Gloria Elizabeth Smith White was born on September 5, 1934 to the late Levander Smith and Arbell Jennette in the home of her aunt and uncle Lillian and Joseph Smith, who raised her as their daughter in Belhaven North Carolina. Gloria transitioned on April 15th, 2023 to be with the Lord in Schulman and Schachne Rehabilitation Institute in Brooklyn NY.

Gloria was preceded in death by her husband; William White, 4 sons; William (Jr), Cedric (Tony), Quintin, and Keenan (Sam) who died 4 months ago, 3 sisters; Robeana Smith, Minnie Hughes, Janie Dibbles; 2 brothers, Earl and Leo Smith. Gloria was also preceded in death by a long time friend Richard Skinker who she shares 3 generations of children with.

As a child, Gloria attended First Baptist Church in Belhaven. She later joined St. Marks Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ in Brooklyn NY.

Gloria received her education in the Beaufort County School System North Carolina. After graduating, Gloria married William and joined him in many areas of the United States during his military tour. Eventually, Gloria moved to New York. She attended Grace Beauty School and with the help of her dad Levander, Gloria opened her own beauty shop "Lillian's House of Beauty" on Bedford Avenue. Without prejudice, there were not many who could outdo Gloria when it came to doing hair. Her God given talents were in her hands. Gloria not only blessed many with long, healthy hair, she was an awesome seamstress. Gloria could sew like no other. Gloria would do the hair and sew gowns for entire wedding parties.

No matter where she lived, the doors to Gloria's home were open to all. Whether you needed something to eat, a place to lay your head, or just someone to talk to, Gloria never refused anyone. Her home became a place of comfort for many.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories: her daughter, Lillian (Jonesy) White Bowens (Matthew), Rocky Mount North Carolina; 5 grandsons, Quintin Terre, Cedric Charlie, Richard Allen, Eric Rakeem, Isaac Jasaun; 2 granddaughters, Myra Alyse, Kimberly Nicole; 3 great-grandsons; 2 great-granddauhters; 2 sisters, Daisy Jones and Esther Jackson of Cleveland Ohio; 2 god-daughters, Bethenia and Linda Whitehust; 1 blended-daughter, Angela Skinker; a dedicated niece, Bernadette London, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other loving relatives and friends.

Blessed are they that mourn:

for they shall be comforted.

Matthew 5:4