Gloria A. Bennett

Her Birth — The journey of Gloria Ann Poullard Bennett has been one that was filled with love for the God she served and the family she simply adored. A native of Palestine, Texas, “Ann” was born on January 6, 1946 to Roger Paul Poullard Sr. and Viola Smith Poullard. She was the eldest of three children and was delighted to take on a nurturing role to her younger brothers, Roger Paul Jr. and Horace Anthony. They each benefited from the strong foundation that was provided by their parents as they grew up in Palestine and were predestined to live purposeful lives. From her father’s previous marriage, Ann was blessed to have four sisters with whom she and her siblings had a unique bond, Lula, Irene, Rita, and Ethel.

Her Life — Ann accepted Christ while she was yet young and united with Grant Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, where she was active in the choir and youth organizations. She was educated in the Palestine Independent School District and was a 1963 graduate of Palestine’s A. M. Story High School. Ann was a member of various school organizations and was a proud member of the A. M. Story Lions’ Marching Band. Following graduation, she studied at Texas Southern University, Houston, Texas. She assumed positions at the University of Houston Main Campus in the Departments of Finance, Provost Office, President’s Office, and Superconductivity Center, retiring after 35 years of service. It was at the University of Houston that she met and bonded with her lifetime friend, Rose Robinson.

Ann married the man who would become her lifetime partner and father of her children, James Bennett Sr., and they remained together for 49 years. They resided in Houston, Texas and became parents of two children, Lisa Donyale and Christopher Edward. Upon her marriage to James, Ann became stepmother to his two children, James Jr and Seirra, developing a loving relationship with both children. As well, they parented their grandson, Karlos (KB) Bennett.

Her Legacy — Ann united with Calvary United Methodist Church, where she devotedly served as Church Treasurer for over 30 years. She also served on the Finance Committee and was a member of the Sanctuary Choir. For her commendable devotion to her church, a recognition service and reception were held in her honor in 2015. Ann maintained faithful friendships with her close friend, Jerelean Moseley Boyd, and other A. M. Story classmates. She served on class reunion committees throughout the years and was contact leader for her class, which held her with the utmost respect. Ann was also a Charter Member of Philia Works of Houston, Inc., where she served on the Finance Committee and worked faithfully in multiple roles. She actively participated in the organization’s Personal Development Program for Children, sponsoring children from her church and in her community. In 2010, she was honored by Philia Works as an “Inspiring Woman” and participated in honoring 446 women over the course of her twelve-year tenure.

Ann was caring in spirit, filling a unique role of mentoring and nurturing those who crossed her path. Throughout her lifetime, she had an amazingly profound impact on many lives because of the compassion she exhibited for those in need. She studied the Holy Scriptures, and she was not only comforted by the Word, but she shared it to encourage others as well. This was a testament to her walk of faith and never-failing love for her Lord and Master.

Ann transitioned to her new life on Thursday, March 10, 2016 from her home in Houston, Texas. She was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, Lula Vallre, Irene Riley, and Ethel Robinson; four brothers-in-law, Arnold Steve Bennett, Willie Bennett, Wealthy Bennett, and Nathaniel Bennett; and four sisters-in-law, Ona Beulah Adams, Lucille Bennett, Hanna Bennett, and Lula Mae Bennett.

Ann’s passion for life and gifts of unconditional love can long be celebrated by those who cherish very fond and loving memories, including her husband, James Bennett Sr.; daughter, Lisa Bennett; son, Christopher Bennett (Shelea); brothers, Roger Paul Poullard Jr. (Patricia) and Horace Poullard; sister, Rita Guillory; goddaughters, Jocellia Orphey and Rhonda Hollins; godsons, Dwayne Donaldson, Duke Gatewood, and Anthony Thomas; brothers-in-law, Rufus Charles Bennett (Martha), Billy Bennett (Sandra), Bobby Bennett (Robin), Clarence Bennett (Diane), and Bill Adams; sisters-in-law, Addie Ruth Mitchell (John); grandchildren, Karlos R. Bennett, Ashley Mitchell-Carter ( Charles Ray Carter), Asja Bennett, Adrianna Tezeno, Shan Bennett, Veronica Prentice, JaKeveya Mitchell, Dominic Prentice, Julius Mitchell, Caleb Bennett, Cobie Bennett, Makiya Bennett and Kiera Bennett Donald Bennett, Donesha Bennett, Alexis Cradle special grand daughter Loryn Orphey; great-grandchildren, Marcello Capurso, Devin Tucker, Alexandria Bennett, and Kaitylin Bennett; maternal uncles, Napoleon Smith (Mildred), Earl Smith, and Leroy Smith Sr. (Victoria); maternal aunts, Beatrice Smith Payne and Margaret Narcisse; and many special nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and wonderful friends.