Gloria S. Lavender, 78, formerly of Wichita Falls, was called home by her Lord & Savior on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, in Allen, Texas.

A daughter of the late Lola Faye (Johnson) and Coy Bruce Smith, Gloria was born on August 10, 1945, in Hollis Oklahoma.

Gloria married her high school sweetheart and the love of her life Jay Lavender on April 11th 1962, in Waurika Oklahoma; she received her bachelors and masters degree in education and loved teaching. She was a long time elementary school teacher and her last teaching stint was at Lovejoy ISD with her son. She was an owner and operator of a couple of convenience stores in Wichita Falls. She was an avid football fan, she loved her grandkids and thoroughly enjoyed watching them play sports. Some of her interest/hobbies were owning race horses and her dogs. Some of her weekly favorites were going to the beauty salon, spending time with her friends shopping, going out to eat with friends and family.

Gloria was preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by her husband, Jay Lavender; two sons, Mike Lavender of Ft. Worth, Texas and Jayson Lavender of Lucas, Texas; one sister, Renee Thomason of Decatur, Texas; five grandchildren: Jaxson Lavender of Dallas, Texas, Kenzie Lavender and Lexie Lavender of Lucas, Texas, Cheyenne Lavender and Jaedon Lavender of Ft. Worth, Texas; not to exclude several extended family members and friends she called "family".

Per her wishes the family is having a celebration of life in Allen, Texas. On Sunday October 15th, 2:30 p.m. There will also be a celebration in Wichita Falls at a later date to be determined. Anyone interested in attending please reach out to family for the address.