Gloria Spires Cook

Gloria Spires Cook, 71, of West Columbia, South Carolina passed away on Thursday, December 21st, 2023. She was born in Lexington, SC on August 1st, 1952 to Dora Sue Porth and Wesley Wilbur Spires. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a brother, Wesley Jerome Spires; a grandson, Justin Michael Whitehurst, and a niece, Jeri Spires.

Gloria graduated from Columbia High School and eventually joined her family’s business, State Wholesale Heating Supplies. She worked there with her father, brother and son until the business was sold in 1995. Gloria co-owned a used car business and then started her own business, The Trophy and Gift Shop in Cayce, South Carolina. Gloria was active in the Greater Cayce West Columbia Chamber of Commerce. In 2008, the Chamber honored her with their Small Business of the Year award. Gloria also enjoyed her involvement in The Woman’s Club of Cayce, especially working on the “Rocketman” tribute concert that benefitted Nancy K. Perry Children’s Shelter.

Gloria is survived by her son, Timothy Lee (Leslie) Whitehurst; two grandsons, Matthew Lee (Emily) Whitehurst and Johnathon Reed McLaurin; one great-grandson, Crawford Lee Whitehurst; three sisters, Betty McWhorter, Patsy (Harvey) Amick, and Nell (Norman) McCarty; and one brother, Roger (Kitty) Spires. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Louise Spires Parker and numerous nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held for Gloria from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM on Thursday, December 28th, 2023 at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home – Lexington Chapel, 503 North Lake Drive, Lexington, SC 29072, with a funeral service to follow at 2:00 PM. A burial will take place after the service at Southland Memorial Gardens, 700 West Dunbar Road, West Columbia, SC 29170.

The family wishes to thank Cindy White for her years of service to Gloria and Agape Lexington Community Hospice Center for their support of the family and wonderful care of Gloria in her final days.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Nancy K. Perry Children’s Shelter at www.nkp4kids.org.