GLORIA MONTEZ THOMAS JUSTIN

1923 - 2021

JUSTIN GLORIA MONTEZ THOMAS 97, of Phila., PA, died March 7, 2021. She was born July 10, 1923, at her grandmother's home, 140 Taylor Street in Americus, GA, to John Frank and Helen (DeWitt) Thomas. She grew up in West Palm Beach, FL, graduated from Palm Beach High School and was in the class of 1942 at National Park College in Forest Glen, MD. Gloria moved to Philadelphia and began her affiliation with and love for Overbook Presbyterian Church in 1943 when her young son was baptized there. Gloria joined the church in 1950 and was an active, contributing member for the balance of her long life. She was a member of Modern Club of Philadelphia, Ladies Aid Society of Presbyterian Hospital, the DAR Philadelphia Chapter, Jamestown Society, Philadelphia Art Museum, and the Philadelphia Garden Club. Gloria was a member of the Edwin Forrest Board of Managers and was presented the Philadelphia Bowl on retirement. In 1964, she married Joel Bates Justin and they lived together in The Philadelphian, where she continued to live after he died in 1995. Gloria and Joel enjoyed traveling the world together, entertaining and spending time with their growing families. Gloria's roots were in the South, and she was a gracious hostess who learned entertaining and culinary arts as a young child from her grandmother, Ettie Lou Thomas, and her mother, Helen Thomas. Gloria is survived by her son, John Thomas of Las Vegas, NV; her daughters, Nancy Dalrymple of Bloomington, IN, and Susan Garmston of El Dorado Hills, CA; her daughter-in-law, Sarah Garvin Rodgers of Atlanta, GA; and her sister, Eugenia Evans of Bethesda, MD. Also surviving are 15 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren, as well as several generations of nieces and nephews. Her husband, Joel Justin; her brothers, Jack Thomas and Russell Thomas; and her son, Thomas Rodgers preceded her in death. Interment will be in Americus, GA. In keeping with her love of entertaining, she wished for a celebration of her life to be held after her passing. Her family will announce plans for a memorial service when it is safe for all to travel and gather.