Gloria Theolia (Gatling) Deloatch

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace

I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.

–John 14:27 NLT

Gloria Theolia (Gatling) Deloatch was born on Sunday, May 22nd, 1938, in Pleasant Hill, North Carolina, to her late parents, David Gatling and Nellie Stephenson. She lived a life defined by love, service, and unwavering faith, and was cherished as a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, teacher, and colleague to the many lives she touched.

At an early age, Gloria accepted Christ and was baptized at Piney Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Jackson, North Carolina, where she found joy in singing in the choir alongside Mrs. Knox. In 1957, she married her beloved husband, the late Raleigh L. Deloatch, and united with Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church in Jackson. There, she faithfully continued her spiritual journey, serving as a Sunday School teacher, Missionary, and Usher. She was also a proud member of the Eastern Star in Pendleton, North Carolina.

Mrs. Gloria received her education from Gumberry High School in Garysburg, North Carolina, and further pursued college coursework in preparation for a career in education. She dedicated approximately fifteen years to the North Carolina Public School System as a Teacher’s Aide at Willis Hare Middle School in Pendleton. Her service extended beyond the classroom—she was also a school bus driver and summer school teacher, roles through which she nurtured and inspired countless students.

She found immense joy in working with children and used her exceptional driving skills to transport students and teachers on memorable educational trips, including excursions to Norfolk, Virginia’s Scope for the circus, the Norfolk Zoo, Washington, D.C., Florida’s Disney World, and missionary journeys to the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Following her tenure in the school system, Mrs. Gloria became a small business owner, operating a childcare center in Scotland Neck, North Carolina, where she continued her lifelong commitment to nurturing young minds.

Her dedication to service extended deeply into her community. She volunteered with the Northampton County Court as a Guardian ad Litem, advocating for abused and at-risk children. She also served with the Northampton County Department of Social Services as a medical transporter for Medicaid patients, ensuring individuals could access care throughout the state. Additionally, she was a board member of CADA in Rich Square and volunteered with the local voting service agency in Jackson. 

Mrs. Gloria devoted her life to uplifting others, especially children, and worked tirelessly to improve the well-being of her community.

On Wednesday, April 8th, 2026, in the early morning hours, Mrs. Gloria peacefully transitioned at ECU Heart Center in Greenville, North Carolina, entering her eternal home—“a city with golden streets, jasper walls, and pearly gates.”

“God looked around His garden and found an empty place. He then looked down upon the earth and saw your tired face.

He put His arms around you and lifted you to rest. God’s garden must be beautiful—He always takes the best.

He saw the road was getting rough, and the hills were hard to climb, So He closed your weary eyes and whispered, ‘Peace be thine.’

It broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone, For part of us went with you the day God called you home.”

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Raleigh L. Deloatch; her parents, David and Nellie Gatling; her son, Sammy Davis Deloatch; her sister, Eula Mae Parker; and her brother, Archie Gatling, Sr.

Left to cherish her precious memory are her children: Joyce Cotton, Larry Deloatch, Jacqueline Freeman, and Charles Deloatch (Feebie). She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren: Rodney Cotton (Dawn), Andre Cotton, Andante Deloatch, Antoine Cotton, Shaquana Deloatch, Kristopher Freeman, Jazmyn Freeman, Jymia Deloatch, LaTrece Deloatch, and Jessica Woodson.

She is also survived by her loving nephews, Percell Parker and Archie Gatling, Jr., and her niece, Diane Gatling; as well as her treasured great-grandchildren: Allana Cotton, Aniya Cotton, Tamia Cotton, Diante Hockaday, and Jurnee Richardson.

Gloria’s legacy of love, faith, and service will live on through the many family members, friends, and community members whose lives she enriched throughout her remarkable journey.

Relatives and Friends are encouraged to visit Mrs. Deloatch's tribute wall to share memories, extend condolences and to order floral tributes, as sentiments to the family. 

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"Professional Care, With Dignity & Integrity" 

to the family of Mrs. Gloria Theolia Deloatch.

We ask that you unite with us in remembering the family in both thought and prayer. 

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