Gloria Dawn Underwood Meredith, age 82, was called home to her Lord Jesus Christ on Monday, November 14, 2022 in Baton Rouge. She was preceded in death by her parents, Hilary Herbert Underwood and Dorothy Lillian Anna English; sister Mildred Nelson; sister Iris Thomson and brother Ronald Underwood, and former husband, Curtis L. Meredith, Sr. Gloria is survived by her son, Curtis “Locke” Meredith, Jr., wife Jill; daughter Deborah Meredith Bosarge, husband Stuart; grandson Collins Meredith, wife Claudia; grandson Mitchell Meredith, wife Ashley; granddaughter Madisonne Meredith Isaza, husband Pablo; and grandson Mason Meredith; great grandchildren Gabriel, Eloisa, Sarah Grace, Marshall, Mary Margaret, Ava, and Katherine, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Gloria was born on August 16, 1940, in Foley, Alabama. She lived in Alabama until she, at a young age, married Curtis Locke Meredith, Sr. (a Naval Aviator and aircraft carrier pilot). They met at her family’s church. After they married, they lived in Rhode Island (on a military base), where Gloria painted the rocky shorelines and ocean scenes so reminiscent of home. Thereafter, they happily returned to warmer climate states, which included Corpus Christi, TX and New Orleans, LA. Gloria and Curt settled in Baton Rouge where he completed his doctorate in Physical Chemistry at LSU, and they continued serving the USA via Curt’s service in the Navy Reserves. Curt, after graduation, began his lifelong career at Copolymer Chemical & Rubber Company. They started their family when Gloria had their two children, Locke and Debbi (born a mere year apart). All the while, Curt continued his military reserves (during which he was several times called back into full service).
Gloria dedicated her life to her two (2) children (and eventually her four (4) grand and seven (7) great – grandchildren). They were her lifelong pride and joy. Still, Gloria (“Glo”) had a passion for living and learning, which passion she passed on to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was affectionately called Gigi by her grandchildren (and ultimately everyone).
Gloria was a beautiful, independent, stubborn, savvy, driven and self-educated woman. After her two (2) children entered middle school, she worked as a salesperson, legal secretary, realtor, and developer. Her early career also included modeling at local stores and events in Baton Rouge. She also shared her home with many LSU exchange students over the years, thereby exposing her children and their friends to other cultures and peoples. Many lifelong friendships developed as a result.
Gloria was loving, charming, dramatic, spunky, funky, fun and … DEMANDING. She was also a giver…but …when she didn’t want to “give” permanently …she would do a “loaner”. Several Glo life mottos included: “Do not take no for an answer” - “Do me proud!” - and most often - “Be done with it!”
Once her children were grown, Gloria returned to her beloved Gulf Shores, Ala. where she continued to stay involved in real estate for decades. Gloria especially treasured time spent with her family and friends, always at the beach at her condo “Hale Makai”. It was kid and adult friendly! She was always entertaining – which entertainment often included crab hunting, building “hidden” bonfires, rafts, boats, jet skis and wine! Gigi ultimately moved back to Baton Rouge to be near her family, and so she could love, teach, entertain, and watch her grandchildren grow. We all learned a lot about life from the GLORIOUS GLORIA DAWN!! … a whole lot – mostly good – some bad … but all FUN!!! Not a bad life at all – many would say!!!
Gloria is already and will be dearly missed by her family and those she chose to be her family. She always stressed that family was the most special bond and we should and would always stick together. She received many visitors at the end of her life – bearing witness that her love stretched far and wide and that her life made a difference in the world. Her final years were physically very difficult, but her indomitable spirit was unquenched – she never stopped loving because she never gave up or stopped fighting. She had deep faith that came from pain (emotional and physical), but she had GOD-daddy’s LOVE in her heart, and HIS expectant hope of HIS LIFE, goodness and promises. We miss her always, but we are thankful to GOD that she is with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. No more pain and no more suffering. Now – she has only HIS PEACE THAT SURPASSES ALL HUMAN UNDERSTANDING! --> HER LIFE WAS A PRAYER - AMEN & AMEN!
Celebration of Life Service is being held Saturday, December 10, 2022, 2:00pm to 4:00pm at Hilltop Arboretum. (Limited parking, towing enforced on street-parked vehicles.) In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to The Carpenter House, Baton Rouge, LA.
