Gloria Horst Battle

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, Gloria Faye Horst Battle of Fort Walton Beach on Sunday, January 12, 2025 at the age of 92 years.

Gloria was born on May 4, 1932 in Dallas, Texas. She lived in California before moving to Fort Walton Beach in 1972. Born on May 4, 1932, in Dallas, Texas, Gloria's journey was one of remarkable civic dedication and vibrant living. After spending time in California, she made Fort Walton Beach her home in 1972. There, she became a prominent community leader. Her passion for service was evident through her involvement with the FWB Hospital Auxiliary and the American Heart Association, where she rose to serve as president of each organization locally and later chaired their state chapters. As a Fort Walton Beach City Councilwoman in 1982, Gloria played a key role in acquiring The Landing in downtown Fort Walton Beach. She also served as Mayor Pro Tempore for six months.

Gloria's boundless compassion has always shone brightly; she consistently extended her warm hand to uplift those who needed support. Her dedication to the homeless is particularly admirable, exemplified through her involvement in programs like St. Simon's Church initiatives, the Cold Night Shelter Program, One Hopeful Place, and Opportunity Place. As one of the founding members of Opportunity Place, she played a vital role and actively served on its first Board of Directors. Furthermore, her contributions to organizations such as Guardian Ad Litem and the Continuum of Care, along with her leadership positions in the Fort Walton Beach Woman's Club, League of Women Voters, and the Democratic Women's Club, where she was honored as a Lifetime Member, truly highlight her commitment to the community. Gloria's legacy is one of genuine love and steadfast service, reminding us all of the power of compassion.

Beyond her civic accomplishments, Gloria lived a very full life. She loved her church and her church family at St. Simon's Episcopal Church and was an active member of the congregation. She embraced life as a world traveler, exploring captivating destinations across Southeast Asia, Cuba, and Europe and instilled her love of travel in her grandchildren. A true Texas girl, Gloria loved Willie Nelson, the Dallas Cowboys, and the Texas Aggies. An avid Bridge player, she enjoyed playing a good game of Bridge with her friends. She volunteered as a wedding coordinator and earned the nickname "Sergeant Battle" for her ability to make sure things were done and done well with her no nonsense approach. This affectionate title, lovingly used by her family, remained a warm reminder of her vibrant spirit until her passing.

More than her many achievements, Grammy, as she was known to her grandchildren, loved her family. When they were young, she would have her grandchildren visit for the entire summer and enriched their lives with swimming lessons, beach trips, and summer day camps. If her family members were ever in need of anything, especially a good piece of advice, Grammy would make sure they did not do without.

She will be lovingly remembered by her son, Jimmy; Her daughter-in-law, Michele (Eddie); grandchildren: Dustin (Kristine), Kristina, Jennifer, Lauren, and Brandon; great grandchildren: Gavin, Nolan, Wayman, Piper, Colbie, Ian, and Easton; and her cherished sister, Emilee (Dan) Wicker; as well as numerous relatives and friends including Debbie and her girls.

She reunites in peace with her beloved husband of 31 years, Morris; cherished son Eddie; and parents Edwin and Ruth.

Gloria will be laid to rest next to Morris at Saint Simon's on the Sound Episcopal Church in Fort Walton Beach on February 7th, 2025 at 4:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests for donations to be made to St. Simon's Church's Cold Night Shelter Program, One Hopeful Place, or Opportunity Place.

Gloria's legacy of service and love will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.