Gloria Jean Edwards

Obituary

Gloria Jean Bates Bell Edwards was born on January 19, 1939, in Louisiana, to the late Reverend Sanford Bates and Sarah Bates. As the only child of a Baptist preacher and a devoted mother, Gloria was deeply loved and raised in a home grounded in faith, discipline, and compassion. From her earliest days, she carried a quiet confidence, a sharp mind, and an unshakable sense of purpose that would guide her throughout her life.

As a young girl, Gloria moved with her parents to Northern California, where she grew up and built a life rooted in family and education. It was there that she welcomed her three sons, Eric, Craig, and Brian Bell, who became her greatest joy and proudest accomplishment.

A woman of remarkable intellect and grace, Gloria attended Oakland Technical High School before going on to the University of California, Berkeley, where she earned her teaching credentials and later a master's degree in education and mathematics. While in college, Gloria became a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., an organization devoted to sisterhood, scholarship, and service, values that she embodied throughout her life. She also played the clarinet in the university marching band, an experience she often recalled with pride and warmth.

Gloria's passion for education became her life's calling. Over the course of nearly 35 years, she served in the Oakland Unified School District, ultimately retiring as Principal of Claremont Middle School. Her leadership, compassion, and commitment to excellence touched countless students, families, and colleagues. Even after retirement, she continued to pour into others by teaching and mentoring aspiring educators at Mills College, San Francisco State University, and the University of San Francisco.

Having received Christ at a young age, Gloria's faith became the foundation of her strength and grace. She was a devoted member of Downs Memorial United Methodist Church in Oakland, CA, where she served faithfully in leadership roles related to church finance and accounting. She also cherished her time in the women's Bible study and fellowship groups, where she found joy, friendship, and spiritual renewal among those she loved.

In 2024, Gloria relocated to Southern California to be closer to her family. Surrounded by love and care, she continued to live with grace, gratitude, and unwavering faith until her peaceful passing on September 12, 2025.

Gloria was a devoted mother who deeply loved her three sons, Eric, Craig, and the late Brian Bell. She was their constant encourager, a voice of wisdom, and an example of strength, dignity, and love. Her nurturing spirit extended far beyond her family, touching friends, church members, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Above all, Gloria's life was anchored in her deep faith in God. She loved the Lord wholeheartedly and often spoke of His goodness. Her faith was not only spoken, it was lived. She walked with quiet strength, taught with grace, and loved without limit.

Preceding her in death were her parents Reverend Sanford and Sarah Bates, her beloved son Brian Bell, and her younger half-brothers Adrian and Darrell Bates.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving sons Craig Bell of Albany, CA, and Eric Bell and daughter-in-law Shiko Kanyiri-Bell of Dove Canyon, CA; her grandson William Bell of Laguna Hills, CA; her granddaughters Brianna Bell of San Jose, CA, Nia Apollo Bell of Albany, CA, and Olivia Bell of Lake Elsinore, CA; her half-brother Steve Bates of Oakland, CA; and a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, extended family, and dear friends.

Those who knew Gloria will remember her as a woman of faith, wisdom, and quiet strength, a guiding light whose influence will endure for generations. Her legacy of love, integrity, and devotion will forever remain in the hearts of those she touched.

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness,

which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day."**

2 Timothy 4:7–8 (KJV)