December 18, 1931 - February 9, 2024
Gloria Davis Torres passed away peacefully at home on February 9, 2024, at the age of 92. Gloria was the last surviving child of John “Ted” and Purdie (Burk) Davis. Born in Hartshorne, Oklahoma on December 18, 1931, she was the fifth of six children. She spent her early years of childhood in southeastern Oklahoma before moving with her family to California when she was 8 years old. The family was following Gloria’s father and patriarch of the family, who had found work on WPA dam projects in northern California. She spent some time in Martinez before relocating to Stockton in the central valley. Gloria attended local schools, graduating from Edison High School, Stockton College and graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts from the College of the Pacific (University of Pacific) in 1953.
At the age of 16, she met the love of her life and soulmate, Joseph Torres, Sr. They were married and inseparable for 60 years before his passing in 2012. Together with love, they raised their only child, Joseph, Jr., whom they were devoted to.
Gloria had a long and distinguished career as an educator. She started her teaching career in 1953 at Franklin High School in Stockton, where she remained for 47 years until her retirement in 2000. Among the many subjects she taught throughout the years, she was proud for having taught the first co-ed, family life (sex education) class in Stockton Unified School District. In addition to her teaching and advising students, she was also known for her black, 1956 Ford Thunderbird hard-top convertible that she drove every day to work at the high school. To this day, many students remember her car as much as the positive impact she had on their lives, both in and out of the classroom. Whether she was teaching students or talking to a stranger, Gloria loved an audience and always enjoyed opportunities when she could connect with people and share stories about her life and experiences.
While teaching was her full-time job, she also helped to establish and manage a successful business with her husband - Torres Film Service, a sports film processing lab, as well as two commercial properties. She loved to read and delighted in learning new things, including how to load motion picture film for processing in total darkness. At the age of 61, she went on to earn a Master’s degree in Bilingual Education from the University of Pacific in 1992. Gloria enjoyed gardening and creating beautiful, seasonally-themed floral arrangements and wreaths that she displayed year-round at her home.
Gloria is preceded in death by sisters, Nadine (Harold), Betty (Harry), Jean (Fred), Sue and brother, John “Cotton” (Gladys). She is survived by her son, Joseph Torres, Jr. (Andrea), brother-in-law Noah Kirk of Stockton and nephews Edward and John Howard, and Jerry Davis.
In lieu of flowers please donate in her name to one of the following charities:
-University of Pacific
https://securelb.imodules.com/s/749/g21/form.aspx?sid=749...
-Alzheimer's Association
https://www.alz.org/get-involved-now/donate
-Motion Picture & Television Fund
VISITATION
A visitation will be held from 4:00pm - 7:00pm on Tuesday, February 27th, 2024 at Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.
SERVICE
A service will be held at 10:00am on Wednesday, February 28th, 2024 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.
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Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Torres family.