THE Wynnum and Manly community have mourned the passing of Gloria May Davey, a beloved figure whose community contributions have left a lasting mark.
Mrs Davey’s life work and impressive resume in the Wynnum and Manly area reflected her dedication, community spirit, and profound love for jazz.
“Gloria was one of a kind, she knew what she wanted and made it happen,” said Beryl Vayro, friend and fellow member of the Wynnum Manly Quota Club.
For an impressive 60 years, Mrs Davey was a Charter Member of the Wynnum Manly Quota Club and was honoured for her service.
“She was always happy to contribute to the community, whether it was through organising events or baking for fundraisers,” Mrs Vayro said.
“She was a busy lady, involved in so many activities, from exercise groups to community events.”
One of her most notable achievements was founding and organising the Wynnum Manly Jazz Festival in 2000, held annually on Father’s Day on the beachfront, near Darling Point.
The festival, which attracted more than 1000 attendees, became a beloved community event and a fan favourite.
Mrs Davey’s love for jazz was evident in her role as a founding member of the Brisbane Jazz Club, where she served for 12 years.
Brisbane Jazz Club Vice-President Alan Western said her activities with the jazz club earned her Life Membership in 1987.
“Because the club has been going for so long, it may be that many of today’s patrons would not be familiar with all her work of 40 or so years ago,” he said.
“There is no doubt Gloria, and other people of her calibre, played her part in establishing the longevity of the Brisbane Jazz Club.
“Her joy and love of jazz was infectious, and such a personality will be missed.”
Additionally, for 25 years, Mrs Davey was a presenter of jazz at the Bay FM radio station in the Redlands area, where she was well-known as Lady Jazz and engaged in fundraising activities.
Her leadership and influence continued as President of the Committee of The Aging Association, leading to new lighting on the foreshore in Wynnum and the installation of handrails along the waterfront steps.
She was also organiser of the Miss Manly Quest during the Manly centenary in 1982.
Mrs Davey’s selflessness was evident as she would often volunteer at the Save the Children op shop in Manly, and similarly in her decade long involvement with the U3A as a leader of jazz appreciation classes.
Alongside her husband, Mrs Davey co-founded the Wynnum Manly Yacht Club, where she served as President of the Ladies Committee.
Her jazz-filled and community-centred life saw her through to 93 years of age, just short of her next birthday.
