Gloria Talford, 79, of Reading, PA entered eternal rest on Friday, September 20, 2024, at Reading Hospital. Born in Lancaster, SC on July 31, 1945, she was a daughter to the late Joseph Lowery and Orafina (Massey) Lowery. In addition to her parents, Gloria was greeted in heaven by her husband Cornell Talford Sr., her son Cornell Talford Jr., her brother Troy Lowery, her sister Shawn Chavis and her nephew Brian Lowery.
Gloria's life was shaped by a strong work ethic, instilled from her early education in Lancaster County School District, where she proudly graduated from Lancaster High School. She went on to dedicate 31 years of her professional life to Western Electric, which later became Lucent, AT&T and Agere. There, she wore many hats—from testing and quality control to material handling and working in the clean room. Gloria devoted herself fully to each role, until her well deserved retirement in 2003. In her retirement, she enjoyed working at BJ's, where her vibrant personality shone through.
But Gloria’s life wasn’t defined by work alone—she found joy in trips to the casino to play the slots and she never missed a chance to play her daily lottery numbers, hoping for that lucky break. Gloria was an avid fan of the Eagles, Phillies, and Sixers, and she especially loved going to 'oldies' concerts; dancing and singing along to the classics.
Gloria had an uncanny ability to remember numerical sequences like birthdates, phone numbers, and license plates with ease. She never missed a birthday, ensuring her family and friends felt remembered and loved. Gloria's porch was her haven — a place where conversations flowed freely, and where her warm and caring nature made everyone in the neighborhood feel at home. She was affectionately known as the "neighborhood mom," always ready with advice, comfort, or simply a kind word.
Gloria's strength and love were the foundation of her family. She was a true matriarch, balancing a firm but fair approach with a heart of gold that knew no bounds. Whether guiding her family or providing comfort to those in need, Gloria was the glue that held her family together. Although Gloria is no longer with us, her memory will remain a lasting source of comfort and inspiration to all who were blessed enough to have know her. May she rest in everlasting peace.
Gloria's spirit will be carried on by her 4 children: Tyrone (Samantha), Carla (Michael), Jeffery (The late Robin Lowery), and Eric (Julian); 6 siblings: Richard Lowery (Carol Ann), Michael Lowery (Marion), Fred Lowery (Matlene), Charles Lowery, Joan Lowery and Rosalyn Lowery; and 19 grandchildren Kevin, Jamal, Denicia, Monique, Alexis, Cornelius, Liana, Lemar, Eric M., Cassandra, Brianna, Uneke, LeAira, JJ, Cartier, Jordon, TaCari, Jaysa and CJ. She also leaves behind her daughter-in-law Stephanie Talford (wife of the late Cornell Talford Jr.); Goddaughter Shalanda Martin; 3 special friends: Carlette Black, Carmelo Morales and Corrine Willis; 26 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, special friends and extended family to cherish her memory.
A viewing for Gloria will be held Monday, September 30, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM at Wyomissing Church of the Brethren, 2200 State Hill Rd., Wyomissing, PA 19610. Home going service will promptly commence in church at 11:30 AM. Graveside committal will immediately follow at Forest Hills Memorial Park, 390 W. Neversink Rd., Reading, PA 19606.
