Gloria West Deyo

Gloria West Deyo, beloved mother of Tanya V. Deyo, passed peacefully and entered into eternal life on Monday, November 16, 2020 at the age of 90. Born in Washington, D.C. to Hollis Spriggs West Deadwyler and James Rudolph West, Gloria was a dedicated educator who committed more than three decades to helping children and youth as a classroom teacher, guidance counselor, and principal. She received a Bachelor of Science degree from Hampton University in 1953, and a Master of Education from Bowie State University in 1973.

Having been a longtime educator in Prince George's County Public School System for 35 years, Gloria touched many students' lives. She taught at Fairmont Heights High School from 1956 to 1970, and was later a guidance counselor at Thomas Pullen Jr. High School from 1970 to 1972. Following her work at Thomas G. Pullen Jr. High School, Gloria became a vice principal at Surrattsville Junior High School, and then at Laurel High School. Her passion for school administration led her to become principal at Charles Carroll Middle School, and then at Kettering Middle School. Before she retired in 1991, she was a child care specialist for the Prince George's County Public School System.

Gloria's dedication to helping others extended to her active work in the community. During her life, she was engaged in several community service and other organizations. In 1972, she became a charter member of the Silver Spring Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, and was an active member of that Chapter until 2006 when she took alumnae status. In addition, she was an active member of that Potomac Valley Section of the National Council of Negro Women, the Fairmont Heights Alumnae Association, and the Hampton University Alumnae Association. As a child, Gloria attended 19th Street Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. Gloria was committed to serving

God, and as an adult she did so at Michigan Park Christian Church, Washington, D.C., as well as The People's Community Baptist Church of Silver Spring, MD.

Gloria absolutely loved life! She especially loved visits to the casino and playing her numbers. Scratch-offs were her favorite. Being lucky in life, Gloria was a frequent winner who always enjoyed playing a good game. A wonderful conversationalist, Gloria loved to communicate with everyone, and particularly enjoyed discussions over lunch and dinner with friends and family.

The bright, beautiful smile and friendly conversations of Gloria W. Deyo will be missed by all who knew and loved her dearly. In addition to her daughter, Tanya, she is beloved by her son-in-law, Samuel Gray, and grandson, Cameron Deyo Gray, all of Wayne, PA. Gloria is also the beloved sister of James Milton West, Sr.; William Rudolph West, who preceded her in death; and Linda Authurene Deadwyler. She is survived by many loving cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Gloria's memory can be made to Hampton University, 100 E. Queen Street, Hampton, VA 23669 or The People's Community Baptist Church, 31 Norwood Road, Silver Spring, MD 20905.