Barbara Jean Davis passed away peacefully in Escondido, California, on August 18, 2025. She was born in Quincy, Massachusetts, and spent much of her childhood in Gulfport, Florida.

Barbara was the beloved daughter of Avery W. Gilkerson, born in Toronto, Canada, and Esther L. Tollefson Gilkerson, born in Montevideo, Minnesota. She was also predeceased by her sister, Gail Gilkerson Neumann, of Miami, Florida. Barbara’s father earned his law degree from the University of Minnesota, where he met Esther. He went on to become an attorney, mayor, and clerk of the circuit court in Quincy, Massachusetts and she was a devoted homemaker.

Barbara graduated summa cum laude from Boca Ciega High School in 1955, then attended Randolph-Macon Woman’s College in Virginia, where she earned her B.S. degree in mathematics in just three years (1958). She later received her Master’s degree in Educational Administration from California State University, Northridge.

After college, Barbara moved west to Southern California, beginning her career as a math teacher in Long Beach. That same year, she met and married Thomas Davis, and together they raised two children—Jennifer (born 1959) and Craig (born 1961)—in Granada Hills, California. Barbara later joined the William S. Hart School District in the Santa Clarita Valley, where she taught algebra at Placerita Junior High School. During her tenure, she raised funds to establish one of the first junior high school computer labs in California and enthusiastically led her students in math field day competitions.

In 1972, Barbara and her family moved to Valencia, California. Over the years, she taught algebra and geometry at Hart, Canyon, and Valencia High Schools. She took great pride in preparing her students for life—teaching them not only mathematics, but also practical lessons in managing finances, investing, and understanding the power of compound interest.

After a remarkable 40-year teaching career, Barbara retired and relocated to San Diego County in the late 1990s, living in Encinitas, Lake San Marcos, and finally Escondido.

Barbara is survived by her children, Jennifer Cole (Robert “Earl”) and Craig Davis (Tracey); her six grandchildren, Stephanie Cole Banks (Sean), Jacqueline Davis Harthcock (Colin), Brian Cole, Victoria Davis, Christine Cole Wagenveld (Michael), and Lauren Cole Driscoll (John); and four great-grandchildren, Braden Banks, Cole Wagenveld, Luke Banks, and Elise Wagenveld.

A woman of boundless energy and enthusiasm, Barbara enjoyed tennis, pickleball, golf, ping pong, bridge, singing, traveling, cruising, swimming, beach outings, dining out, and driving her convertible. She loved organizing social gatherings and was active in several organizations, including AAUW, Porter Valley Country Club, and the Newhall Tennis Club. She was also involved with Kiwanis, The Lake Church, and the San Marcos Women’s Republican Club all in Lake San Marcos. She also helped organize the Val/Por Swim League, the Placerita Junior High tennis club, and the school drill team.

Barbara’s generosity, warmth, and zest for life touched everyone who knew her. She cherished time with her family, especially the vacations she planned for her children and grandchildren. One of her fondest memories was the family’s 6,000-mile cross-country trip in celebration of America’s Bicentennial in 1976. She was also a hard worker, a wise investor, and a successful small business owner in Santa Clarita. Barbara was especially proud to have won the doubles tennis championship at her club with her daughter, Jenny, and to have helped ensure her daughter could play on Hart High School’s boys’ golf team when a girls’ team didn’t exist.

Barbara Davis will be remembered as a devoted mother, grandmother, teacher, and friend—an intelligent, kind, and spirited woman who lived life fully and gave generously to others and she will missed by all who knew her.

Cremation has taken place, and no formal memorial is planned. 

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