Gloria Dorita Anderson

A woman of faith, a devoted wife, a loving mother, and a loyal friend.

Gloria is the youngest of 10 children born to the late Joseph Paul (Garnett) Haywood and Pauline Beatrice Broadus Haywood. She was born on September 1, 1945 in Washington, DC. and was educated in the District of Columbia school system, graduating from Ballou High School in 1963. Soon after high school, she met and married Kenneth Floyd Cantu. Two children (Ena and Keeyan) were born from their union. Gloria was a great mom, devoting her time, attention and affection to raising her children. Her unconditional love nurtured them into adulthood and will always be remembered and cherished. She was for them the “best mom ever…”

In 1990 Gloria married Richard Reid Anderson. The two of them enjoyed vacationing, attending cultural events and spending time with friends. They brought their two families together and Gloria’s love was extended to Rich’s son Gerry and daughter Regina. Rich and Gloria continued in marriage for 31 years until Gloria’s passing.

During her parenting years, Gloria chose to continue her education at American University, obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration (minoring in Human Resources). Working as a Federal Government employee, she quickly excelled from a Clerk at the Department of the Army to a Personnel Consultant at the National Institutes of Health. Her career path allowed her to influence many lives and develop lasting friendships. Gloria retired from the Federal Government in 2003 but continued to spend time with work friends and a group of retired colleagues that called themselves “The Losers”.

Gloria was a lifelong and faithful member of Salem Baptist Church. She served as an usher, a trustee and was a member in several choirs and small groups. She loved to sing and enjoyed sharing her vocal gift with others. Gloria also enjoyed spending time with family and friends, reading, planting flowers, and completing all types of puzzles. She was a woman of style, integrity and grace and wherever she went her smile would light up a room. Gloria epitomized kindness, class and quiet strength.

In 2019 Gloria was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. Exercising her faith in Jesus and her internal strength, she continued to live an independent life and be a care-giver for her husband. She held on to the scripture “ye though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for Thou art with me…” In her final days Gloria glorified God in her suffering. She could often be found giving thanks and singing praises to Jesus in the midst of her pain. She fought a good fight of faith and finished her race well. On Sunday, May 16, 2021 she went home to be with her Lord. Hallelujah!!!

Gloria was preceded in death by her parents Joseph Paul (Garnett) Haywood and Pauline Beatrice Broadus Haywood and her siblings Joseph Earl, James Alvin, Wilbert Randolph, Samuel Melvin, Alonzo Ray, Ellen Elizabeth, Joyce Eunice, Robert David, and Georgia Anna (Ann).

Gloria leaves to cherish her memory a loving husband Richard Anderson, her children Ena Eichelberger (Brian) and Keeyan Cantu, Gary Anderson (Carol) and Regina Anderson, her grandchildren, Khary Anderson, Maya Anderson, Courtney Cantu, Kenneth Cantu, Kyle Cantu and a host of loving family and friends.