Gloria Elizabeth Bland

She was born October 24, 1945 in Wilmington, NC, the daughter of the late Daniel Clarence and Gladys Milligan Russ. She grew up in Shallotte, graduating from Shallotte High School in 1964 and attended East Carolina University.

Together with her husband, Harold, she owned and operated Harold’s TV store on Mulberry Street in Shallotte. Beneath her warm smile and friendly personality was a keen business sense that contributed greatly to the store’s success for over 23 years. After retiring, Gloria and Harold managed several rental properties in the local area.

She was a longtime member of Camp United Methodist Church, where she sang in the choir for many years. Visitors and new members were made to feel instantly welcome when greeted by her on Sunday mornings.

Gloria’s greatest love was her family. She was always very proud of the various accomplishments, both big and small, of her children and grandchildren. She treasured family traditions, such as gathering at Thanksgiving for the annual oyster roast, as well as the grandchildren’s Easter egg hunt.

Her kindness and generosity extended to family, friends and neighbors alike. She never met a stranger and welcomed everyone into her home. Gloria will be remembered for her infectious laugh and witty sense of humor. She always maintained a positive outlook on life and made everyone around her feel special, even in her final days.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Michael Russ and his wife Mary, and her infant grandson Jackson Bland. Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 53 years, Harold, and her two sons, Greg and wife Amy, Chris and wife Georgia; grandchildren Caroline, Dylan, Kody, Charlotte and Kayce Bland; her brother Harvey Russ and wife Jo Ann, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, her two lifelong friends, Julia Lee and Faye Smith, and her special granddog, Tiger.

A celebration of Gloria’s life will be held on Friday, April 1, 2022 at 11:00 am at Camp United Methodist Church in Shallotte. A graveside service will follow at Brunswick Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at a visitation the prior evening, Thursday, March 31, 2022 from 5-7 pm, also at the church.

Pallbearers will be Roy Holler, Matt Alberts, Patrick Joyner, Stephen Russ, Dylan Bland and Kody Bland.

Donations to honor Gloria’s memory can be made to Camp United Methodist Church, 4807 Main St, Shallotte, NC 28470 or Lower Cape Fear LifeCare, 955 Mercy Ln, Bolivia, NC 28422.

You may offer online condolences at www.shallottefunerals.com

White Funeral and Cremation Service, Shallotte Chapel