Gloria Marie Nesby

Born on July 25, 1943, in Memphis, Tennessee, Gloria was a woman of strength, intelligence, and grace.

She pursued higher education at Columbia College in Missouri, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree. Her professional journey spanned several distinguished roles, including working in public relations for Avaya/ AT&T in Denver, Colorado; serving as an IRS agent in Memphis, Tennessee; and later representing the Area on Aging in San Antonio, Texas.

Faith played a central role in Gloria’s life. She accepted Christ at an early age and sang in the choir at St. Thomas Missionary Baptist Church on Butler Street in Memphis under the leadership of Reverend E.D. Johnson. Throughout her life, she remained active in church activities whenever possible, also participating at St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Marked Tree, Arkansas, and Union Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Gilmore, Arkansas— both pastored by her father, Reverend Doctor G.C. Simpson Sr.

Gloria was a devoted sister, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who cherished her family deeply. She is survived by her children; Lawrence L. McGaughy Jr., Lambert L. McGaughy Sr., Philana R. Johnson, and Patricia Y. Smith; as well as 16 grand¬children and eight great-grandchildren; brother, Reverend Doctor Grover C. Simpson Jr.; and stepsister, Crystal Carter.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Reverend Doctor Grover C. Simpson Sr. and Beatrice Marie Simpson; brother Franklin D. Simpson; and sister Corrine S. Williams.

Gloria’s legacy of love and resilience will live on through those who knew and loved her.

A viewing will be held on March 27, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Paradise Funeral Home, located at 10401 West Montgomery Road in Houston, Texas. A funeral service will be held on March 28, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the same location.