Page created by: Sonya Thompson

Gloria Holland Thompson went to Heaven peacefully on Friday, January 19, 2024. She was in the loving arms of daughter Sonya and longtime devoted caregivers in her home.

Born and raised in Wilmington, Delaware, Gloria was the middle of four children born to the late Archibald and Helen Holland.

Gloria received a certificate in Fashion Design from Moore Institute of Fashion and Design in Philadelphia, PA and continued her education at Delaware State University. She received her master’s degree from New York University.

She was married to the late Dr. Vivian Ewart Gladstone Thompson for 47 years. They moved to Frederick, Maryland in 1958. Their only child, daughter Sonya Denise, is Regional Production Manager for Spectrum in Cleveland, Ohio.

As a faithful lifetime member of Asbury United Methodist church, she was a Sunday school teacher. She was a devoted and active member of Frederick chapter, National Association of Negro Business & Professional Women’s Club and Delta Kappa Gamma. During her time as Co-founder of the Patuxent Women’s Coalition she mentored and tutored young people. She took the responsibility of charting students’ academic progress, attendance, and scheduling to assist them to become organized and increase their study skills.

Gloria was a long-time member of the NAACP. In addition, she was a proud 50 year plus member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.

She was a loyal, dedicated, and respected teacher and school administrator In Frederick for over 25 years. The schools included North Market Street, Elm Street, East Frederick, and Waverley. When Gloria retired, she was Vice Principal of West Frederick Middle School. She loved children and delighted in interacting with them.

Gloria loved all things pretty: interior design and fashion. She was a seamstress and an expert at arts and crafts, often making one-of-a-kind items. She was well known for being impeccably dressed in color coordination from head-to-toe. Her kindness, quick wit and sense of humor will always be remembered. She was well traveled and visited Europe several times with her beloved sisters Marilouise, Betty, and beloved cousin Jeanne Lewis. Years ago, she enjoyed a memorable trip to her husband’s hometown of Trinidad and Tobago with Marilouise.

She was an avid Bridge player having mastered the card game. She enjoyed playing with a Frederick Bridge group and they even went to conventions and won competitions. Owners of local shops and restaurants knew her well due to her warm hello and friendly visits.

Her friendships included all walks of life, and she was always that friend, sister, aunt, and cousin you could count on.

She will be dearly missed. In addition to Sonya, she leaves to cherish her memory sisters Marilouise James of Burlington, NJ and Betty Graves of Los Angeles, CA. She also leaves beloved Goddaughter Stephanie Hinson of Wilmington, DE, namesake niece Gloria Graves Knox of Los Angeles, CA, nieces Shelley Elliott, Lisa James-Beavers, nephews Dennis James, Mark and Joseph Graves, cousins Antony and Tracey Lewis and a host of beloved relatives, caregivers and friends.