Gloria Elnora Thompson

To know Gloria was to feel seen, to feel loved, and to feel God’s grace move through her. Gloria Northington was born on June 5, 1956, in Hamilton, Alabama, to devoted parents Arlanda and Evelyn Clifton Northington. At five years old, she and her family made the move to Los Angeles, California; a place that would shape much of her story. She graduated with honors from Crenshaw High School in 1974 and earned a scholarship to attend the University of Southern California, where she graduated in 1978. Gloria’s parents, both educators, instilled in her the importance of education a value she passed on to each of her children. Her walk with God was a cornerstone of her life. At 11 years old, during Vacation Bible School at Faithful Central Baptist Church in July 1967, Gloria accepted Christ as her Savior—an act that would shape her worldview, her purpose, and her unwavering love of fellowship and gospel music. Her faith wasn’t something she just wore on Sundays. It was in how she lived, how she raised her children, and how she showed up for others. Her love for Christ wasn’t something she carried—He carried her!

She lived out her calling with joy, curiosity, and reverence, always seeking knowledge, beauty, and meaning. She found these things in museums, in discovery, in the art and history of the African American experience. However, most profoundly, she found joy in the people in her life. Her children, Clifton Bush, Aaron Thompson, and Moriah Thompson, were her greatest joy. She wrote, they were “the real purpose of my life…the highlight and best parts of my days.” Gloria found a renewed purpose as “Gi-Gi”, grandmother to daughter Moriah’s son Noah. She spent every moment she could holding and loving on Noah, this brought immeasurable joy to her life.

She also leaves behind her beloved brother Micheal Northington and her nephews Michael II, Arlanda, and Blayne Northington who all held a special place in her heart. Gloria embraced those beyond bloodline as family, including her bonus daughter Gabrielle Thompson and her sons, Donovan Thompson and Dorien Velasco.

Spouses became sisters, sons and daughters in their own right to her. She was lifted by the love and care of Brenda Northington (Micheal), Erin Cunningham (Clifton), Laura Aguilera (Aaron), and René Hernandez (Moriah). Her cousins Linda Stowe and Claudia Spears held a special place in her heart, as did the many extended family members spread across Alabama, Ohio, and throughout the country who knew and loved her well. She also welcomed many others into her heart and life—Gloria had a circle of close friends who stood the test of time: Renee Carter, Chris Clodfelter, Bev Brand, Nanci Anderson, Maibritt Butler. These women were her chosen sisters, walking alongside her through many seasons of life.

Gloria’s legacy is one of fierce love for her family, deep faith, and praise. She gave grace freely, could call down heaven with a hymn or a prayer and lift a room with her wit and humor. Her presence was a ministry, and her spirit will live on through every life she touched. If you ever felt known, encouraged, or uplifted by being in her presence, then you already carry a piece of that legacy with you.

May all those who knew her be covered in grace. Amen