Gloria Clanton

Gloria Louise Carpinelli Clanton passed away peacefully on November 4, 2024, at the age of 98, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Miami, FL, on September 9, 1926, to Gioviani Carpinelli and Filomena Accetturo Carpinelli, Gloria was the youngest of six children. As the baby of her large Italian family, she was doted on and beloved by all. She graduated from Miami High School in 1944 and married Charles Winford Clanton, Jr. in 1946. Together, they lived in Miami, FL, Birmingham, AL, and finally settled in Atlanta, GA, where they raised their family.

In addition to her cherished role as a mother, Gloria worked as a legal secretary for James C. Grizzard, Esq., in Atlanta, GA, for more than 50 years. After retiring, she enjoyed traveling the world, making several trips to Europe, and she especially loved visiting Italy, her parents’ birthplace.

A devoted Catholic, Gloria attended Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Atlanta for several decades before later becoming a member of Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church in Sandy Springs, GA. She took great joy in serving others, volunteering at Emory St. Joseph's hospital for more than a decade, where she was beloved by patients and staff alike.

Gloria had a passion for music, loving both Big Band and Classical genres. She was a season ticket holder to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Her adoration for the piano led her to start taking lessons in her 70s, delighting her family with recitals where she performed alongside much younger students. Her family admired her willingness to tackle new endeavors at any age.

Besides her love for travel, music, and volunteering, Gloria remained dedicated to her physical health, participating in senior aerobics classes well into her 80s. It was this dedication to exercise that kept her truly young at heart. She had a tight knit circle of close friends and a robust social calendar. She could often be found on her back patio, entertaining her "Golden Girls" over a good meal and a glass of wine.

Above all else, Gloria’s greatest love was her family. She maintained close relationships with her three children, speaking with them daily and spending time with them often. Her greatest happiness came from being with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, savoring every moment to hold, hug, read to, or chat with them. Even in her final moments, her only expression was love for her family, as she spoke her final words: “I love you, I love you, I love you.”

Gloria is survived by her three children: son Charles Winford Clanton III (Cathy) and granddaughters Courtney Clanton and Whitney Clanton; daughter Charla Davenport (Danny) and granddaughters Kristy Durick (Denny) and Ashley Glover (Burch); Denise Bacon (David) and grandsons Drew Bacon (Christine) and Jordan Bacon (Allison). She is also survived by her treasured great-grandchildren: Kelsey Durick, Kerry Anne Durick, Carter Bacon, Cam Bacon, Ginny Glover, and her newest additions, beloved twins Kaylee and Cassidy Shapiro. She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, husband, and beloved grandson, Andrew Davenport.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Tuesday, November 26, at 11:30 AM at Poole’s Funeral Home, located at 1970 Eagle Dr, Woodstock, GA 30189. Gloria's beloved and favorite nephew, the Reverend Christian Dittmar, will officiate. The family will receive visitors beginning at 10:30 AM, with a lunch reception immediately following the service.