Glorya J Wilson

Glorya (Neu) Wilson, 76, of Mansfield, Texas, passed away on November 16, 2025. She was born June 24, 1949, in Dallas, Texas, to Charles and Joyce Julian and was raised with deep family roots and a strong Christian faith that shaped every chapter of her life.

Glorya graduated from Sunset High School and went on to graduate from Christ for the Nations Bible School and later from Word of Faith Bible College, becoming an ordained minister in 1982.

That same year, she founded The Mustard Seed Faith Ministries, beginning a lifelong calling of evangelism, ministry, and music. She traveled full-time, singing and preaching in churches across the United States. In 1985, she released her first of many albums, I'm Healed, Set Free and Delivered, which became a meaningful part of her ministry as she continued to serve congregations nationwide. Over the years, four of her songs reached number one on the International Country Gospel Music Association Chart.

In 1993 she married Robert "Bob" Wilson, and in 1994 they adopted their son Matthew. Glorya and Bob later relocated to Hughes Springs, Texas, where they launched KNGR King Country Radio in 1995, operating both a local broadcast and online gospel station. Together, they championed Christian and country gospel music and built a home for artists to grow and be heard.

Their shared vision led to the creation of Agape Fest in 2000, an annual country gospel music festival that grew to gain national and international attention. As part of the festival, Glorya hosted the Southern Gospel Music Awards show, where she was honored as the very first recipient. Over the years, she was recognized with numerous awards within the gospel music community, including ICGMA Album of the Year, Artist of the Year twice, and Song of the Year four times, along with multiple fan awards from CFM and TIMA.

In 2006, Glorya received a letter from the White House recognizing Agape Fest and the musical traditions she helped elevate. It included these words from President George W. Bush:

"Music plays a vital role in exploring ideas, expressing emotions, and conveying the diversity of the human experience. Both country and gospel music are an important part of America's heritage… Today, we continue to be inspired by their message of courage, comfort, and hope… Laura and I send our best wishes for a memorable event. May God bless you, and may God continue to bless America."

Beyond her ministry and music, Glorya was a gifted writer who self-published several books. She loved horses and horseback riding, and she had a warm, funny, generous, and deeply compassionate spirit. Her faith was the center of everything she did, guiding her work, her relationships, and the way she cared for others.

Glorya is survived by her children: Christopher Neu and son-in-law Jesse Meraz; Rodney Neu; DiDi Smith and son-in-law Jameson Smith; and Matthew Wilson. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Cameron Risinger and granddaughter-in-law Sara Risinger; Danielle Smith and grandson-in-law Michael Mitcheltree; Kinsley Smith; and her great-grandchildren Khloe, Cameron II, Nolan, Ashton, and Cayden.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Joyce Julian; and her husband, Robert J. Wilson.

A private graveside service will be held for the immediate family. A public celebration of life will be announced in the coming weeks so that friends, loved ones, and all who were touched by her ministry may gather to honor her life and legacy.

In honor of Glorya's life of compassion and service, the family asks that donations be made to one of the following local organizations:

• Genesis Women's Shelter & Support https://www.genesisshelter.org/donate

• North Texas Food Bank https://ntfb.org/donate

• Human Rights Initiative of North Texas https://hrionline.org/donate