Gloridia Faye Williams

Gloridia Faye Williams was born on October 8, 1955, in Mount Enterprise, Texas to the honorable Rev. Rochelle and Verline Williams. She was the 11th child of 13 and resided in Texas until 1959. At the tender age of 3, the family decided to relocate to the historic neighborhood of Watts. Located in South Central, Los Angeles, CA.

Gloridia received her education in the Los Angeles Unified School District and graduated from Jordan High School in 1973. She would go on to study at Trade Tech College and received a certificate of Nursing. She became employed as a CNA in 1975 at the Beverly Palm Hospital in Los Angeles. She worked there for several years.

Around the same time, she met and fell in love with Michael Gannaway. From their union together, they conceived a beautiful baby girl. On August 4, 1981, Gloridia gave birth to her first child, Veronica Marion Gannaway. The romantic relationship she had with Michael ended shortly thereafter. The mutual respect for one another, as well as the love both parents shared for their precious daughter, lead to an exemplary decade long, friendship and co-parenting relationship.

Gloridia would soon find love again when she met Al Snow. After a brief courtship, they were married in April of 1982 in Los Angeles, California. On April 21st of this year 2022, they would have celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary.

On August 8, 1983, a little over a year of being married, they welcomed their first child together, a lovely daughter named Elizabeth Joyce into the world. Two more children would follow--- Ruby Jane on April 30, 1985, and their one and only son, George Mack Snow, on December 1, 1987.

Gloridia and her family remained in Los Angeles for several more years. After many trials and tribulations, she and Al made the decision to move back to her home state of Texas in search of a better life and to be closer to her elderly parents. There she experienced a variety of occupations, mostly in the nursing and skilled care sector. She had a passion for people and enjoyed helping those in need. But no matter where she was employed, her main priority was always taking care of her family.

Her children were her pride and joy. She sacrificed a lot to make sure they got opportunities and things that were not readily available to her as a child. She made sure they strived for excellence in all that they did, and constantly stressed the importance of getting a good education. The most important thing she did while raising them was to train them up in the knowledge of God, teaching them hymns, Bible verses, prayers and made sure they attended church faithfully, just as she did throughout her life.

The family remained in East Texas for several years, from the mid-to-late 90s and into the early 2000’s, until her children finished school and left home. Then in 2010, Gloridia would relocate one final time to the city of Houston, Texas to join her adult children, who were now parents themselves, and to be an active part of her grandchildren’s lives.

While in Houston, Gloridia attended Victory Temple Church of God for many years. Although she had already been baptized and dedicated her life to Christ at a very young age, on July 15, 2018, she made the decision to rededicate her life to Christ. This decision could not have been made at a better time. Unbeknownst to us all, she would only have a few short years left this side of Heaven.

The last few years of her life were spent contending with a series of ailments and health issues that she would ultimately succumb to. As her health took a turn for the worst and her body began to fail her, she never complained. She remained the strong and vivacious woman she had always been, and the woman that many had come to know and love.

Gloridia never met a stranger. Her quick wit, bold humor, infectious smile, and childlike charm were hard to resist. If those characteristics didn’t win you over, perhaps her unmatched generosity, warm hospitality, or peaceful nature would. She was one of a kind. A truly genuine and authentic human being in an increasingly artificial world.

She attracted and related to people of all ages, statures, colors, and creeds. Her friends were as varied as her interests. She was a creative soul, and she used her fashion and love of the art to demonstrate this. She loved good music, good movies, good books, and especially good food. She loved life and its many celebrations. Anyone who spent time in her presence knew they were in for a good time, a good belly laugh, and an overall unforgettable experience.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory her husband of 40 years, Al Snow; three daughters, Veronica Gannaway (Eddie), Elizabeth Washington (Richard), Ruby Taylor (Archie); and one son, George Snow (Demi); eight grandchildren, Mia Weeks, Genesis Pina, Jade Castaneda, Emerald Pleasant, Czarion Turner, Hunter Washington, Journey Taylor, and Sophia Snow; and one great granddaughter, Willow Greenhill.

Also left to cherish her memory are four sisters: Aretha “Hen” Hasley (Earnest), Brenda Pratt (Edward), Marilyn Wisner (John), and Vickie Mumphrey (Johnny); one brother, Rochelle Williams Jr. She also leaves behind an aunt, uncle, cousins, a huge host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Gloridia was proceeded in death by five sisters: Vivian Sartor, Estelle Duresseau, Barbara Williams, Shirley Woolbright, and Dorthie “Porchea” Williams; two brothers, Earselle Williams and Kenneth Williams; her parents, Rochelle and Verline Williams; maternal grandparents, Powell and Lizzie Chambers; paternal grandparents, Brady and Anna Williams.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ForestParkLawndaleFH.com for the Williams family.