Gloria Knight Hunter

Gloria Knight Hunter was born on December 17, 1931, in Jacksonville, Florida, to Coleman and Leona Lee. Born prematurely, Gloria began life fighting, and she grew into a woman who was truly a force to be reckoned with. Her strength and spirit would remain defining qualities throughout her life.

She graduated from Andrew Jackson High School and was a longtime resident of Mandarin. She was also a devoted, longtime member of Southpoint Baptist Church, where her faith was an important part of her life.

Gloria married Julian “Bob” Knight, an Army officer, in 1955. She made a home for her family wherever military life took them, living throughout the United States and Europe. They had two children together, Joni Gardner and Julian Robert Knight Jr.

In 1985, Gloria experienced the heartbreaking loss of both her husband and son within a single year. Despite these profound losses, she continued forward with the strength and determination that had carried her through life.

Life brought Gloria an unexpected and beautiful second chapter of love. Jack Hunter became her partner in her later years. Finding one another in their seventies, they discovered a love and companionship that enriched their lives. Jack was devoted to Gloria, and they remained together until their deaths just months apart.

In her later years, Gloria faced a long battle with dementia. Throughout that journey, she was surrounded by the love and devotion of Jack and her daughter, Joni.

Gloria was preceded in death by her parents, Coleman and Leona Lee; her husband, Julian “Bob” Knight; her son, Julian Robert Knight Jr.; and husband Jack Hunter.

She leaves behind daughter, Joni Gardner, and son-in-law, Scott Gardner; her grandchildren, Gabriel Gardner and his wife, Patty; Season Moore and her husband, Jamie; and Noah Gardner; and her great-grandchildren, Julian Moore, Lanie Gardner, Olivia Moore, Isaac Gardner, Andrew Finckel, and Nick Finckel. She is also survived by extended family, including three half-siblings.

A private family graveside service will be held on Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at Jacksonville Memorial Gardens.