Gloria E.M. Smith

Gloria E. Manning Smith, our own GEMS, went home to the Lord and her beloved husband on July 9, 2020, 6 months after suffering a stroke. Born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, daughter of the late Walter and Lillian (Seeland) Manning, Gloria graduated from Battin High School in Elizabeth, New Jersey, and went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree from Montclair State University in Montclair, New Jersey. She taught high school Spanish for over 30 years, first starting out in Roselle, then Hillside and finally at Summit High School in Summit, New Jersey. She married Norman Smith, the great love of her life, on March 17, 1970, and they had more than 3 decades together before he died in 2006. After his death, Gloria stayed very active in various organizations, including Church Women United and the Order of St. Luke. She was also an active and involved member of her church, The First United Methodist Church of Toms River, participating in the choir and Vacation Bible School. Anyone who met Gloria, or Glo, as her loving husband called her, was touched by her generous and loving spirit. Gloria would always do whatever you asked of her and never complain. She was unfailingly polite and had a wonderful smile.

Gloria is survived by her stepchildren, Patricia Shute of New Hampshire and James Smith of New Jersey, her nephew Walter Manning and niece Leslie Corbley, both of New Jersey, and her grandchildren, Rachel Shute of Massachusetts, Rebecca Shute of Vermont, Amanda Shute of New Hampshire, and James Smith III of New Jersey. She also leaves behind many other family members and countless friends. Gloria was predeceased by her parents; siblings, Jean (Manning) Lawhead, Betty Manning, and Richard Manning; and husband as well as her stepdaughter, Charlotte Rose.

A Celebration of Life will occur when the many people whose lives were touched by the light of Gloria can give her the true sendoff she deserves, once it is safe for all of us to gather together and lift our voices in song and praise for the wonderful gift of Gloria in our lives. In honor of Gloria, in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Unbroken Warriors (https://www.unbrokenwarriors.org) or the charity of your choice. This will reflect her generous spirit and the impact she had on so many people.