Virginia Beach – Gloria J. Howard, age 60, passed on Monday, May 29 in her home surrounded by her loved ones, in a room filled with loving cards, posters, and pictures of encouragement and perseverance – after a heroic yearlong battle with Pancreatic Cancer.
Gloria, though gone, will never be forgotten – having left her mark on this world as a passionate teacher of over 20 years – teaching nearly 1,000 students of elementary school age, and raising a loving family. She is survived by her husband, Clarence, three children: Joseph, Nick, and Brittni Howard, and daughter in-law, Donna Howard.
Gloria is a nurturing spirit who sought out the path of helping others and leading the way to bright futures of so many young students. Gloria’s strength in her battle with cancer came from the love for her family and her career, always asking when she would be able to return to teaching throughout the journey.
Gloria enjoyed the simple things in life, such as getting lost in Target shopping aisles, and unknowingly leaving a trail of popcorn to be found by her children, walking with her family members around Mt. Trashmore or Colonial Williamsburg, and enjoying gummy bears of all sorts. This past Mother’s Day she gathered all of her strength to celebrate with her family, and donned a new purple hairdo with her freshly regrown locks.
She cared about everyone and always put others first. She is remembered for her warm and glowing personality and care for others, her style of long sweaters and boots, perfectly manicured and vibrant nails, and her unbelievable strength and courage to fight one hell of a fight, while smiling through it.
Memorial gifts in Gloria’s honor may be made to the National Pancreatic Cancer at www.tinyurl.com/GloriaJHoward.