Gloria Smith Pace

Gloria Franklin Smith Pace of Richmond, devoted wife, mother, mother-in-law, sister, sister-in-law, grandmother, and great-grandmother, peacefully passed away Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at the age of 92.

Born on October 10, 1932, in Richmond to the late Benjamin and Ellen Smith, Gloria grew up in South Richmond and later made her home in Chesterfield County with her late husband, Douglas Pace, where she lived most of her life.

Gloria is lovingly survived by her blessed children, Roslyn (Joe) Oliveri, Vicki (Jeff) Gaffney, Jason Pace, and Alison (Jim) Byerly; also, her cherished grandchildren, Neal (Lauren) Bass, Anne-Paige Bass, Casey (Mackie) Chase, Sawyer Gaffney, Draden Gaffney, Sarah Pace, Drew Pace, and Winston Pace; and her beloved grand dogs, Shaury and Anto; and her great grandchildren Kinsley Bass, Kasen Bass, and Averi Utley. Gloria is also survived by her brother Danny Smith, and his wife Dianne, whose care and love were a constant in her life.

A proud graduate of John Marshall High School, Gloria was active in basketball, field hockey and softball, often competing at the state level. She was the sponsor to the Captain of Company “B” Cadet Corps, Douglas Pace, her high school sweetheart and love of her life, whom she married on March 15, 1952, at Bainbridge Baptist Church. Gloria began her professional life at C&P Telephone but soon dedicated herself fully to raising her family.

Gloria was a dedicated mother and wonderful homemaker who took great joy in attending every recital, sporting event, concert and performance that her children participated in. She extended that same loving support to her grandchildren, always present with a warm smile and encouraging heart. Her home was known for its welcoming spirit and unforgettable delicious meals; from Sunday lunches after church, to Thanksgiving Turkeys and fabulous Christmas celebrations filled with conversation, joy, laughter and tradition.

A charter member of Huguenot Road Baptist Church, Gloria served faithfully as the Nursery Director for over 30 years and participated in the Women’s Missionary Union (WMU) and many Bible study groups. Her present membership is with River Road Church, Baptist.

Gloria’s generous spirit shone brightly in her volunteer work. Among her many contributions, she cherished volunteering for the 1996 Olympics held in Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia. She also volunteered in the Gift Shop of Retreat Hospital, worked in the neighborhood Crestwood Farms Association, and served at the Polls as an Election official for many years. She regularly was a State Fair Welcome Volunteer helping children for a day of fun. Gloria was a member of the James River Women’s Club of the Lee District and was elected to President for a term and active in many philanthropic projects there. She belonged to both the Garden Club in Bon Air and the Manchester Moose Lodge.

She and Douglas shared a love for dancing, co-founding the Electric Dance Space with friends and joyfully attending dance events and Escapades. Gloria’s love of sports found expression in tennis, which she played competitively in the Suburban League through Midlothian Athletic Club, Briarwood Club, and Bon Air – continuing to play until age 79.

Gloria was a gracious, generous woman, wife, mother, grandmother and friend whose life was defined by love, hospitality, faith, and a deep commitment to her family and community. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched with her warmth, humor, and steady care.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to those who supported Gloria with love and compassion during her final years, especially her brother and sister-in-law, Danny and Dianne Smith; devoted neighbors Beverly and Asbury McNeer; and her kind caregiver, Carmen Melendez.

Gloria’s Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held Thursday, July 24, 2025, at Woody Funeral Home on 1771 N. Parham Road in Richmond, Virginia. A reception begins at 12:00 p.m. noon followed by a 1:00 p.m. Service in the Woody’s Chapel. The Graveside Service will take place at Westhampton Memorial Park at 2:00 pm.

The family requests, in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond: https://doorbox.org/bgcmr