Gloria Cassandra Henry, daughter of the late Louis Thomas Henry and Talmozene Henry, was born on June 11,1940 in Saint Toolies, Manchester, Jamaica. Gloria was the second of ten siblings (three of whom preceded her in death).
In early adulthood, Gloria moved to England where she studied nursing and traveled on a work program throughout Europe. After completing her studies in England, Gloria moved to Canada where she lived and worked for several years.
After leaving Canada, Gloria moved to New York City where she was em-ployed as a nurse at Elmhurst Hospital in Elmhurst, New York. While in New York, she met George Alexander Atkinson of Montego Bay Jamaica. The two were wed on June 7, 1975, where she became Gloria Cassandra Atkinson. The couple had two sons, Aubrey William Alexander Atkinson (born 1976) and Wayne Anthony Atkinson (born 1977). In addition to William and Wayne, Gloria fully embraced George's sons, Garvin Atkinson and Alvin Atkinson, as her own.
George unexpectedly passed away in 1979 leaving Gloria widowed to raise two small children. A short time after George’s passing, Gloria moved with her sons to Orlando, Florida to the home she and George had previously pur-chased.
Gloria worked tirelessly and placed her faith in God, trusting He would guide her steps and those of her children. Through the years, Gloria continued to work as a nurse at Florida Hospital, Robinswood Middle School, Maynard Evans High School and Orange County Health Department, where she retired in 2007. With her consistent prayer and support, her sons, William and Wayne went on to graduate from Dental School at the University of Michigan Ann Arbor and Law School at the University of Florida, respectively. In 2018, She gained a beautiful daughter in law, Mekdes. Gloria was also a grandmother to two beautiful grandsons, Emmanuel and Reign.
Service to others was the defining theme of Gloria’s life. Throughout her life Gloria sponsored and facilitated the immigration of numerous family members to England, Canada and the United States. Gloria, on her nurses’ salary, re-built and renovated her childhood home in Jamaica.
Gloria enjoyed several passions including gardening, cooking, walking and real estate development. Gloria was a member of First Baptist Church of Orlando, the YCMA and a volunteer/donor of the Orange County Rescue Mission.
Service will be held at Woodlawn Memorial Park on September 13, 2020 at 10 am.
In lieu of flowers please make charitable donations to:
Orlando Rescue Mission
1525 W. Washington St
Orlando, FL 32805
(407) 423-2131
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.woodlawnfuneralhomegotha.com for the Atkinson family.
Please join the live stream for the funeral service at either link below on Sunday, September 13, 2020
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