Gloria Jane Whitaker

Gloria Jane Cerda Whitaker, age 76, passed away on Saturday, January 17, 2026, in Benton, Louisiana. Gloria was born October 1, 1949, in Louisville, Kentucky to Louis Daniel and Almeda Earl Funk Cerda.

Gloria devoted more than three decades to a successful career in banking and was a commissioned notary public. In addition, she held the honorary title of Duchess of Arkansas with the Krewe of Gemini.

She was an avid gardener and loved traveling the world. She never missed a chance to celebrate—especially during Mardi Gras—and she truly loved a good party. Above all else, she cherished her family and extended family and loved them endlessly.

Gloria is survived by her daughters, Melissa Capella and Tonya Colvin; son, Kelly Whitaker; grandchildren, Taylor Whitaker and wife Brittany, Abigail Colvin, and Aiden Colvin; great grandchildren, Anniston and Everly Whitaker; brother, Jim Cerda; nephew, Jimmy Cerda; niece, Angela Cerda; her partner, Ted Bryson; grand dogs, Cooper, Lucy, Gigi, Rufus, and Hank; grand cat, Binx; grand horses, Liberty Bell and Maggie.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Almeda Cerda and her husband, Herbert Louis Whitaker.

Pallbearers will be Taylor Whitaker, Kelly Whitaker, Aiden Colvin, Bryan Colvin, Jimmy Cerda, Alex Hargiss, Aaron Echols, and Caleb Adger.

A visitation for Gloria will be held Thursday, January 22, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Hill Crest Memorial Funeral Home, 601 Hwy 80 E., Haughton, Louisiana 71037. A celebration of life will take place on Friday, January 23, 2026 at 10:00 AM at Hill Crest Memorial Funeral Home, with Fr. Karl Daigle officiating.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Bossier Parish Sheriff, Bossier Coroners office, and Benton Fire department.