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Gloria Johnston Obituary
August 27, 1940 - July 31, 2025
Virginia Beach, Virginia - Gloria Ann Graham Reich Johnston, 84, passed away peacefully at her home in Virginia Beach, Virginia, on July 31, 2025.
Born on August 27, 1940, in Vance County, North Carolina, Gloria was the daughter of the late Kathryn Cooke. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Thomas Cooke; her sister, Alecia "Cookie" Phelps; and her niece, Sherri Phelps Brown.
Gloria is lovingly remembered by her husband, Joe Johnston of Virginia Beach; her sons, Donnie Reich (Hallie Sears) and Andrew Reich (Ashley Bell Reich); and her four grandchildren: Summer, Savannah, Landon, and Hudson Reich - all of Virginia Beach. She also leaves behind her sister, Mary Lou Blakely (Mike Rohr) of Apex, North Carolina.
Through her marriage to Joe Johnston, Gloria embraced a second family: stepson James Johnston and his children, Helene and Royce Johnston; stepdaughter Jennifer Johnston Vincent and her son Evan Vincent; and great-granddaughter Ember Vincent.
A proud graduate of Franklinton High School, Gloria was crowned homecoming queen and carried that same vibrant spirit throughout her life. She had a lifelong love for Elvis Presley and spent many joyful years as an avid bowler. Above all else, she was a devoted mother and grandmother who rarely missed a chance to cheer from the stands at the ball field.
A celebration of Gloria's life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on August 18, 2025, at the home of Andrew and Ashley Reich.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Gloria's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Her light lives on in the hearts of all who loved her.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gloria Johnston
Bobby Burger
August 19, 2025
Prayers to the family, remember going to her home as a kid, playing with her and Tommy and Cookie
Keith Yeargin
August 17, 2025
I'm sorry hear the news about Gloria. I have many great memories with Gloria taking Donnie and I to Western Lanes bowling on Saturday morning. Gloria was the first person to make me French toast! She was very loving and kind to me.
Tim Canady
August 17, 2025
Andy & Donnie,
Sorry to hear of Gloria´s passing. I´ll never forget her kindness to when we were kids, even when we acted up at the restaurant. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Joe Veasey
August 16, 2025
I have known Gloria and Joe many years from the auctions they attended, she was a great person and i am sure she will missed by all. Joe Veasey ex Auctioneer.
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lynda medlin
August 16, 2025
i have known joe and gloria for many years although i have not seen them in several years i sill remember them and all the auctions they attended and the things they would buy and sale so sorry for your loss prays are with joe and the whole family lynda medlin raleigh auction raleigh nc
Leigh Anne Foil Barham
August 15, 2025
Donnie, Andy and Johnston family... our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. We have many wonderful and fond memories with your family and will always cherish them! Your family will always hold a special place in our hearts. May the precious memories you have give you strength, comfort, peace and hope for the days to come. God bless you alwaysWe love you all
Buddy Coats
August 14, 2025
What a wonderful lady and friend! Many fond memories of ours days in Raleigh.
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