Gloria Louise Downs Denney
April 25, 1934 ~ May 30, 2012
Funeral services for Gloria Louise Downs Denney, 78, will be 2:00 P.M., Sunday, June 3, 2012, at First Baptist Church, of Hughes Springs. Burial will follow at Hughes Springs Cemetery. The family will have a time of visitation from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M., Saturday, June 2, 2012 at the funeral home. Born April 25, 1934. Preceded in death by parents Cary E. Downs and Velma Melton Miller and step-father Joseph (Joe) Miller; sister Margaret Ruth Porto; and husband James (Jim ) Denney. Survived by daughters Deborah Ruth ONeal of Hughes Springs and Rikki ONeal Jones and son-in-law John Michael (Mike) Jones of Chicago, IL; other daughter Diane Macfarlane of Longview; step-grandchildren Amber and Fred Mintert, and Sarah and Matt Lee, and step-great grandchildren Sam Coursey, Brody Coursey, Olivia Mintert, Aaron Lee and Maggie Rose Lee, all of Joplin, MO.; and a host of beloved friends and neighbors too numerous to mention. And now abides faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13. This is the verse in the Bible that best describes my mother. Faith abided in her. She was a devoted Christian her entire life and knew just about every obscure Baptist hymn ever written. But if you had asked her, shed tell you that she was more of a New Testament Christian than the old. Her God was a forgiving god who understood that people make mistakes and that people need a little fun in their lives. And she understood that her God and her Jesus did not mind a good Christian woman sitting down at the end of the day with a glass of wine or maybe dancing a few steps when the music was just right. Hope abided in her. My mothers life was not always easy, but it was always hopeful. In middle age she put herself through nursing school. She sent her children through college, private university and law school without once asking how in the world did we think we were going to pull that off. While she loved to talk about the past, family she loved and friends who were now gone, she always looked to the future. She raised her children with this same curiosity and hope, telling them to spread their wings, that they could achieve whatever they set out to do, and that wherever they went, to do it with humor and cheer. Not a day went by that her daughters did not know wholly and completely that they were loved unconditionally. Love abided in her. My mother was truly a friend to everyone she met. She got that from her mother, Ma Ma, her daughters were so very lucky she inherited that gene. She gave everyone a chance at friendship and set the bar low enough that anyone who wanted to step over it could. She opened her life and heart to people in need, worthy causes and the occasional stray cat who quickly became a beloved member of the family. She loved them all. She also loved music and loved to hear her beloved son-in-law play the guitar. And sports. Oh, did she love sports. Just name it, she followed it. My mother embodied everything I love about people who are from small Texas towns. She was warm and giving, she knew the people in her community, she was funny, she loved a good joke. She loved her family, and her definition of family included many more than blood relations. She was curious and inquisitive. She was a good woman who lived the life she chose, in the place she chose, she passed away at the time and in the place of her choosing, surrounded by people who loved her.
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As your heart searches for strength, may it also find peace in knowing that your mother is continuing her journey home. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
So sorry for your loss Rikki. I will be praying for you all that you will feel our Lord's arms around you. Love you, my friend.
What a wonderful and special lady Ms. Gloria was. We are so glad we got to spend her birthday last month with her. Rikki- you know I'm here… Day or night my sweet friend..
Words cannot express the love my family felt for Gloria. She has always been a presence in our lives. Always there thru the good times, bad times and most difficult times. You and your wonderful laugh will be greatly missed.
Gloria Denney was a saint! Her love, smile, and joyous spirit were contagious. Jim was my SS teacher, I mowed Velma and Gloria's yard. More than just friends. Mentors to a young boy who made a life long impression.
We can honestly say that our lives have been touch by this beautiful lady. God has blessed all of us through her. She will be remembered with great joy and tremendous gratitude. "Go rest high on that mountain" Ms. Gloria
Debbie and Rikki, What a beautiful and loving woman Mrs. Gloria was. Always a smile on her face. Such a privilege of mine to have experienced her friendship and love from an early age into adulthood. She was so proud of her girls. May your wonderful memories sustain you.
