Gloria Wingo Wallace

Gloria Wingo Wallace passed away into eternal life on June 28, 2020. She was the fifth child born to the late Willie F. and Bessie B. Wingo, on October 23, 1932. She added great style, spirit, and value to everyone she touched. She delighted in doing whatever she could do to help people, even sharing her knowledge and resources with others. Her light shined bright and intensely.

Gloria received her early education in the public schools of Amelia, Virginia and Jamaica, New York; graduating from high school in 1949.  She matriculated to Norfolk State University, where she lived with her first cousin, Donald C. Wingo and his wife, Emma Lee. She received her B.S. degree from Virginia State University in Petersburg, VA, and her first job was with the school system in Williamsburg, Virginia. During the summer months, she continued her education through courses offered at Syracuse University and Old Dominion University.

Shortly after arriving in Williamsburg, Va. Gloria was introduced to Wilbert “Jack Rabbit” Wallace, and on July 9, 1955, they were married in Norfolk, Virginia. Unto this union, they were blessed with two beautiful and loving children, Karen and Wilbert, Jr. By this time Gloria had lost both of her parents and she and her new family had become endeared to Donald and Emma Lee Wingo, who had no children of their own. In 1962, they legally adopted Gloria as their daughter and became proud parents and grandparents.

Gloria or “Glo- B” as many knew her, was an educator throughout her entire life. She had a very successful career as a teacher in the Williamsburg- James City and York counties public schools, retiring in 1991. During her thirty-six years as an educator, she touched the lives of many and was highly respected by her co-workers and administrators. She was an inspiration to her students as she not only taught the subject matter but also shared important information that would aid them in becoming better students and productive citizens. She dedicated many extra hours after school to those students who needed extra help, or who merely needed someone to listen to them.

Throughout her life in Williamsburg, James City County, and York County, Gloria participated in numerous volunteer and professional organizations, including; JCC Board of Zoning Appeals, Williamsburg Retired Teachers Association, Block Captain for various drives, York County Teachers Association, and she is credited with organizing the charter of Lambda Lambda Omega and Nu Chi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She served as the first president of Lambda Lambda Omega Chapter and the first graduate advisor of Nu Chi Chapter at the College of William and Mary. She held a life membership in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, which she graciously remained active in for over fifty years. She was also a member of The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and the Williamsburg Retired Teachers Association.

Gloria was a former member of Mt. Gilead Baptist Church where she held the position of typist for over forty years.  She headed the first Grant Writing Ministry in the Church and sang with the Senior Choir, served on the Altar Guild, the Welcome Ministry, and the Silver Saints Ministry. When she wasn’t involved in one of her many interests, Gloria could be found reading the latest novel, playing bridge, watching a current movie, or playing pinochle with her club members, a group organized by her that existed for over 50 years.

Gloria believed in living life to the fullest, especially during her retirement years where she was always ready to travel, even if it was only to Maryland to spend some quality time with her granddaughter, whom she affectionately called “Precious”. Her loving family and close friends will long remember her zest for life and her very large heart. Gloria Wingo Wallace is now in her transition journey to be welcomed by her relatives and friends on the other side.

She leaves a void for those who knew her well, especially those who loved her the most, namely, her daughter, Karen Wallace of Owings Mills, MD; son, Wilbert Mason Wallace, Jr, who lived in the home; granddaughters, Regine Karae Wallace Strand of Owings Mills, Md and Danielle Williams of Newport News, Va; great-granddaughter, Ayeonna Williams of Newport News, Va; two sisters, LaVerne Wingo Cooper and Thelma Wingo, both of Richmond, Va; two brothers, Sandie C. Wingo of Kew Gardens, NY, and Robert L. Wingo of Richmond, VA; a host of nieces, nephews, and many friends whose lives she touched.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, July 9, 2020, at Whiting’s Chapel.  Due to the current health pandemic, face coverings and social distancing will need to be adhered to.  Facebook Livestream will be available for this service.  Flowers are appreciated or donations can be made in honor of Mrs. Gloria B. Wingo Wallace to Lambda Lambda Omega Chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. P. O. Box 918, Williamsburg, VA 23187

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

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