Gloria Jean Latocha

Gloria Jean Cooper Latocha, 85, went to be with the Lord and to join her loved ones in Heaven on October 25, 2025. Gloria was born to David and Felicia Cooper on April 5, 1940 in Augusta, Ga. She resided in Augusta and attended nursing school in 1961. In 1962 she began a thirteen- year career at Gracewood State School and Hospital, working with children and adults with developmental and mental health needs. In 1975 her husband, Frank, accepted a promotion with GSA Federal Government in Winston Salem, NC. Gloria and her family lived in Winston Salem where she continued her nursing career at Wake Forest Baptist Hospital working in Trauma and Neurosurgery. She implemented and taught a successful CNA program at Forsyth Technical Community College for adults with disabilities. Gloria loved teaching and it meant so much to her to be a mentor and witness to her students. In 1979 Frank was again promoted to Regional Manager with GSA. The family then moved to Asheville, NC. Gloria continued her nursing career at the V. A. Hospital and later worked at Mission Hospital in Labor and Delivery. In 1984 Gloria decided to set her dream in motion of opening a flower shop, Sweet Bouquets. She first started the business in her basement along with her daughter, Alecia. Her shop soon became a success because of her desire to help others and her Godly love for people. In 1997 she sold the business to her daughter, Alecia, to pursue a new career as a Real Estate Broker. She first started her Real Estate career with John Carroll and ended it as a Buyer's Agent with Toby Davis. During Gloria's career she was recognized and awarded for selling over a $1,000,000. in properties in one year. After a spinal surgery that left her partially disabled, her daughter, Cheryl, assisted her in Real Estate. Gloria continued to stay active in the business until 2 years ago. She loved working and helping her clients find a home, not just a house. She made lasting friendships with many of her clients. Throughout Gloria's life and careers, she was successful and well thought of because of her love for people and her ability to get along with most anyone. People trusted her and she won them over with her caring personality and great sense of humor. She was one that could, and would, laugh readily at her own short comings. As the mother of four daughters, we would like to state that our mom was precious and we will miss her and her sweet smile more than words can say! Mom had one of the most forgiving spirit's of anyone we knew. She devoted her life to praying for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and teaching us about the Love of God. Family was everything to mom and she loved to be surrounded by them. Mom had many health issues and disabilities, but she would strive to come back with a smile and determination to tell others how God walked her through it, and how she saw the hand of God in the miracles she experienced. She genuinely loved others and enjoyed engaging in conversation. She always tried to give a positive word to others who were struggling. She strongly believed in her God and His Word! She had a most generous and loving heart and touched the lives of so many in such a positive way. Mom would talk to just about anyone and loved to tell them about her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Frank Latocha; and her parents, David and Felicia Cooper. Family that will carry on her faith and legacy are her 4 daughters; Diana Slack (Victor) Lewisville, NC, Donna McCarson Arden, NC, Alecia Godfrey (Eddie) Arden, NC, Cheryl Head (Ricky) Candler, NC, God daughter, Mary Johnson, Winston Salem, NC; 6 grandchildren; William Slack (Stephanie), Terry Morrow (Jenna), Victoria Greenleaf (Mark), Caitlen Hall (Josh), Jennifer McCarson, Jeremiah McKinney Latocha; 12 great-grandchildren; Cameron Morrow, Olivia Morrow, Carter Knight, David Greenleaf, Gray Gallagher, Bryson Hall, Noah Morrow, Abrianna Briscoe, Kaleb Morrow, Ember Hall, Aliza Boyd and Amira Suratt. The family would like to thank the NC State Veteran's Home of Black Mtn. for the love and care that many of the staff members gave our mom. It was a difficult transition for her and our family to place mom in a nursing home. But with time she and our family grew to trust and love many of the caring and loving individuals that took care of her. We will be forever grateful that her last days, though difficult, were made more comfortable. Also, a very special thank you to Arthur, her brother in Christ. He gave her the best gift of all in her final days. The gift of friendship! She loved him and prayed for him. Arthur kept mom company when she was lonely and like an angel watched over until she went home. A Funeral Service will be held at 3:00 PM on Sunday, November 2 in the Chapel of Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian with burial to follow at Calvary Churchyard. Her family will greet friends at the funeral home on Sunday afternoon from 2:00 until 3:00 PM. Flowers are appreciated or if you would prefer to make a donation to one of Gloria's favorite charities, International Fellowship of Christians and Jews or St Jude Children's Research Hospital.