Gloria was born on June 10, 1931, in Galveston, TX to Rachel (Corpus) and Joseph Rabago. She had an active childhood and joined as many organizations and clubs as she could possibly squeeze into a day. Archery and golfing were her favorite sports, but above all she loved music. She played the accordion and sang beautifully. As a teen, she sang at numerous weddings, parties, school events, and bonfires on the beach. Galveston's local Bishop frequently requested Gloria's presence to sing for guests at the Bishop's Palace. She was also invited to sing on Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts Show. At 16 years of age, she started working for Stewart Title Company.
Gloria married in 1951 and she and her husband, Jim, moved to El Paso where he was stationed in the Army at Fort Bliss.
After the birth of their third child in 1959, El Paso Natural Gas Company transferred the family to Farmington, NM. In 1963 another transfer, this time with Cardinal Petroleum Corporation which landed the family in Midland, TX. Gloria enjoyed raising her children and participating in Girl Scouts, Vacation Bible School, PTA, and Little League. Gloria joined First Baptist Church and later became a choir member and sang for the next fifty-plus years.
After going through a divorce in 1965, she realized she was going to raise her children as a single parent and needed to join the workforce. She was hired as a secretary for Realtor, Don Johnson, which began the start of her real estate career. She attended classes and earned her realtor’s license and throughout the years worked for Don Harvey, Langston Monarch, and Coldwell Banker. She was a member of ABWA and the Midland Board of Realtors. While selling houses and raising children she managed to volunteer her time with Meals on Wheels, Live on Stage, First Baptist Church Flower Committee, Christmas Toy Wrap, and much more.
Gloria thoroughly enjoyed baking and cooking and was known for her Italian Cream Cake. Also, she and her close friend, Bud, entered and placed in many BBQ, bean, and chili contests.
Gloria would always say how blessed she was to have her precious children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends. Gloria walked with God and lived a beautiful and fulfilling life. She shared her love for Christ with everyone she met.
Gloria was preceded in death by her parents and brother Rueben Rabago.
She is survived by her children, Sherilyn Lott Engel and husband Tracy, Gayette Lott Eicher and James Thomas Lott, Jr. She is also survived by her eleven grandchildren and nineteen great-grandchildren: Joshua Clifton (wife Heather and daughter, Lila), Jeremiah Clifton (wife Kendra and son, Benji), Jaime Airington (and her children, Harrison, Grace, Spencer, and Ella Bleu); Joey Eicher (and his children, Ace, Archie, Sevy, and Radko), Jake Eicher (wife Lauren and daughters, Elizabeth and Madeleine), Abby Eicher; James Ryan Lott (and his children, Ryley, Jadon, Ruby, and Saylor), Shawn Lott (and daughter, Ophelia); Gina Lott Toscano (husband Dustin and son, Khai), Eric Lott (wife Elana and daughter, Navi); Natalie Megan.
A memorial service celebrating Gloria’s life is to be held on Friday, January 20, 2023, at 1:00 PM in the Chapel at First Baptist Church, 2104 W Louisiana Ave in Midland, where Dr. Darin Wood is to officiate.
In lieu of flowers, the family gratefully requests that donations in Gloria’s memory be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Shriners Hospital for children.
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