Gloria Louise Lee was born on July 28, 1932, to Edward and Dora Smith in Cleveland, Ohio and was the fifth of 9 children.  Her family moved to Twinsburg when she was eight years old,  where she joined Mt Olive Baptist Church at an early age and remained a faithful member until the Lord called her home.  During her school days, she played a saxophone in an all-girls band and was affectionately known as “Chat” (short for chatterbox) because she loved to talk and socialize with her classmates.  She graduated in 1950 from Twinsburg Public School and went on to become a secretary at White Motors.   She was not only a sister but also confidant to all her siblings thru out their lives (siblings:   Beatrice (Bea), Edward II (Junior), Joseph (Joe), Odessa, Winifred/Rasheeda (Winnie), Lucille (Lucy), Ernestine (Ernie), Wilbur/Sultan (Smitty)

She was married to Tommie Lee and raised eight children.  Through their example, they were able to instill in their children with not only a strong work ethic but also, perseverance to overcome life’s ups and downs. Gloria was a strong woman with an unfailing faith in God and love for her family and friends.   They could always depend on her caring and friendly spirit but also knew she would not hesitate to tell them exactly what was on her mind.

She hosted many get-togethers with her family and friends, that will live on as part of their fondest memories.  She was an awesome cook that could “throw down” in the kitchen from collard greens to roasts, to her dinner rolls that were made from a recipe handed down from generations.  So, you always knew when you went to a get together given by “Glo” that you were guaranteed to have a good time that included delicious food, music, dancing, and games.  Some of her hobbies were playing games (i.e., spades, scrabble, bingo), solving word puzzles, and watching movies.

Gloria was preceded in life by her husband Tommie and children Raymond and Angie.  She is survived by a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, close friends and 6 children (Adie (Humphrey), Cyndi, Van (Steve), Tommie, Ann (Zack), and Pam).

Meanwhile, with grieving hearts, we will forever remember her bright smile and engaging laugh.   As we begin to deal with the huge void caused by her passing, we are thankful that she is now pain free and has gone on to heaven.  Tearfully, we’re taking some solace in picturing her joining God and all her deceased family and friends – making you smile as you think “Oh man, what a joyous reunion that is going to be!!”