The Glory of Gloria ~ In Memory and Love

This piece was written as a tribute for my first cousin, Gloria, many years ago. It was for a church event in which she was being honored. I want to say it was a ministry anniversary, but I'm not sure. She has now transitioned to a beautiful place of permanent rest. While many of us are hurting, I decided to share a 'tense' revamp of the words that were formed to honor her on that day---the written "flowers" given while she was here to smell them. Today, as I write this intro, I'm thinking and reflecting and with some regrets...We never know what roads we may have to travel while on this life's long or short journey, however, we know where we want the last road to end...🙏🏽💜

From the baby girl of Albert and Elouise

To the wife of the Frank Lee, Jr.

She was the Glory of Gloria

From holy matrimony

To motherhood of Frank Albert

She was the Glory of Gloria

From being a mom

To walking obediently into ministry

She was the Glory of Gloria

From being her parent's only daughter

To a committed caretaker of her dad

She was the Glory of Gloria

From selflessly loving her son

To welcoming her grandchildren

She was the Glory of Gloria

From continuing to minister God's word

To supporting and caring for her mother

She was the Glory of Gloria

From being a sibling, an aunt, a niece, and a cousin

To also being a friend, a neighbor, a co-worker, a church member, and more

She was the Glory of Gloria

From screaming and running from little ole wasps--anywhere; anytime

To chairing the Bertie County School Board

She was the Glory of Gloria

From the kindest, most sincere spirit

To the most creative, hilarious, and animated family comedian

She was the Glory of Gloria

This is just a small word journey, capturing some of the essence of Gloria's road to 'here.' Every person present today could certainly choose a word that would beautifully describe who she was and all would be fitting of what she wonderfully represented. She was beautiful; she was kind; she was intelligent; she was strong; she was driven; and she was caring, just to name a few. But, what matters most is who she was in Christ! In that vain, she epitomized what it means to be in love with God. She showcased that love in worship, in her faith, in service, in her ministry, and in her profound love for family.

She was indeed characteristic of her name, "Gloria", a Latin reference for "Glory to God in the highest." She was phenomenal in so many ways, but her divine purpose on this earth was to give God glory. We know this, as we witnessed it in her everyday walk. What a wonderful blessing to have your name speak for your godly work; for the obedience that you stepped into? It's so amazing and so incredible because God knew, when no one else did, that Gloria Odell Cherry Lee was going to be a glorious one and spend countless minutes, hours, and days, giving Glory to God...

Gloria, you walked in the beauty of not only who God made you, but also in what He named you. You were indeed a glorious woman, so we celebrate you today and always, in the precious name of Jesus. As of Monday, July 15, 2024, we are certain that you are now resting in sweet peace. You were loved, revered, and respected. Your earthly presence will be missed by all who were blessed to know you; to have a conversation with you; to worship with you; to laugh with you; to call you family and a friend. And for that, we can all say with love, "To God be the glory, for the "Glory of Gloria!!" Rest on...

Love,

Cousin Lisa Odell (our same middle name as Grandma Rosetta) and Aunt L's Wiggy

Peace & Blessings & Prayers for our Cherry Family,

Lisa C-S