Gloria Sue Rehnquist

Gloria Sue Rehnquist, née Holden, passed away peacefully on October 10, 2026, at the age of 77. She was born on November 20, 1948, in Texarkana, Arkansas, to Dora Dean Burns and Allen N. Holden. Gloria was a resident of Burleson, Texas.

Raised in Texarkana, Memphis, and Bossier City, Gloria’s early years were shaped by the rhythm of family life across more than one hometown. She was especially influenced by her Aunt Alice and Uncle Lewis, whose steady presence and care helped anchor her as she grew. From an early age, Gloria learned the value of work and responsibility—lessons reinforced by her mother, Dora, whose example emphasized perseverance and the importance of doing what needed to be done.

Gloria began working young, helping her grandmother prepare and sell sub sandwiches when she was only 12 years old. Over the years, she built a long and dependable work life, including positions in accounting at the Winn-Dixie main office, Decorama in Irving, Dials Building Hardware, and Piper Weatherford, where she worked for 33 years before retiring in October 2014. Of all her jobs, she especially enjoyed her time at Winn-Dixie.

In 1985, Gloria was baptized at Holy Cross Episcopal Church. Her favorite Bible verse was John 3:16.

In June 1991, Gloria married Gerald Rehnquist, and together they had five children. She was thankful for Todd, Tony, and Gina, and she cherished time spent with her children, grandchildren, and extended family. Gloria’s love for her family ran deep, even when it was not always expressed in easy or conventional ways. Known for speaking her mind plainly and for a sharp, memorable sense of humor, she could be direct and strong-willed; yet those closest to her recognized the care beneath it—often shown through what she did, from holding tightly to family traditions and memories to spoiling her grandchildren by buying them clothes and helping provide for those she loved.

Gloria enjoyed bingo and shopping. In earlier years she loved roller skating, and later she enjoyed dancing, R&B music, spaghetti, and the song “Rockin’ Robin.” Her presence was unmistakable—marked by candor, laughter, and a way of leaving an impression that did not fade quickly.

Gloria was preceded in death by her husband, Jeri Rehnquist; her mother, Dora Burns; and her father, Allen Holden.

She is survived by her children: Thomas Anthony Carey (Tony) of Fort Worth, Texas; Todd Allen Carey (Susan) of Burleson, Texas; and Gina Nicole Colfry of Burleson, Texas; and by her sons Ronnie Rehnquist of California and Gene Rehnquist of California; and by her daughter Doddie M. Snow (Derek) of Arlington, Texas. She is also survived by her sister Joy D. Elliott (George) of Arkansas; her brother Bill Young (Debbie) of Tennessee; and her uncle Lewis F. Burns of Arkansas, along with 14 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Gloria’s family will remember a woman who valued honesty and sincerity, who could be outspoken and funny in the same breath, and who—through determination, effort, and steadfast presence—left a lasting mark on the people she loved. Her memory will be carried forward in the stories shared, the traditions kept, and the family bonds she held close.

Cremation arrangements have been made. Gloria’s favorite flowers were hot-pink chrysanthemums, and her favorite color was red.