The only child of William Luton and Gladys Allen Stinson, Gloria was born in Ardmore, OK on February 15th, 1927. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Piano Performance from Texas Women’s University in 1948. Following graduation, Gloria married the love of her life, Bob Banks. Throughout the next ten years, Gloria, Bob, and their family moved frequently for Bob’s career with Celanese, going from Pampa, TX, to Berkeley Heights, NJ, to Asheville, NC, back to Pampa, TX, eventually settling in Greenville in 1965.
Teaching sixth grade English and social studies at Hughes Middle School for twenty-five years contributed to Gloria’s wonderfully witty sense of humor, as well as her endearing forthright manner.
Gloria married Don Ormsby in 1990, following Bob’s death in 1985. Gloria began water coloring, revealing a remarkable talent. Her favorite subjects to paint were God’s beautiful flowers. Gloria also loved the pastime of Ikebana, the Japanese art form of arranging living flowers, through which she was able to further reveal the beauty of nature. She cultivated a love of flowers and plants in her daughters and her granddaughters.
Gloria is survived by her children: San Dee Banks Sheftall, Bix Banks, and Bart Banks (Becky); her grandchildren: Lauren Sheftall Riley (Nick), Zach Banks (Candace), Carly Banks, Jay Banks, and Anna Banks; and her great-granddaughter, Bentley Banks; her sister-in-law, Jayne Banks Austin; and her nephew, Kim Austin.
Sign online guestbook: www.mackeymortuary.com.
The funeral service will be held 11:00 AM Friday, November 23, 2018 at Mackey Funerals and Cremations Century Drive, with visitation an hour prior beginning 10:00 AM. A private graveside service will follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in honor of Gloria’s vibrant life to the following: Interim Hospice, 16 Hyland Road, Greenville, SC 29615 or to Christ Episcopal Church, 10 N. Church Street, Greenville, SC 29601. Arrangements by Mackey Funerals and Cremations Century Drive, 864-232-6706.
