Gloria Lee Gerald

Gloria Lee Gerald, treasured soulmate, beloved mother, and grandmother passed away on July 24, 2025 at the age of 73. She was born on March 8,1952 in Issaquena County Mississippi to Baker Durr and Marvie Jewel Fleming*. Gloria was a loyal friend and consistently sacrificed by giving loving service and care to her family, and close friends throughout her life. Her family consisted of siblings Pete Gerald*, Priscilla Ann Gerald*, Frank Randle Jr. *, Jackie Randle, and Marvin Randle.
In her early years Gloria was known for her light-filled countenance, beautiful hair, and lovely smile. Raised in the Mississippi Delta during segregation, Gloria began high school at Henry Weathers High School. After de-segregation, she graduated from
Fielding L. Wright High School in Rolling Fork, Mississippi, where she was the only young woman drumming in the marching band. She was also a leader in the school's dance troupe. Gloria's ambition and determination amidst the challenges of the Deep South, were apparent as she persevered to graduate from Alcorn State University. She became the first person in her family to earn a college degree. During her time there, she became an Alcorn Silhouette Sorority member, a sister organization connected to the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated.
Gloria was revered by many for her honesty, gentle kindness, and she was also well-known as a fantastic culinary artist. She was an accomplished professional that excelled throughout her career working in the retail industry. Her employment history included notable companies such as Sears, Montgomery Ward, Joskie's, and Dillard's, where she ended her career joyfully mentoring brides-to-be as a consultant.
Gloria and her life-partner, Anthony E. Todd, shared a loving bond that endured for nearly 50 years. During this time, they provided a home for their son. Kalanders Danor Gerald. Danor married Jarrah Lyn Steadman and expanded her family with
grandchildren: Isaiah, Elias, Sariah, and Aseneth (Senny) Gerald. Gloria ecstatically built close relationships with her daughter-in-law, Jarrah, and her grandchildren gave her plenty to talk and smile about.
Once Gloria retired, she soon found communion with Christ at Hamilton Park United Methodist Church and deep fellowship with her dear friend Althea Hills. During her later years, she enjoyed gardening, the caretaking of her mother, boating and sailing with friends, and travel. She enjoyed reuniting with a host of cousins, her sisters, and extended family who moved from Chicago and Mississippi, joining her in the Dallas metroplex. She was most joyful spending time with her family and grandchildren and was a loyal companion all the days of her life.
Grandma GG will be sorely missed by her posterity. While we treasure our time shared with her on earth, we have faith in Christ that we will reunite with her, and all of our ancestors in eternity, through the loving care of God. She carried the Lord in her heart through her integrity and commitment to goodness. Gloria means, "glory to God", and as a daughter of God, her good works and loving care for others fulfilled her name's meaning.
{*Deceased}