Surrounded by her loving family at home, Gloria Jean Ewell Humphries Tappe passed away peacefully on September 6, 2016 after courageously battling breast cancer for 20 years. Seventy-two years earlier, on November 22, 1943, she was born in Norfolk, Virginia. Most of her life she resided in Chesapeake, Virginia where she graduated Oscar Smith High School and later raised her family.
Growing up, her parents, owned Dot & Joe’s Confectionary on Poindexter Street in the South Norfolk section of Chesapeake. As a child, she worked in the restaurant serving customers and helping when she was not attending school. Gloria also enjoyed visiting the hobby shop next to the restaurant and making jewelry for her loved ones. She took joy in sharing fond memories of her childhood. Her father passed away when she was fifteen. For her remaining adolescent years, her Stepmother, Dorothy Norfleet Ewell raised her. When her step-mother remarried, Gloria gained a very special man, Earl Bunch, as her stepfather. The two were a very special integral part of her and her daughters’ life.
She lived life with a sense of humor and loving heart which was felt by everyone she met. Gloria loved animals, she always had a special pet or more than one whom she dearly loved. She enjoyed sewing and crocheting. She admired the beauty of the outdoors; colorful pansies were her favorite flower. No one who ever had the opportunity to meet her will forget her compassionate spirit; inspiring those who continue her legacy.
She is survived by her two daughters, Denise Humphries and partner John Felber; and Sheila Esthay and husband Edwin Cabal; three grandchildren, Krista Grimm, Stefan Esthay, and Allison Esthay; several cousins and long-time friends. She was predeceased by her father, Joseph W. Ewell Sr.; mother, Virginia Mae Tatum Ewell; stepmother, Dorothy N. Bunch; and stepfather, Earl C. Bunch; and brother, Joseph W. Ewell, Jr.
Her graveside service will be held on Saturday, September 10, 2016 at 11:00 in the morning at Olive Branch Cemetery, 2 CPL J.M. Williams Ave @ City Park, Portsmouth, VA 23701. We will gather at Denise’s home after the graveside service for food and fellowship. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Susan G. Koman Breast Cancer Foundation (www.koman.org)
My deepest condolence to you and your family.
May God wrap his loving arms around you all and bring you all the peace and comfort during this time.
May all the great memories of such a wonderful mother bring smiles and comfort to everyone.
May God bless you all.
Linda Bass Keene