Gay Dawn Davis of St. James, Missouri was born on Feb. 13, 1953 in San Diego, California to James and Dawn (Manwarring) Burns and passed away Sunday, April 12, 2026 at the age of 73 years.
She was a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and worked more than 30 years to working in nursing homes. She also served the Sullivan Elementary School community for over 20 years as the school nurse. Affectionately known as “Nurse Gay,” she was a comforting figure to generations of children, often making everything feel better with her kindness—and the mints she was famous for handing out during visits to her office.
Before pursuing her nursing career, she worked as a school bus driver. She volunteered with Meals on Wheels and served as a Girl Scout leader when her daughter was active.
She enjoyed sewing and was often heard saying, “Let me fix that for you—you can probably get more wear out of it.” She cherished the annual two-week camping trips to Montauk, where she loved trout fishing with her family.
In her later years, she found peace in birdwatching, taking special care to keep her hummingbird feeders full so she could enjoy their visits.
She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Dawn Burns; husband, Don Davis; and infant brother, Anthony Burns.
She is survived by her children, Heather Cronk of Sullivan, Missouri and Chris Davis and wife April, of St. James, Missouri; sister, Paula Gross of Jefferson City, Missouri; grandchildren, Blaine Emily, Shelby Emily, Ben Emily, Allie Synder, Ashton Davis, Memphis Kellogg and Emmalynn Davis; great grandchildren, Ashton and Cecilia; other relatives and friends.
Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at the United Methodist Church in Sulivan, Missouri.
Celebration of Life will be held at noon on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at the United Methodist Church in Sullivan, Missouri with Reverend Matt Dudley officiating.
Arrangements under the direction of the James & Gahr Mortuary in St. James, Missouri.
