Gloria Davidson

Gloria L. Davidson, 94, a librarian and longtime Washingtonian, passed away on November 25, 2022 after a period of illness. Gloria retired from the Alexandria City Public Schools as the Director of Library Media Services at the former T.C. Williams High School.

Gloria was a proud Terrapin, having obtained both her bachelor's degree and her master's degrees in education and library science from the University of Maryland. Gloria went on to have a distinguished career.  She was president of the Virginia Educational Media Association, served on the boards of the American Association of School Librarians and the Association for Educational Communication and Technology and was appointed commissioner for the Virginia Governor's Education Block Grant Advisory Committee by Governor L. Douglas Wilder. Gloria received numerous professional commendations including Outstanding Media Educator of the Year.

Gloria was also an active member of Delta Sigma Theta sorority, Soroptimist International and other community organizations. She kept a busy social calendar and loved to travel and play golf and bridge.

Davidson is laid to rest along with her beloved husband of 56 years, William ("Bill") Davidson, Jr., Retired Air Force Chief Master Sergeant, at Arlington National Cemetery. Burial services were entrusted to McGuire Funeral Services. A memorial service will be held on February 27, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Sargent Memorial Presbyterian Church in Washington.

Gloria leaves to cherish her memory a son, Michael (Renee), three grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild as well as a host of other family, friends and countless former students and budding professionals she influenced over the years.

Gloria is predeceased by other beloved family members: her parents, Frank Judge Lockett and Beatrice (Clerk) Lockett Denmon, six siblings with whom she was raised in Indianola, Mississippi, and her second husband, Dr. Thomas Hart.

Gloria was a firm believer that education was the great equalizer for those who embraced it. She was proud of the role she played in helping to make T.C. Williams High School (the school portrayed in the acclaimed film, "Remember the Titans") a place where students of all races could learn and flourish. In keeping with her mission to see that students are provided with the tools they need to succeed, Davidson established the Gloria Davidson Endowed Fellowship at the University of Maryland-College Park.

The family asks that, In lieu of flowers, donations be made to the fellowship by sending payment to the University of Maryland-College Park Foundation, 4603 Calvert Rd., College Park, MD 20740 (phone: 301-955-1265).

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