Gloria Jeannette Wilson

Gloria Jeannette Wilson, 76, of Columbia, South Carolina, passed away peacefully surrounded by friends and family members at Providence Hospital on December 26, 2025. She brought joy and laughter to all who knew her. She will be remembered for her strength, compassion, generosity, and loving devotion to her family, friends, and animals.

She is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth Wilson of Columbia; her sister and brother-in-law, Linda and Barry Hunter of Columbia; her companion, Leo Sauer of Greensboro, Georgia; her dear friend, Tom Elliott Sr. of Eastover; 11 nieces and nephews, and countless family members and friends who loved her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her sisters, Christine O'Kelley, Dorothy Hull, and Joyce Gammons; brother, Clyde "Buck" Wilson; niece, Sharon Rombough; and nephews, Mike Hull and Wayne Gammons.

Gloria was born the fifth of six children on August 3, 1949, to the late Gary Thomas and Flossie Mae (Woodle) Wilson in Eastover, SC. She and her parents were members of Oak Grove Baptist Church and were active in the Richland County Democratic Party. Her parents instilled in her a strong sense of duty to help those in need and to do so without a grudging heart, and that is how she lived her life.

Following her graduation from Lower Richland High School, Gloria worked for Richland County for 37 years. A proud public servant, she began her career as a secretary in the Office of the Treasurer and retired as the Chairman of the Board of Voter Registration. As a supervisor, she found meaning in providing opportunities for and mentoring her coworkers. She was the first person in her family to attend college and earned an associate's degree from the University of South Carolina while working full time.

Gloria continued to work for several years as a receptionist at Life Care Center of Columbia following her retirement. She loved getting to know the patients and their family members. Wearing her classic pearls, she brightened everyone's day by greeting them with her big beautiful smile and vivacious spirit.

In her final decade, she reconnected with her old sweetheart Leo Sauer, and gained a new community of friends at Lake Oconee in Greensboro, GA. Together they enjoyed traveling, camping, attending NASCAR races, tending their garden, taking boat rides, and caring for Doggy Dog and Kit Cat. They attended Harmony Baptist Church in Eatonton, GA.

Gloria was devoted to her daughter, Elizabeth. She was active as a mother at Timmerman School and saw to it that Elizabeth received a college education at The George Washington University. Together they were politically active, volunteering on Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign and advocating for women's rights.

Gloria was a member of Bethel United Methodist Church in Columbia. She was a gracious hostess who enjoyed cooking and entertaining. All were welcome in her home and at her dinner table.

There will be a visitation from 5 until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel. Funeral and burial details will be forthcoming.