Her survivors include husband, Roger Mason of Louisville, MS; daughter, Kelly (Walley) Joyner of Madison, MS; sons Chris Mason of Grenada, MS and Ryan (Laura Catherine) Mason of Vestavia Hills, AL; three grandchildren, Mason and Jackson Joyner, and Bailey Mason; brothers, Ford (Martha Lynn) Bailey of Madison, MS and Hall (Carole) Bailey of Jackson, MS; sisters-in-law, Kathy (Mac) McLemore of Madison, MS and Karen (Larry) Vance of Grenada, MS; two nephews and six nieces; and a special cousin, Joy (Frank) Gifford of Rockland, ME. She was preceded in death by her parents, Cliff and Fran Bailey.
Gloria was born in Temple, TX on December 19, 1945 and spent her childhood in Grenada, MS. She married the love of her life and high school sweetheart on July 20, 1968. They were blessed with three children and eventually three grandchildren. Two of Gloria’s most treasured roles were that of “Momma” and “Gogo”
Gloria was a faithful member of Louisville First United Methodist Church, having been involved in various ministries. Her heart for children was seen in her years of teaching elementary Sunday School, her involvement in the Good News Club, and her 28 years of classroom teaching.
Another huge part of Gloria’s life was her involvement with the Walk to Emmaus. Since 1988 she had served on Walks in both the Koinonia Community and the North MS Emmaus Community, where she also served on the board.
One of the advantages of dying of melanoma is that you can write your own obituary. In the days I had left, I treasured time spent with my family and friends. I want to thank the many special people who were there for us with their love, support, calls, visits, food, and especially their prayers. I truly had 72 years that were beyond blessed. These past several years I experienced God’s presence in deeper ways than ever before. He gave me such a peace that passed my understanding (Philipians 4:7), and the promise He was going before me and would never leave me (Deuteronomy 31:8). Today, because of my father’s perfect plan, I am more alive than I’ve ever been.
So to those I’m leaving for a while, remember in every test or trial to do your best and give God the glory, make each day count, love those around you, stay close to Jesus, and look forward to your eternal home!
Pallbearers will be Rob Yates, Cliff Hudson, Patrick Morgan, Taylor Harris, Jeff Walton, and Casey Skelton.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 523, Louisville, MS, 39339, or Christian World Missions, Orphans in India, P.O. Box 985, Starkville, MS 39760.
To sign the guest book, go to www.porterfuneralhome.net.
