blessing.

The family would like to give a heartfelt thanks to the Nursing staff and Doctors of Owensboro Health’s 8th Floor Oncology Unit and the ICU. The care and love you showed Janet and her family was beyond anything we could have imagined, and we are forever grateful for your compassion and dedication.

A memorial service celebrating Janet’s life will be 10 AM Monday, February 17 at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory. Burial will follow in Rosehill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1 PM until 6 PM Sunday and from 8 AM until the time of the service Monday at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Macedonia Baptist Church Quilters Ministry, c/o Macedonia Baptist Church, 4839 Millers Mill Road, Owensboro, KY 42303. Messages and condolences to the family can be shared at www.glenncares.com. 

Rest in peace, My loving Wife, My Loving Mother, My Loving Nanny, My Loving Sister, My Loving Friend, My loving Janet. You were a light in the lives of so many and will never be forgotten.