Gloria Teresa Leifur

January 27, 1945 – December 22, 2020

Reverend Gloria Teresa Leifur, 75, passed away peacefully in her sleep at her nursing home in Pensacola, on Tuesday, December 22, 2020 at 12:49pm following a long suffering with Alzheimer’s.

She is survived by her two children, Lorna Michelle Leifur Reid (Daniel), Duane Eugene Leifur, Jr (Samantha) and her step son, Michael Leifur Wolfe (Lainey). She also leaves behind four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; two brothers, Michael Brunson (Diane), James Brunson; a sister, Deborah Townsend and many loving nieces and nephews, especially Mandy Stairs. She is predeceased by her parents Jesse and Missie Brunson and her husband, Duane Eugene Leifur, Sr., with whom she shared nearly fifty years.

Teresa joined Holy Cross Episcopal Church, early in its formation, before having a permanent church built on 9th Ave, Pensacola. She was honored with the task of constructing Holy Cross’s iconic stained-glass window, which is the focal point behind the altar. Teresa completed many medical missionary trips to Guatemala, Mexico. She not only helped spread the word of God while assisting medical teams, but also helped construct a small church for a tiny community in the mountains of Moriscos, Mexico where she installed a small replica of Holy Cross’s window.

Teresa graduated from Emory University, Candler School of Theology, in 1995 along with her beloved Golden Retriever, Abigail. She was first positioned as a deacon at St. Monica’s Episcopal Church, Cantonment, Florida from 1995-1997. After her ordination she served in positions at Holy Cross Episcopal Church, Pensacola, St. Immanuel’s Episcopal Church, Bay Minette, Alabama, St. John’s Episcopal Church, Warrington, Florida, St. Anna’s Episcopal Church, Poarch Creek Reservation, Atmore, Alabama. Finishing her career at West Florida Hospital as the Director of Pastoral Care.

Aside from her ministerial work, Teresa was also an accomplished artist in many fields. In addition to stained glass, she also excelled in pottery, the fiber arts, and sewing. She continued sewing through her priesthood making her own vestments as well as vestments for other priests. When not working, she could often be found tending to her garden. Prior to entering the priesthood, Teresa was a very active Girl Scout and Girl Guide Leader to troops in Spain, Japan, and here in the United States. She instilled in the girls of her troops a sense of pride and accomplishment.

Teresa and Duane were among the attendees of the first Cursillo weekend held in the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast and spent many years helping to organize and serve on staff at other Cursillo weekends. This service is what guided her to seek the priesthood.

One thing Teresa would want to pass on to you is this: always remember “The Dash”. The Dash is the smallest mark on the tombstone. It is the mark between birth and death. However, it represents the most significant memories of one’s life. The Dash represents everything that one has accomplished, failed, loved, lost and conquered. Few will remember her birth, and many will be saddened by her death. EVERYONE will remember Teresa’s “Dash”.

In peace, Michelle and Duane Leifur. Special thanks to Mandy Stairs.

In lieu of flowers, the children ask that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.