Gloria Elaine Jackson

Born to the parents of Willie Harden and Geneva Jackson, Gloria Elaine Harden came into this world on June 5, 1937. She had one brother Larry C. Garvin and a first cousin, Era Mae Adams.    A native of Logansport Louisiana, Gloria became a Houstonian and attended Phillis Wheatley High School and graduated. She then attended Texas Southern University.    Gloria dedicated her life to Christ at an early age. When she moved to Houston she joined the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. H.B Sampson Sr. She then became a faithful member of Journey of Faith United Methods Church. She was an active Communion Stewart and also participated in the children's church and annual bake sales.     In the winter of 1977, she married Ira Jackson. They were married for 18 years until he proceeded her in death. Gloria had four loving children, Craig A. Harden, Bruce D. Ward, Jacqueline Allen-Barnes, Hughie M. Allen (Shell). She leaves behind 8 grandchildren, Dezzemona Davis, Victavian Allen, Tommie Smith (TJ), William Childs, Bruce Ward Jr, Thomas Ward, Jasmine Barnes, and Kahlen Ward. She has a total of 17 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.   Up until her health began to fail, Gloria worked at The Ensemble Theatre in Houston Texas. She was hardworking and brought light and laughter to all that knew her. Her first cousin, best-friend, and confidant, Era Mae would tell you "she was an excellent navigator, loved to dress, and was a wonderful cook!". They were more than cousins they were sisters. When you saw Gloria you saw Era.   In 2013 Gloria's health began to fail and she was placed in the Brookhollow Nursing Home. She stayed there until her demise on January 18, 2018.