RIKKI & DEBBIE, MAY THE LORD BLESS AND HOLD YOU AT THIS TIME. YOUR MOTHER WAS A KIND AND LOVELY LADY.
Rikki-I knew your mother from before you were born. Her warmth and love for all exuded. I know her faith and yours will get you through the sad times. Celebrate her wonderful life!
Rikki and Debbie may the Lord be with you at this time, Gloria was a sweet lady .
Rikki, I am so sorry. I met your mother once and she was a lovely woman. It seems many people also felt that way. All my best to you and your family.
I love your mother! She will be remembered for her beautiful smile and the love she showed. She was a special woman and I will miss her too! Love y'all!
We were so blessed to have known Gloria. She touched our lives with her kindness and generous spirit. She helped comfort us during difficult times, and we laughed with her while sharing a plate of catfish! A wonderful spirit shone through Gloria, and we will surely miss her.
Sorry to hear that Gloria has died, but know that she is rejoicing in Heaven. I bet she has already joined the choir.
Deb & Rikki, my heart was so sad to hear about your Mom, but, then at the same time I can rejoice because she is now "at Home" where she has always looked forward to being and she is now singing and praising Jesus. It was my privilege to have had this very special lady as part of my life. I LOVE that Gloria! She was always cheerful and full of love. I have so many wonderful memories. She will be greatly missed by many and may OUR LOVING FATHER HOLD YOU IN HIS ARMS as you face the days ahead. I love you.
I have so many wonderful memories of Mrs. Gloria. Memories of a great Girl Scout leader for many years. She carried us girls all over the place and was so much fun to be with. We always had wonderful campouts, and sleepovers at her house for Debbie's birthday. I'll never forget the love and kindness she showed me and I am priviledged to have known this wonderful lady. She will be greatly missed. Know that you are all in my prayers and thoughts. She's gone on to her GLORY!!!
Rikki and the rest of your mother's family, I wish you comfort during what must be a difficult time. I hope you find consolation and please accept my deepest sympathies.Love, Chipo
the memorial written for Gloria is spot-on. I remember her as a smiling, happy person. Debbie and Rikki were given a fine gift of a mother.
The Mustangs have lost a loyal and true fan. Peace be with you Ms. Gloria.
This is an addition to our first message. Left off part of the message. Gloria was married to our brother Jimmy Denney. We were all very fond of Gloria. Bernice Denney Starke & Patsy Denney Griffin
Sorry to read that Gloria had passed away. My sister and I will never forget how happy Gloria made our before he died. Please accept our condolences. Bernice Denney Starke & Patsy Griffin Denney
My life would not be the same without being touched by Gloria – she gave birth to my best friend in the world, Rikki(well, after my Herbie). Much love to Debbie and of course, to Rikki and Mike.
I'm so thankful I had a chance to visit with Aunt Gloria and Debbie on my last visit to East Texas. I'll always remember the good times shared. The wonderful thing about being a Christian is we never have to say goodbye as we know we'll see each other again. Oh Glorious Day!!! Love to Debbie and Rikki
I remember when I first met Gloria that I thought, "That is one pretty lady," and I continued to think that from then on. Watching the memorial video of her proved my point. When I think of her, I remember a funny story she shared about how she and Gigger Hull always raced to make sure they got a piece of Mrs. Russell's caramel pie at the covered dish luncheons at church. Gloria decided on one of those days she would cut her piece of caramel pie early before church and hide it inside the church's kitchen cabinet so she would be sure and have her piece. However, she said she forgot about her plan that day when it was time to eat. Weeks later her memory received a funny jolt when she opened that same cabinet door at the next church meal and found her piece of pie!
Deb & Rikki,How lucky you both are to have had such a loving mother. I so enjoyed talking to her and listening to her laugh. I know that she is free from pain now and the burden that just breathing often brought. I can just imagine the reunion that she is having right now with Velma and Ruth. You're in my thoughts!Bill Smith
Debbie and Rikki-I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your Mom. I did not know about it until just now. I have so many fond memories of her and the good times we had at your house growing up!My thoughts and prayers are with you.