Gloria Jean Guy

Gloria Jean Guy, 81, of Decatur, Illinois, and Ridgeland, Mississippi, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Sunday, February 8. A woman of radiant joy and relentless ambition, Gloria leaves behind a legacy of lifelong learning and unwavering faith.

Born in Decatur, Illinois, Gloria was the daughter of Harold and Pauline Wingfield. As the daughter of a Navy veteran and railroad engineer, her childhood was a cross-country adventure, spanning Florida, Ohio, Michigan, Missouri, Illinois, and Mississippi.

It was in Latin class at Stephen Decatur High School that Gloria met the love of her life, Richard Guy. The pair married in Moberly, Missouri, before returning to Decatur to plant their roots and begin their family.

Gloria's career was a testament to her work ethic. As a teenager, she served as a candy striper at the local hospital and later worked in ADM's treasury department. For a time, she even graced local screens as a co-host on a Channel 6 Decatur television show.

After years dedicated to raising her three sons, Gloria re-entered the workforce in her late 40s. In a remarkable "mailroom to boardroom" ascent, she served in the Safety Department at A.E. Staley and later joined the Illinois Chamber of Commerce. Gloria received national recognition for her tenure as Executive Director of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce Drug-Free Illinois Workplace Program, one of the most successful programs of its kind in the country. She was a prolific speaker, served on several boards, and worked as an Outreach Consultant for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (SAMHSA) in Washington, D.C. She climbed the corporate ladder with grace, retiring as the Vice President of Business Services.

Never one to stop growing, Gloria was a graduate of Moberly Junior College and Richland Community College, where she received the Distinguished Alumnus award in 2013. She inspired all who knew her by earning her Bachelor's Degree from the University of Illinois at the age of 51.

Gloria's spiritual journey was the heartbeat of her life. Born and raised Catholic, her path led her through meaningful memberships at Central United Methodist and First Church of the Nazarene in Decatur. Later, she returned to her roots at Our Lady of Lourdes, where she became a Franciscan of the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi. Upon moving to Ridgeland, Mississippi, she remained a devoted member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.

Affectionately known as "Grandma GG," Gloria cherished her family above all else. She is survived by: Children: Jeff (Laura) Guy of Madison, MS; Sean (Melissa) Guy of Acworth, GA; and Chris (Cara) Guy of Maryville, IL. Brother: Butch (Jan) Wingfield of Novi, MI. Grandchildren: Claire (Blair) Guy Powell, Richard Guy, and Abigail Guy. Great-Grandchildren: Tristan, Adaline, and Greyson Powell. Nieces and Nephews: Lauren (Brandon) Fortier and Matt Wingfield. Rick (Kim) Hinkle and Kari (Rick) Livesey.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Richard Guy, and her parents, Harold and Pauline Wingfield.

Visitation will be at 9:00 a.m., Saturday February 14, followed by a funeral mass to celebrate Gloria's life at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 3850 Lourdes Dr., Decatur Ill. Burial will be at Graceland-Fairlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church.