Born in Lynchburg, October 16, 1946, she was the daughter of the late Luther Thomas Wright and Dorothy Farrar Wright.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Mary Jane Taylor and Sandra O’Brien; and her brother, Luther “Tommy” Wright, Jr.
She is survived by her son, James R. Millner, Jr.; two daughters, Martha Gunnoe and husband Craig, and Jennifer Lesniak and husband Lucas; six grandchildren, Christian Lesniak and wife Abigail, Landon Lesniak, Chloe Gunnoe (Alex), Bailey Lesniak, JesseGrace Lesniak and Taylor Gunnoe; one great grandchild, Magnolia Lesniak and her sister Wanda Creasy and husband Jack.
Gloria was a devoted wife, loving mother, and cherished nana who loved her family deeply and faithfully. She shared 54 wonderful years of marriage with her beloved husband, Ron, and together they built a life filled with love, partnership, and unwavering commitment. As one family member lovingly expressed, one name was rarely spoken without the other—Ron and Gloria were truly inseparable. Following her husband’s passing, Gloria felt his absence profoundly, but there is comfort in knowing she is now reunited with him in the presence of her Lord—whole, joyful, and at peace.
A woman of strong faith, Gloria loved Jesus and considered one of her greatest callings to be sharing that faith with her family. She often reflected on her favorite scripture, Romans 10:9: “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved,” a verse that guided her life and left a lasting spiritual legacy.
Gloria was an exceptional mother who was deeply involved in every aspect of her children’s lives. She served as a Girl Scouts leader, room mother, and Sunday school teacher, and never missed a game, performance, or special event. Her home was a place of warmth and welcome, often filled with the aromas of her beloved Southern cooking. Preparing meals for her family brought her great joy, and her love was evident in every dish she made.
When her grandchildren arrived, Gloria embraced her role as “Nana” with boundless love and devotion. Her six grandchildren were the center of her world, and she delighted in every opportunity to be with them—whether baking in the kitchen, swimming in the pool, enjoying lunches together, or creating special memories on beach and birthday shopping trips. She was a constant, loving presence in their lives.
In recent years, Gloria was overjoyed to become a great-grandmother. She adored her first great-granddaughter, and her face would light up at the sight of her. Gloria’s family was her greatest treasure, and her grandchildren and great-grandchild were truly her pride and joy.
A service celebrating her life and faith will be conducted at 1:00 pm Monday, April 6, 2026 at the Millner Family Cemetery at the residence, conducted by Pastor Jonathan Falwell.
Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office – Toys for Kids fund, 1345 Falling Creek Rd. Bedford, VA 24523 or to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org.
