Gloria Elizabeth Easter

Gloria Elizabeth Easter, Age 86 of Fort Washington, Maryland

Born on June 8, 1939 in Washington, DC to Robert N. Garlic, Sr. and Mary E. Yancy-Garlic, Gloria was the second oldest of 11 children. At the age of 2, she was moved to Bumpass, VA to live with her grandparents on the farm because she said her mother's skirts were too heavy.

Gloria graduated from John J. Wright High School and immediately returned to DC where she met and married Rennie L. Easter, Sr. and gave birth to three children: Gloria Renee, Rennie Jr., and Anita Delores. Successful in Federal service, Gloria rose quickly through the ranks retiring as Supervisor with the Department of Education. While raising three children, she worked by day and attended college at night, slogging through last minute deadlines and earning her Bachelor's in education.

Gloria received Christ in 1977 under Pastor Charles H. Doom, Jr. (Southern Baptist Church Praise and Worship Center) and served faithfully as Director of Church Training; Sunday School Jr. Department Superintendent; and Secretary to the Board of Christian Education. The first woman licensed to preach the gospel at Southern Baptist, she served as Associate Minister (1987–1993). From 1994–2000, she served as a Ruling Elder under the leadership of David T.P. Perrin at the Church of the Great Commission, overseeing the Education Ministry and the Minister's Institute. Installed as Pastor of the newly formed Kingdom Covenant Church in 2000, Pastor Easter continued preaching and teaching God's Word through Sunday Worship, Jesus Over You Outreach, radio ministry, conferences and workshops.

During the pandemic, Pastor Easter continued ministry through Tuesday night online Bible studies; teaching short messages on Facebook; attended Wednesday night prayer by phone; and began writing a workbook on her favorite book of the Bible – Revelation. Shortly before her passing she reunited with Southern.

After God, Gloria's greatest love was her family. No matter how busy life became, she was a mother for her children, and later became their friend and mentor. She cherished her siblings and never missed "Sisters Day." Gloria lived fully, loved deeply, gave generously, and desired for all to know Christ.

As her illness progressed she often spoke of "going home." She'd say "DeeDee and Renee got one plan, but I got another!" They wanted her to wait for the rapture, but she was ready to go home now! After a great day spent reminiscing with old friends, she transitioned to glory in her granddaughter's arms at 9:30pm on Saturday, November 1, 2025.

Preceded in death by siblings: Theodore, George, Jacqueline, Sandra, Robert Jr., Carol, and Richard; brother-in-law Author L. Jones; son Rennie L. Easter, Jr.; and grandson Justin L. Easter. Gloria remains in the hearts of her sisters Bessie, Doreen (Mark), Barbara, and sister-in-law JoAnn Garlic; children - Gloria Renee (Kenny) and Anita; grandchildren - Paul, Kenny (Aasiya), Nate (Brittany), Tremaine (Shaun), Rennie III, Crystal, Jerome, Albert, Charis; great-grandchildren - David, Chyna, Taccara, Davion, Mikayla, Neonie Rae, Charlie, Akayla, Bailey, Nate Jr., Brielle, Micha, Shaunyce, Corren, Marcus, Markell, VeShayla, Aiden, Alaina, Jordan, and Naomi; and a host of loving relatives and friends.

Special friendships: Harry and Tanja Carter, Bishop Charles H. Doom, Jr., Pastor Eleanor Doom, Bishop David T.P. Perrin, Pastor Cynthia Baker, Elder Anne Darden, Elder Carol Cloud, and Elder Betty Baden.

Her Viewing will be 9:00 am until time of Service, 11:00 am, Saturday, November 15, 2025, in the Chapel of Thornton Funeral Home, P.A., 3439 Livingston Road, Indian Head, Maryland 20640.

Interment, Heritage Memorial Cemetery, 13472 Poplar Hill Road, Waldorf, Maryland 20601.

On Saturday, November 15, 2025 at 11:00 am, please click on the link below to live stream the service.

Please make sure when viewing the services that the volume located in the right lower corner (where it says "live") on the viewing screen is turned up (the bars should be blue).

The streaming will begin after the final family viewing. Therefore, there may be a delay before the service appears on the screen. Thank you.

https://www.thorntonfuneralhomepa.com/live-stream