Gloria Inez (Dodds) Wallace

Gloria Inez Dodds Wallace was born to the late Edward and Lucille Dodds on September 5, 1946, in James City County, Williamsburg, VA. She received her heavenly rest on July 23, 2025. 

At an early age, Gloria accepted the Lord as her personal Savior and began her Christian walk at Little Zion Baptist Church in the Grove Community of Williamsburg, VA. She later joined hands in fellowship with Shiloh Baptist Church in Yorktown, where she served as a deaconess, sang in the Voices of Inspiration choir (president), the Senior Choir, and as a Youth Ministry leader for several years. Gloria received the distinguished honor of deaconess emeritus after several faithful years of service.

She is a graduate of Bruton Heights School in Williamsburg, VA, where she served as the captain of the cheerleading squad. Gloria worked professionally at the Williamsburg Community Hospital in several capacities.  Her most celebrated and last position held was phlebotomist. She was so good at her job that people would go to the hospital and ask for her by name when they needed their blood drawn.  When Williamsburg Community closed its doors, she was the longest tenured employee and had the honor of ceremonially turning off the lights. After 40 years of dedicated service, she retired in 2005.

Gloria loved a good crossword puzzle and games on her iPad.  As a lover of reading, she could often be found reading God’s Word and participating in Bible study from her bed. She was a great supporter of her children’s sporting activities in their youth, whether it was football, basketball, or baseball. There is even a rumor that she ran the football field as Brian ran for a touchdown. Her greatest love outside of her family was thrift shopping. She was known by all the local shops when she was out and about.

Gloria was preceded in death by her parents, Deacon Edward Dodds and Reverand Lucille Dodds; her brothers, King Edward Dodds, Jerry Dodd, and Johnny Dodds; and her sister, Gwendolyn Johnson; as well as her loyal fur baby, Shadow.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving husband of 60.5 years, Lloyd Wallace, Jr.; daughter Lora Saunders (Gary); sons, Brian Wallace and Lloyd “Spencer” Wallace, III; granddaughters, Letesea Wallace, and Jessyka Wallace; four great-grands; a special aunt and caregiver Amanda Roberts; her lifelong friends, Elaine Evans and Janet Carr; goddaughters, Lynette Hopson and Janee Arrington; and a multitude of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

A service to celebrate Gloria’s life will be held at noon on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at Shiloh Baptist Church. Interment to follow in the church cemetery. At the family's request, there will be no public viewing.

Professional services have been entrusted to the staff of Whiting’s Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185. 757-229-3011 whitingsfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gloria Inez (Dodds) Wallace, please visit our floral store.