Gloria Jean Glinsey

Gloria Jean Glinsey, born on December 5, 1950, in Chicago Illinois to Lee Esther Edwards and Lonzia Hawkins Sr., transitioned from this life into eternal rest on July 14, 2025, in Columbus Georgia, surround by family. As the eldest of eight children, Gloria carried the legacy of strength, grace, and resilience from her very first breath.
Gloria attended Dunbar High School in Chicago Illinois. She earned an associate degree in Applied Sciences, Human Services, from Tacoma Community College, Tacoma, Washington, in 2001. Following up with a Bachelor of Arts degree, from Evergreen State College, Olympia, Washington in 2004.
Gloria worked for many years for Veteran Affairs in Hines Illinois until her 1st retirement in 1999. Her second career with Department of Human Services in Tacoma Washington until her final retirement in 2010. I think her last position was the one she loved the most. Working in the branch of DSHS that was associated with the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) helping to located family members to foster children.
Gloria had a love of reading, gospel and old school music. Most of all she loved her family. When health would allow it, she traveled when the Glinsey Family Reunion was held or to the Glinsey family program at South Park Baptist Church in Chicago. Gloria also enjoyed her little trips to Las Vegas. But most of all she loved her family and friends that were as close as family. She was a big supporter of the Girl Scouts.
Like her favorite poem, Still I Rise by Maya Angelou, Gloria moved through life with unshakable dignity. No matter the storms she faced, she rose-over trials, through pain, beyond expectation. With every step, she declared in her own quiet and powerful way:
"You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I'll rise."
Gloria was a woman who defied odds. She lived with purpose and walked in her truth. Her laughter was soft but steady, and her wisdom touched everyone she met. A mother, sister, aunt, cousin, friend-a soul too radiant to ever be dimmed. She was a light in dark places and a calm in many storms.
To know Gloria was to understand that strength doesn't always roar. It can be a whisper of faith, a gentle hand, a determined heart that simply refuses to give up. She poured love into her family and community and left behind more than memories-she left a legacy.
"Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise."
Even now, as we grieve, we find comfort in knowing that she continues to rise. She has joined the ancestors, watching over us, walking beside us, whispering courage into our hearts.
Gloria is preceded in death by her parents and six of her seven siblings: Jimmie Williams Jr., Michael Currie, Pauline Edwards, Regina Edwards, Christopher Edwards, and Angela Wheaton.
She is survived by:
• Her brother Clifford (Sherry) Edwards
• Her daughter Latonia Scheff of Washington
• Her son Bennie Glinsey Jr. of Iowa
• Her grandchildren: Jamaal Glinsey, Chantel Petty, Bennie (Niavondria) Glinsey III, Hannah Rose Glinsey, Kavon Maze Mareseia, Yevette Glinsey, and Jamal Neeway
• Her great-grandchildren: DeRon Washington, Tyrese Mills, LaTashia Glinsey, NaLiyah Alston-Glinsey, Lylah Glinsey, Grayson Glinsey, Avelle Glinsey, Alonia Glinsey, and August Glinsey
• The father of her children, Bennie Glinsey Sr.
• A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and cherished friends
A celebration of Gloria's life will be held on August 23rd at 10:00 a.m. at Spirit of Faith Church 425 E Market Street, Alliance, Ohio 44646. Service will be streamed on the church Facebook page www.facebook.com/sofccoh
We will gather to honor the remarkable woman she was and the indelible mark she left on all of us.