Gloria Swanson Milner

Gloria Swanson Diggs Milner was born on 28 November 1926 in Allegheny County Pennsylvania to James Clayton Diggs and Anna Lee Gidney Diggs. She was the second of three absolutely marvelous siblings: the late James Clayton Diggs Jr. and the late Melo Catherine Myers.

Gloria Swanson received her formal education in Rockingham, North Carolina, after graduation from High School she attended Beauty College in Durham North Carolina where she met her husband of over 67 years and to this union came nine children. Shortly thereafter her husband returned to military service in the Navy which required her as a dedicated Navy wife to constantly relocate up and down the eastern coast of United States, eventually being stationed in San Diego California. Upon SCPO Ernest H Milner’s retirement from Naval Service she received a personal commendation from the Commanding Officer for her consistent loyal and dedicated support to her husband throughout his outstanding Naval career.

Gloria Swanson came to know Jesus as her Lord and Savior and was baptized at an early age. After arriving in San Diego she affiliated with Encanto Southern Baptist Church and was a devoted member of the church for over 50 years. She loved her church family and did everything that she could the support the ministry, she song in the choir and served on many boards and auxiliaries during her tenure at Encanto Southern Baptist Church. Additionally, Gloria Swanson along with her husband conducted weekly worship services for the patients and staff at the Brighton Place Skilled Nursing Facility in San Diego California. She enjoyed spreading the gospel and LOVED PRAISING THE LORD.

Gloria Swanson loved her family and friends unconditionally, she was an exceptionally loyal, kind, dedicated and trustworthy individual who often spoke of the importance of family and friends emphasizing the importance of having a “together loving” family with no division. Gloria Swanson was exceptionally dedicated to her family, she supported and loved each of her children equally, she was a wonderful person inside and out.

Gloria Swanson was also preceded in death by her husband Ernest Harris Milner Sr. of Camphill, Alabama; her son Ronald Milner of San Diego California; her grandson Larry Donald Milner Jr. of San Diego, California; her nephew James Clayton Diggs III of Victorville California; Son in Law Pastor Robert Covington of New York City and Daughter in Law Tammi Milner of San Diego California.

Gloria Swanson leaves to cherish her memory eight children: her daughters Sylvia Covington of New York City, and Flora M Slaughter (Louis) of Pensacola Florida; her sons: Ernest H Milner of Menifee, California; Norman V Milner (Praise) of Moreno Valley, California; Floyd E Milner (Cher) of Riverside, California; Eric K Milner (Paula) of San Bernardino, California; Larry D Milner (Vivian) and James C Milner of San Diego, California.

Gloria Swanson also leaves to cherish her memory along with a host of friends 39 grandchildren; 41 great grand children; 2 nephews; and 4 nieces; all treated her so kindly, she loved each of them so dearly.

Gloria Swanson additionally leaves a very special thank you to her Daugther in Law Vivian Milner for the dedicated support and care over the past eight years.

Finally Gloria Swanson leaves to cherish her memory her church family, especially Dr. Don Conley and his wife Barbara; Pastor Robert Pope and his wife Linda; Deacon Richard White and his wife Eleanor who helped her grow closer to our Lord and Savior each and everyday, she respected and loved each of them dearly.

A visitation for Gloria will be held Thursday, March 7, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Cypress View Mausoleum, Mortuary and Crematory, 3953 Imperial Ave, at S 40th St, San Diego, CA 92113. A funeral service will occur Friday, March 8, 2024 from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM at Encanto Southern Baptist Church, 6020 Akins Ave, San Diego, CA 92114. A graveside service will occur Friday, March 8, 2024 from 2:15 PM to 3:00 PM at Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Drive, San Diego, CA 92122.