Gloria Elizabeth Minear

Gloria Elizabeth Minear, 85, of Homosassa, FL, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024 at HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital in Brooksville, FL. A native of Richmond, VA, Gloria was born Aug. 8, 1939, the only child to William Jefferson and Nell (Davis) Cowan. Mrs. Minear earned her Bachelor’s Degree from what was known then as Washington Missionary College (now Washington Adventist University) in Takoma Park, MD. A retired executive secretary for the investment firm Warberg-Pincus in Manhattan in New York, she was on her way to work from her home in Queens to the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers on Sept. 11, 2001 and often shared stories about how it was leaving the city that day after the towers fell. Gloria retired to Homosassa 22 years ago from Queens, NY and became an active member of Homosassa Seventh-day Adventist Church, the Elks Lodge of Homosassa , and was also a former member of Seven Rivers Golf and Country Club in Crystal River. Gloria enjoyed her activities with the Riverhaven Community Club and was a devoted volunteer at the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park, and was proud of her advocacy in saving the manatees and all endangered animals. Gloria was a seasoned traveler and experienced cruiser, always eager to explore, learn, and find beauty in new cultures and locations. One of her favorite hobbies was shopping and she loved a good thrift hunt, especially when she found bargains on name brand, high end items. She had a keen eye for special vintage items and would send packages to friends and family with her finds. Her perfect day would definitely include her work with manatees, traveling or thrifting and ending the day with a good meal, sipping champagne and eating a decadent chocolate desert, but the evening would be more about being with friends and loved ones. She loved her people. In addition to her parents, Gloria was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, David Minear, as well as a cousin, Phyllis Parris, with whom Gloria was close. She is survived by her sister-in-law Nancy Chadwick of California and her caregiver, Sam Parris. Macrini-Wilder Funeral Home, Homosassa, FL.