Gloria Rector Lusk

Gloria Mae Rector Lusk was born Gloria Briant on October 6, 1939, and called home by the angels May 13, 2022. Gloria was 82 years young at the time God invited her home, and for those family, friends, church members, and a whole host of gospel musicians who knew Gloria well, she always maintained a youthful outlook and retained her quick wit, sharp mind, and sense of humor to the very end. To say Gloria was a woman of faith is almost a severe understatement as her devout Christian beliefs directed not only her life journey, but touched and guided family and others alike. An avid reader of books from a very young age, Gloria developed an appreciation for the written word and a vocabulary of expressions that was clearly evident in her professional life; in her pursuit of an Associate of Art’s degree with honors; and in the kind and profound levity she brought to most any conversation. Her children and others were not uncommonly reminded of proper grammar and diction when they spoke or expressed themselves in writing, highlighting Gloria’s intelligence and that grasp of the written word. Not the least of those writings that shaped Gloria throughout her life was her love of the scriptures, and the God-breathed Word given in the Holy Bible. She lived a life of and for Christ, and always sought to set a good example for everyone. Gloria was not just someone who presented herself one way to strangers and another way to family – while compassionate and understanding, she was always and sincerely a woman of God in every setting. Loving, yet able to give sage advice or reproof when needed, there was never any question as to whom she belonged. She belonged within the realm of the angels where she no doubt resides now in the strong arms of Jesus Christ.

Gloria was someone who not only gave to and raised a family, but also worked to enhance the future of her family, starting in the insurance industry before becoming a civil servant of note over a 23 year period as a tireless and exemplary civilian employee of the U.S. Coast Guard. Her work with the Coast Guard – where she was a Vessel Documentation Officer for the federal government – netted her numerous accolades and formed a foundation for the establishment of her own successful naval vessel documentation business for another 16 years following her retirement from the Coast Guard in 1983. Among Gloria’s culinary talents was a dish well known to her family – a homemade, from scratch, sweet and sour meatballs pasta dish. Gloria’s cooking was a signature addition to all holidays which continued until these last few years when she was beginning to have failing health and it was more difficult for her to cook. While the health issues that Gloria overcame during these last almost five years did challenge her, she remained faithful to her church and her family, and sought to see her many gospel musician friends and attend as many Southern Gospel music events as she could, reveling in hymns and the praise and worship embedded in this type of music she cherished. In fact, just as she contributed mightily to the Pentecostal church during her life, Gloria was a supportive member of the Southern Gospel music family for over 60 years. She was known to regularly attend Southern Gospel music events while married to her first husband, Lloyd Rector, and that love of this type of Christian music continued unabated once Lloyd passed on. Gloria and Lloyd were happily married for 35 years, and had two children – daughters Lisa and Gail, who blessed them with two grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Not surprisingly, Gloria even met her current husband of 23 years, Arthur J. “Art” Lusk, Jr., on a Southern Gospel music cruise. God’s hand was evident in Gloria’s life always, guiding her at every turn.

Gloria’s legacy is one with a firm foundation in Christ, and she leaves behind a host of family she touched, and continues to touch. Within her blended family with her current husband Art, Gloria gained an additional four step children from Art’s family, as well as 23 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Gloria was preceded in death by her parents, Ohlen W. Briant and Birdie M. Hiers, and her first husband, Lloyd H. Rector, as well as two step brothers, Charles J. Paige and James I. Paige. Gloria is survived by her brother, Orlan H. Briant of Brandon, Florida; her husband, Arthur J. Lusk, Jr., of the home; daughters Lisa L. Dunsmore of Brandon, Florida, and Gail E. Callahan of Valrico, Florida; Duane L. Dunsmore, husband of Lisa and Gloria’s son-in-law; a granddaughter, Sarah Lee Mae Dunsmore of Brandon, Florida, and a grandson, Paul Gilchrist Hunter Callahan of Valrico, Florida, and two great granddaughters, Emma Ann Callahan and Paige Frances Callahan, of Ruskin, Florida. Gloria is also survived by all those members of the Lusk family. Finally, Gloria is further survived by untold others whose lives she influenced, including members of her current church family at Reach City Church in Riverview, Florida; Global Missions USA Inc.; the numerous Pentecostal churches Gloria attended over the years; and numbers of ministers and musicians too numerous to count that are part of the Southern Gospel music family. Visitation for friends and family will be held at 10 am on Monday, May 23, 2022, at Reach City Church, 6605 Krycul Avenue, Riverview, Florida, with the funeral at Reach City at 11 am. Lunch at the church will occur immediately following the funeral. A graveside service and internment is scheduled for 3 pm Monday after the church luncheon at the family plot, Pleasant Grove Cemetery, 7051 Turkey Creek Road, Plant City, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society in her honor/name

https://www.cancer.org/

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.StowersFH.com for the Lusk family.