Gloria Estelle Torréns-Billings

Gloria Estelle Torréns-Billings, 65, of Richmond, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 4, 2022. She was born on December 21, 1956 in Bridgeport, CT to the late Artemio and Gloria Maria Torréns. Gloria was a hard worker. As a child, she helped her dad in his Bodega. As a teenager, she fibbed about her age so she could start working a part time job. She worked for the Virginia Department of Education for the past 15 years and was your local go-to “Avon lady” for over 10 years. Gloria was very active in her community spending most of her free time volunteering with cancer support groups and assisting with various community activities. She was a proud Puerto Rican who was the voice of “La GiGi” on her very own radio talk show. Gloria was also a proud leader and organizer of the annual Latin Jazz & Salsa Show Festival in Richmond. She enjoyed crafting and had quite a “green thumb” which is clearly visible upon entering her home by the sheer volume of healthy plants. Gloria was also an avid reader and trivia queen. She was enamored by all things “old Hollywood” and emulated the era’s style and grace in her everyday life. Gloria never came across a dollar that she was scared to spend on shoes or thrifting. Her ability to find a good deal was like nothing you’ve ever seen before. To know Gloria was to love her – instantly. She radiated such light and her energy was infectious. Gloria was the life of any party or event and quite a social butterfly. She was a friend to all whom she met and would help anyone in any way that she could. In addition to her parents, Gloria was preceded in death by her sister, Evelyn Padin. Left to cherish her memory are her devoted husband of 28 years, Robert Billings; daughters, Vanessa Garrett (Alphonso), Bianca Marie Billings; grandchildren, Tre Garrett, Aliana Lourdes Garrett; siblings, Maria Rodriguez (Santos), Artemio Torréns Jr. (Shelly), Angel Padin; her beloved cat, Ekho; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, one great niece, extended family, and friends. The family will receive friends on Friday, January 14, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Woody Funeral Home, 1771 N. Parham Rd., Richmond, Va. 23229, with a Rosary Service to be held at 7 p.m. A celebration of Gloria’s life will be held at Woody Funeral Home on Saturday, January 15, at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to CancerLINC, https://www.cancerlinc.org/donate. This organization was very near and dear to Gloria’s heart.