Obituary of Gloria Yvonne Whitfield

Gloria Yvonne was a precious gift born to Leroy Jones and Leola Harper Jones on March 3, 1942. She was the loveable baby sister to her older brothers Leroy Jr., Billy Ray, and Joe Douglas. She affectingly referred to Joe as her “savior” because when she was in trouble with mom, she would ask Joe, “are you going to save me?” Of course, Joe would intervene and prevent any punishment thereby fulfilling his role as nurturer, protector, and her earthly savior.

Gloria opened her heart and publicly received Jesus as her Lord and Savior early in life. She grew up in church and was active in all youth activities.

Gloria was a graduate of Womack High School in Longview, TX. She participated in extracurricular activities of scholarly, social and artful endeavors. After graduation, she attended Wiley College in Marshall, TX. She continued her education at Texas Southern University (TSU), in Houston, TX and received her Bachelor of Science degree in Business.

She accepted employment with Continental Insurance Company, in San Francisco, CA. Later, she moved back to Texas and joined Conoco, Inc., where she retired after 29 years of service. Not seeking to spend her retirement years idle, she worked at TSU for 11 years and retired in 2010. Gloria and her young son, Garrick, moved to Missouri City and united with Briarchase Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Bobby Morgan. She served faithfully in various ministries and served as the Church Secretary for over 30 years. Gloria used her God-given talent for decorating designing beautiful creations for the church that were held in high regard and admiration. As an artist, Gloria had a gift of words and passion for writing poetry.

Gloria’s witty personality attracted many friends and acquaintances over the years. She maintained lifelong friendships with classmates from kindergarten to present. She was pleasant, humorous, comfortable to be around and always tried to exemplify a Christian attitude and demeanor (with a little mischief thrown in). Gloria lived life to the fullest.

Her greatest joy next to her son, Garrick, was her giving. Gloria gave freely and selflessly with a gracious heart especially to those who were unsuspecting recipients of her generosity. Whether it was a small gift, craft items, or a simple note to say good wishes, Gloria was happiest when she could provide something that put a smile on someone else's face. God loves a cheerful giver, so we know God has a special place in His heart for Gloria.

Gloria loved bling! She appreciated anything that sparkled from rhinestones, crystal, and glitter - you name it. However, she also had an appreciation for the simple things in life such as a beautiful sunset, a blue sky dotted with billowy clouds, a stormy night with a full moon, fresh fragrances from a gentle rain, details of a beautiful flower, a pretty ribbon bow, and beautiful words. She was forever trying to beautify all that she touched and was surrounded by.

We are going to miss Gloria. It is always hard to lose someone we love, especially when that someone has a beautiful spirit like Gloria. But in the midst of our grief, we can remember her with joy. Our hearts are full of gratitude for her life and legacy.

She leaves her precious loving memories with her beloved son, Garrick and devoted brother, Joe Douglas; Garrick’s God-parents, Johnny and Loretta Williams; aunt, Theresa Lilly and uncle, Dr. R. Harper; nieces, Stephanie Smith, Rajka Bachelier (Johnny), and Mykel Jones; special sister friends, Shaylor Brown, Sharon Wilson, Jodell Neal and Mary McClelland; special nieces, Pamela Jenkins, Shawn Brown and Tiffany Brown; along with a host of other relatives and loving friends.