Sunrise: January 31, 1932 – Sunset: March 4, 2021
Gloria Hill-Hicks was born January 31, 1932, to Irma Fernandez and Clarence (Jack) Woods in a small town 32 miles outside of New Orleans called Verrett, Louisiana. She had six brothers and two sisters. She graduated from Cornson School of Nursing and took the State Board Exam in 1950 given by the Louisiana State Board Nurse Examiner.
Gloria was baptized at the First Baptist Church of Verrett under the leadership of Rev. Sam Smith where she sang in the choir and was the Secretary of the Sunday School.
She married the late Clifton Hill in Fresno, California. From this union, two children were born, Benetta Hill-Winford and Anthony (Tony) Hill. After the passing of her then husband Clifton, Gloria returned to New Orleans and eventually moved to Monroe, La. in 1981. She joined the Antioch Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. John L. Russell Sr where she sang in the senior choir, young matron, and church choir director. Mrs. Rotena Russell introduced Gloria to her brother, the late Douglas Hicks. Gloria and Douglas were joined in matrimony on July 19, 1988, at the home of Rev. & Mrs. John L. Russell Sr. and remained married for more than 30 years. She later united with the Greater Free Gift Baptist Church under the leadership of Bishop Rodney McFarland Sr., where she served as a mother. Later in life, she united with the Greater New Antioch Baptist Church under the leadership of her nephew, Rev. John L. Russel II where she served until her death.
Gloria was a very talented artist, florist, and home decorator. She could take something old and make it look like new. Gloria’s motto was love life, love people, live and let live, which she showed her motto through all of artwork from flower arrangments, to decorations and more. She operated several businesses in her lifetime by the name Gloria Artistic Design. She was a founding member of the Chapter 5453 AARP of Monroe, La.
She is also preceded in death by mother Irma Woods and father Clarence Woods, brothers and sisters, Clarence Woods, Rodney Woods, Doris Woods, Yoma Belisle, Jacqueline Woods, and Evelyn Forcell.
Brothers & Sisters in love: Herman Wilson, Pearl Wilson, Mariah Haynes, Dankie Horton
She leaves to cherish her memories: her daughter Benetta Hill-Winford from Houston, Texas and son Pastor Anthony (Carmon) Hill from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. four sisters Barbara W. Britton from Calhoun, Louisiana, Claudette Woods-Rhodes from Marrero, Louisiana, Rotena H. Russell from Monroe, Louisiana, and Johnnie H. Hicks, from Baton Rouge, La. Five grandchildren: Shavonte (Antwon) Moy, Tyrik Winford, Ashlee (Dewayne) Williams, Zoe Hill, Ziva Hill. Four great-grandchildren: Antwan Moy, Alaina Moy, Taylor Moy, Tiana Moy. A host of nieces, nephews, and family.
