Gloria Jean McGirr

Born in Elyria, Ohio, on December 15, 1945, Gloria was the last surviving sibling of five. At age 19, her adventurous spirit led her to San Diego, California. It was there, at Calvary Temple on Normal Street, that she met the love of her life, Donald McGirr. They were married on January 27, 1967, beginning a beautiful 59-year journey of partnership and faith.

Gloria was a woman of remarkable capability. Throughout their many moves across Southern California, she reinvented herself professionally to provide for her family, serving as a school bus driver, real estate agent, and human resources professional for General Dynamics and Computer Science Corporation. Her leadership was legendary; while volunteering for her son’s high school band boosters, she famously turned the program’s finances around, eventually raising enough funds to send the entire band to Europe.

In 2005, she moved to Central Texas to be a grandmother, a role she cherished above all others. Whether she was playing a game of dominoes, enjoying a fresh cup of coffee, or watching a Christmas movie, Gloria’s infectious laugh and radiant smile could brighten any room. Her family fondly remembers her not-so-subtle "Find My" app checks, a modern testament to her constant care and desire to know her family was safe.

Above all, Gloria loved Jesus. She was a natural leader in her church and spent her life making sure those around her knew they were loved by God.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her four brothers, and her beloved son, Shawn.

She is survived by her husband, Donald; her sons, Anthony (Melissa) and Joseph (Cheryl); her cherished granddaughters, Kaitlin, Bridget, and Madison; her grandsons, Samuel, Jeremiah (Makayla), David, and Benjamin; and her great-grandson, Timothy.

Celebration of Life—A service honoring Gloria’s life and legacy—will be held on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at 10:30 AM CT at:

Glad Tidings Leander

1006 N US Hwy 183

Leander, TX 78641

In keeping with Gloria’s heart, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, you honor her memory by finding a Bible-believing church home and giving your life to God—the only thing she believed truly mattered.