Gloria Jean Moore-Gatlin's Obituary
Gloria Jean Moore-Gatlin entered into eternal rest on March 2, 2025. She was born on July 28, 1942, in Schlater, MS. She was the second oldest of 11 children born to Rev. Herman Moore Sr and Mary Lou White-Moore. Gloria attended high school in Holmes County, Mississippi. Gloria lived a life of faith that began when she was baptized at an early age. She was a long-time member of Cypress Grove Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Fred Porter. She later joined Liberty in Christ Church under the leadership of Apostle Tony and Prophetess Ina Westley, where she remained until her death.
She graduated from the Durant Attendance Center, where she excelled as a basketball star affectionately known as "Big Red and Sampson." Following graduation, Gloria married James K. Polk in 1961 and began her career as an Assistant Dean at Saints College in Lexington, Mississippi. They later moved to New Orleans, Louisiana, where she owned and managed several businesses, including Hidden Treasures Coffee Shop and a Hallmark Store.
Gloria was a wonderful daughter, mother, sister, wife, grandmother, aunt, and great cook. She remained firm in her faith and her love for family. She enjoyed traveling, talking to her grandchildren, who affectionately called her "Maw-maw," fashion, and flowers. Gloria is survived by her children Donna Polk-Hamm, Juanita Polk-Carby(Ken), Anna Meria Polk, Andrea Gatlin-Edwards, Sherman Johnson-Polk(Darlene); grandchildren Craig Smith Jr (Monique), Troy Hamm Jr (Terri), Lance Hamm, Sa'Rah Hamm, Bri Edwards, Sydney Larsen, Paige Edwards, James Johnson Tiffany), Cortney Carby, Cynthia Lyles, and Stephen Lyles. She is also survived by siblings Olivia Moore-McGee, Correan Moore-Banks, Rickey Stanley Moore, Carolyn Moore-Wade, Deborah Ann Moore-Day, and Pastor Ronald Keith Moore (LaRose). Bonus children: Iris Gatlin, Kelvin Gatlin, Reginald Gatlin, Kristin Stanley Gatlin, Dawn Gatlin-Williams, Paul Gatlin, Deyonne Conrad. 10 great-grandchildren and a host of bonus grandchildren, nieces, nephews, family, and friends. She also leaves to cherish her memory a daughter-in-love, Charlene Johnson, and lifelong friend, Anita Scott.
Her parents, Rev. Herman Moore Sr and Mary Lou Moore, preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by a grandson Jeffrey Edwards, Jr.; brothers, Herman "Butch" Moore, Jr., Robert Earl Moore, and Jonathan "Sonny" Moore; bonus sons, Darrel and Marvin Gatlin. Her brother, Harry Truman Moore's death, preceded hers by ninety minutes on Sunday, March 2, 2025.
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