Gloria Willingham

Gloria was born on Mother's day 1934.

She was married on Christmas day 1954, the 25th anniversary of her parents, Grace and Al Ramquist.

In September of 1957 she visited George Washington University Hospital in Washington D.C. anticipating the arrival of her first born.

While there she changed her mind, held her breath and the child was born on Oct. 8th 1957, the 50th birthday of Gloria's mother.

Her marriage to Elbert Willingham was blessed with two daughters, Gwendolyn Grace and Cynthia Marie, 5 granddaughters, Natalie,Melissa,Jennifer,Jessica,and Valerie.  Two great granddaughters Angelica and Roxie and one great grandson, Grady.

She felt that teaching was her life's calling, so she prepared with studies in Horace Mann grade school, Central jr. High school and Southwest High School in KCMO.  She did her undergraduate work at Southern Nazarene University and received Masters Degrees from UMKC and KU.  She taught many years in the public schools of Maryland, Virginia, and Johnson County, KS.

It seems the impact of her work is indicated by numerous students contacting her years and decades later to express their gratitude for her influence in their lives.

Her commitment to her Savior Jesus Christ found expression in her service to the Church, KC First Church of the Nazarene.

Among other duties she served many years as the lay leader for the church Mission Program.  She felt that Missionary work could and should be interesting and exciting.  She arranged for many guest speakers, planned many special events such as dinner, banquets, fundraising and promotions.

She helped to choose and lead many Work and Witness trips to Africa, Paris, India, Ecuador, Albania, and the Philippians as well as areas of need in the U.S..

Her family and friends strongly believe that her life clearly gave witness to her often expressed desire "to be a hand maiden of the Lord".